He Leadeth Me

Words: Joseph H. Gilmore (1834–1918)
Music: William B. Bradbury (1816–1868)
Year: 1862 (lyrics), 1864 (music)

He Leadeth Me is a hymn of quiet confidence and trust in God’s providential guidance, penned by Joseph H. Gilmore in 1862. At the time, Gilmore was a young Baptist pastor, and the inspiration for the hymn came during a Wednesday night prayer meeting at the First Baptist Church of Philadelphia. After teaching from Psalm 23—“He leadeth me beside the still waters”—Gilmore was so moved by the theme of divine leadership that he wrote the words to the hymn that very evening.

Gilmore later recounted, “I did not think of writing a hymn—I simply sat down and wrote what I felt.” Unknown to him, his wife sent the poem to a Christian publication. Two years later, the celebrated composer William B. Bradbury discovered the poem and set it to music, adding the now-iconic refrain: “His faithful follower I would be, for by His hand He leadeth me.”

The hymn quickly grew in popularity and has remained a beloved declaration of trust in God’s guidance through all of life’s uncertainties. Its message speaks especially to those facing trials, transitions, or needing assurance of God's constant presence.