The New Century Hymnal ‎#418

418. My Faith, It Is an Oaken Staff

1 My faith, it is an oaken staff,
the traveler’s well-loved aid;
My faith, it is a song of trust,
sustains me undismayed.
I’ll travel on and still be stirred
by silent thought or social word;
By all my perils undeterred,
a pilgrim unafraid.

2 My guide is Jesus Christ whose steps,
when travelers have trod,
Whether beneath was flinty rock
or yielding grassy sod,
They carried on, their joy unspent;
through pain and trial they onward went,
Unstayed by pleasures, still they bent
their zealous course to God.

3 My faith, it is an oaken staff,
O let me on it lean.
My faith provides the ground of hope,
supports a purpose keen.
Your Spirit, God, upon me send,
that I may be what you intend.
With patient courage, we'll contend
as radiant saints serene.

Text Information

• First Line: My faith it is an oaken staff
• Title: My Faith, It Is an Oaken Staff
• Author: Thomas T. Lynch (1855, alt.)
• Meter: 8.6.8.6.8.8.8.6.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Topic: Faith and Aspiration; Jesus Christ: Guide and Leader; Pilgrimage; Travelers; Year B: Proper 18; Year C: Proper 15

Tune Information

• Name: THE STAFF OF FAITH
• Meter: 8.6.8.6.8.8.8.6.
• Key: E♭ Major
• Source: Swiss folk melody; Fellowship Hymn Book, 1910