I Want Jesus To Walk With Me

I want Jesus to walk with me,
I want Jesus to walk with me.
All along my pilgrim journey,
I want Jesus to walk with me

There is something simple and uncomplicated about these old Afro-American spirituals.

Life is complicated for many of us – health, families, disappointments… For those of us with faith there are complications with church, style and personalities.

I need to return to a simple faith, a simple prayer that cuts through the complexities yet is real and from the heart. ‘I want Jesus to walk with me’

When I’m in trouble, walk with me.
When I’m in trouble, walk with me .
When my heart is almost breaking
I want Jesus to walk with me,

This last year of lockdown has brought it’s own set of worries, trouble and heart-breaks. New insecurities have come. Work, school, leisure activities, friendships have changed. Many have become estranged from colleagues and distanced from church.

Thinking of abused, suffering slaves singing this 150 years ago puts my concerns into perspective, but I still face my own problems and pray with sincerity: ‘I want Jesus to walk with me.’

In my trials, walk with me.
In my trials, Lord walk with me
When my head is bowed in sorrow,
I want Jesus to walk with me

Musing on words I read this morning… ‘The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving towards all he has made. The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.’ (Psalm 145:13-14)

I’m not strong enough to walk unaided with Jesus all of the time: I may stumble, fall, get diverted or give up. I still need this faithful, loving, strong God with me on my journey.

The prayer of the slave in the field is the prayer of the queen on the throne… and my prayer today:

I want Jesus to walk with me