Worship Arts Notes ♫♫

Lead On, O King Eternal

When Ernest Shurtleff’s seminary class was preparing for their graduation, they turned to Ernest, who had written two volumes of poetry and asked him to write a hymn for their graduation ceremony.  He wrote “Lead on, O King Eternal” for that occasion.

This hymn is a heart-felt prayer — a prayer for God’s guidance.  It speaks of marching, "fields of conquest,” and “battle song, " not because it celebrates war but because it acknowledges the daily struggle in which good people must engage against evil.  It looks forward to celebrating victory — not with clashing swords and stirring drums, but with “deeds of love and mercy” — acknowledging that Christ calls us to conquer the world by demonstrating love and showing mercy rather than using force.

The chorus serves as a proclamation and a prayer, calling for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done right here on earth, mirroring the perfect harmony and obedience that exists in heaven. It expresses surrender and a desire to align our lives with God’s purpose and plan.

This hymn acknowledges the difficulties of the Christian life — standing armed only with holiness against “sin’s fierce war.  It acknowledges the reality of the cross but celebrates the reality of the crown — the reward of those who are faithful — and closes, “Lead on, O God of might!”