Today’s message explores the Bible verses behind the excellent hymn, “Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord.” The hymn was authored and Composed by Benjamin Mansell Ramsey. It was based on Psa 27:11 and several additional Scripture verses.
“Teach me Thy way, O Lord,
Teach me Thy way; Thy guiding grace afford,
Teach me Thy way!
Help me to walk aright; More by faith, less by sight.
Lead me with heav’nly light; Teach me Thy way!”
In the Old Testament, the Way of the Lord referred to keeping God’s commandments. Deut 5:33 says, “Ye shall walk in all the ways which the LORD your God hath commanded you, that ye may live, and that it may be well with you, and that ye may prolong your days in the land which ye shall possess.”
In Joseph Benson’s Commentary, the phrase “Teach me Thy way, O Lord” means “What course I shall take to please Thee, and to discharge my duty, and to save myself from ruin”. David, the Psalmist, asked God to teach him God’s way in the following similar Psalms:
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Psalm 27:11: “Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.
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Psalm 86:11: “Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name.”
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Psalm 25:4-5: “Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.”
David’s request to God, “Teach me Thy way, O Lord,” is an excellent example for us to follow.
“Thy guiding grace afford”
These words call to my mind Jesus’ promise in Jn 16:13, “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth.” Jesus promises us as believers that the Holy Spirit will guide us. As believers in Christ, we need the Holy Spirit’s guidance to teach us God’s way and truth in each of our life’s circumstances.
“Help me to walk aright, more by faith, less by sight”
This hymn phrase likely refers to Paul’s statement in 2 Cor 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
