Lead Me to the Rock

Tuesday, March 18
Genesis 42:1-17
Psalms 61, 62, 68
1 Corinthians 5:1-8
Mark 3:19b-35 

(Photo credit KariAnn Lessner) 

Growing up in a family that loves to sing meant road trips were like a musical on wheels.  And when my daddy was in seminary we had a 3 hour commute (one way) every weekend - so we sang. A lot. I learned the harmonies of the old hymns in the backseat of a gold Buick on the Kentucky turnpike. The words of those hymns are like old friends and singing them is often to me like going home.  In times of heartache, grief and fear those old hymns were the words I cling to - those melodies and harmonies rocked me through many dark nights of the soul. Those songs lead me to the Rock that is higher than I.

David cried out to the Lord in Psalm 61 begging God to hear his prayer... "Lead me to the rock that is higher than I."  He knew that all he had to do was ask, and God would provide the assurance he needed. Assurance that God was listening when David called to Him. Assurance that God would protect and defend him. Assurance that he was not alone.

This song by Ricky Skaggs is one I love to sing with my daddy - and when he isn't handy, I turn on the music and sing along with Ricky. We've got some pretty sweet harmonies, Ricky and I.  It must come from lots of practice clinging to a Rock that is higher than we are.

"Lead Me To The Rock" by Ricky Skaggs 

In seasons of grief, 

To my Lord I'll repair,

When my heart is overwhelmed,

With its sorrows and cares

To the ends of the earth,

To my God I will fly,

Lead me to the rock,

That is higher than I.

Higher than I,

Higher than I,

Lead me to the rock,

That is higher than I.

When Satan the tempter,

Rolls in with a flood,

To drown my poor soul,

From its fountain of good

I will cling to the Savior,

Who humbly did die,

Lead me to the Rock,

That is higher than I.

Higher than I,

Higher than I,

Lead me to the rock,

That is higher than I.​

KariAnn Lessner

Director of Parish Life, Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, and
Parent, Holy Spirit Episcopal School