A video “mini retreat” offers viewers a personal chance to reflect on the 40 days of Lent through photos and singing of “Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown.”
“A Lenten Journey” features the a cappella singing of United Methodist hymn #386, “Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown,” along with photographs of God’s creation and quotes from Scripture.
Charles Wesley wrote the lyrics in 1741 and this “poem” was first published in the Wesley brothers’ Hymns and Sacred Poems in 1742. The original poem featured 14 verses. Today, four verses are published in the United Methodist hymnal as hymn #386. In this version, lyrics are sung to a traditional Scottish tune called “Chandler.”
Lyrics are sung by United Methodist missionary, the Rev. Romeo del Rosario. Photographs were taken by United Methodist Communications photographers Mike DuBose and Kathleen Barry.
Hymn 386: Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown
Come, O thou Traveler unknown,
Whom still I hold, but cannot see!
My company before is gone,
And I am left alone with Thee;
With Thee all night I mean to stay,
And wrestle till the break of day;
With Thee all night I mean to stay,
And wrestle till the break of day.
I need not tell Thee who I am,
My misery and sin declare;
Thyself hast called me by my name,
Look on Thy hands, and read it there;
But who, I ask Thee, who art Thou?
Tell me Thy name, and tell me now.
But who, I ask Thee, who art Thou?
Tell me Thy name, and tell me now.
‘Tis Love! ’tis Love! Thou diedst for me!
I hear Thy whisper in my heart;
The morning breaks, the shadows flee,
Pure, universal love Thou art;
To me, to all, Thy mercies move;
Thy nature and Thy Name is Love.
To me, to all, Thy mercies move;
Thy nature and Thy Name is Love.