The Faith We Sing #2208

Words and music African American spiritual; harmonized by Wendell Whalum

Guide my feet while I run this race, for I don’t want to run this race in vain!

Dear Lord, I pray that you will guide my feet in the direction of Your will.  I pray that with every step I take Your will be done for I desire to praise and honor You.  Let not a single step be wasted.  Let not a single step be tentative, rather, let every step be full of confidence in Your Glory.

Hold my hand while I run this race, for I don’t want to run this race in vain!

Dear Lord, How I treasure holding the hand of my husband, my child, my grandchild, a friend.  Holding hands creates a bond and signifies unity.  Today Lord, all of humanity needs to hold the hands of our neighbors, joining in unity to overcome the evil division wreaking havoc on Your creation.  Creating bonds of love and understanding that will withstand the attacks of hatred and distrust.

How I wish I could hold Your hand, but I know You hold mine.  You take me by the hand and lead me in Your paths of righteousness and one day You will lead me home.

Stand by me while I run this race, for I don’t want to run this race in vain!

Dear Lord, I pray you do more than just stand by me.  I pray you will walk with me.  I long to hear Your soft voice and words of encouragement “Together we can” for I know all things are possible if I keep my eye on You.

I’m your child while I run this race, for I don’t want to run this race in vain!

Heavenly Father, I believe that we are all Your children, members of one family.  Like all families there are members who rebel and do harm: we are called to love them anyway.  They create dysfunctional relationships and threaten the stability of the family unit: we are called to love them anyway.  I pray that all Your children learn to accept Your unconditional love and learn to form supportive relationships built on trust.

Search my heart while I run this race, for I don’t want to run this race in vain!

Search me and know my heart, Lord.  Cleanse it of all imperfections.  Let all my praise come from a heart full of love for You.  Let me do good for the sake of doing good, not for self-glorification.  Let love of neighbor replace love of self and let love of God be above all else.

Guide my feet while I run this race, for I don’t want to run this race in vain!

Lord, You have set the course.  You know the way.  You are my guide I rely wholly on you.  I will not run this race in vain.  Amen.