Gracious God (Lead us Lord into the desert)

This is a hymn of petition for God's mercy and guidance in times of difficulty. It is suitable for Lent, but can be used at other times of the year too.

It was written by American-born South Seas Islander Roman Catholic singer/songwriter, composer, musician and evangeliser, Jesse Manibusan, and first published 2009 by Two by Two Ministries and Spirit & Song (OCP).

It was included in the 3rd edition of Glory and Praise, released in the USA by OCP in 2015.

The song is set to an unnamed tune, also by Manibusan. This has a 3/4 time signature. In the key of E, the first few notes are EF G_ EFG A G EF G_ EDD E_ with accompanying chords E / A / E / B / E.

Image adapt. form Pixnio - CC0

Downloads

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Buy sheet music from OCP - SATB choir and guitar arrangements

Examples

Video with backing track, words on-screen:

Singer with guitar:

Singer with piano:

Singer with organ, recorded live in a church service:

Singer with guitar-led band, official recording:

Instrumental - electronic keyboard:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

1. Lead us, Lord, into the desert, lead us through the wilderness ...

2. In this time of sacred struggle, in this time of sacrifice ...

Chorus:
Gracious God, mercy is your name.
Redeeming Love, you give your life away.
Gracious God, we bless your holy name.
Receiving love, we give our lives away.

3. Lord we hunger for Your presence, Lord we’re thirsting for your grace ...

4. Teach us, Lord, who is our neighbor? Is it friend or enemy?