Lead On, O King Eternal

Sunday Morning Devotion: Week 9

Opening Prayer

Heavenly Father, our Eternal King, we come before you with hearts ready to follow your lead. As we meditate on the words of this hymn, we ask that you prepare us for the journey ahead. Strengthen us with your grace, guide us with your light, and fill us with the courage to march forward in your name. May our lives be a testament to your love and mercy, bringing your kingdom to earth. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Lead On, O King Eternal
By Ernest W. Shurtleff

Lead on, O King eternal, The day of march has come;
Henceforth in fields of conquest Thy tens shall be our home.
Through days of preparation Thy grace has made us strong,
And now, O King eternal, we lift our battle song.

Lead on, O King eternal, Till sin’s fierce war shall cease,
And holiness shall whisper The sweet amen of peace.
For not with swords loud clashing, Nor roll of stirring drums,
With deeds of love and mercy, the heavenly kingdom comes.

Lead on, O King eternal, We follow, not with fears,
For gladness breaks like morning Where’er thy face appears.
Thy cross is lifted o’er us; We journey in its light;
The crown awaits the conquest; Lead on, O God of might. Amen.

Key Principles from this Hymn

• The hymn reminds us that God’s grace prepares and strengthens us for the challenges ahead. This principle is evident in the line, “Through days of preparation Thy grace has made us strong.” God doesn’t just call us to action; he equips us for it. His grace works in our lives, molding us, strengthening our faith, and developing our character long before we face significant challenges. This preparatory work is essential for our spiritual growth and effectiveness in his kingdom.
• We’re called to advance God’s kingdom not through violence, but through love and mercy. The hymn beautifully expresses this: “For not with swords loud clashing, Nor roll of stirring drums, With deeds of love and mercy, the heavenly kingdom comes.” This principle challenges our human inclination towards force and power. Instead, it reminds us that God’s Kingdom operates on a different paradigm – one of sacrificial love, compassion, and service to others. Our “weapons” in this spiritual battle are not physical but are rooted in Christlike character and actions.
• Following Christ brings joy and light into our lives, dispelling fear and darkness. The hymn captures this beautifully: “We follow, not with fears, For gladness breaks like morning Where’er thy face appears.” This verse reminds us that obedience to God isn’t a burdensome duty, but a source of joy and peace. As we follow Christ, his presence illuminates our path, replacing our fears with gladness. This joy isn’t dependent on circumstances but on the unchanging reality of God’s presence with us.

Questions for Personal Reflection and Discussion

1. How has God’s grace prepared you for the challenges you face today?
2. In what ways can you contribute to building God’s Kingdom through “deeds of love and mercy?”
3. What fears do you need to surrender as you follow Christ?
4. How does the image of Christ as our “King eternal” impact your daily life?
5. What does it mean to you personally to “lift our battle song?”
6. How can we balance the concepts of spiritual warfare and peace in our Christian walk?
7. In what areas of your life do you need to more fully embrace the light of Christ’s cross?

Related Bible Verses to Reflect Upon

• For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our king; he will save us. (Isaiah 33:22)
• But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33)
• For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17)
• But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9)
• The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1)

Actions Steps

1. Identify one area in your life where you need God’s strength, and spend time in prayer asking for his grace to prepare you.
2. Perform a specific act of love or mercy this week that reflects God’s Kingdom values.
3. Meditate on the image of Christ’s cross being “lifted o’er us” and journal about how this impacts your daily walk with him.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Gracious King, we thank you for your unfailing leadership in our lives. We’re grateful for the grace that prepares us, the love that guides us, and the light that dispels our fears. Thank you for inviting us to be part of your Kingdom work, not through force, but through love and mercy. We’re thankful for the joy that breaks like morning in your presence and for the promise of victory that awaits us. May our lives be a continual song of praise to you, our Eternal King. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Prayer Prompts

Use the following prayer prompts to encourage you to pray beyond your usual prayer requests. These prompts are included here to help get your own creative juices flowing and not to be regarded as strict and legalistic requirements. Use them or do not use them according to your need. May the Lord bless you as you go deeper with him in the holy communion of prayer.

Petition – prayers for yourself

• Help me to mature in my faith and to increasingly please God by my thoughts, words, and deeds.
• Particular struggles in various relationships
• My activities for this day
• Other needs

Intercession – prayers for others

• My Family
• My local church
• My denomination
• Para-church ministries, particularly Christian education and discipleship
• Evangelistic ministries
• Other needs

Quotation from Church History

“The Christian life is not a constant high. I have my moments of deep discouragement. I have to go to God in prayer with tears in my eyes, and say, ‘O God, forgive me,’ or ‘Help me.’” – Billy Graham

Thank you for joining me for this Sunday Morning Devotion. If it has encouraged you, please share it with others. For many more devotionals, Bible studies, and resources, visit Walking Points. May God bless and strengthen you as you live for his glory!