Is Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown a Funeral Hymn?
“Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown” is a hymn that, while not commonly associated with funerals, carries themes of faith, surrender, and the journey of the soul. Its introspective and contemplative lyrics make it a meaningful choice for memorial services, allowing mourners to reflect on the mysterious yet trusting path of the departed.
Why is Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown a Suitable Funeral Hymn?
- Journey of the Soul: The hymn speaks of the soul’s journey, its struggles, and the mystery of divine guidance. In a funeral setting, where the focus is on the journey of the departed, “Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown” provides a contemplative space for mourners to reflect on the spiritual pilgrimage of life.
- Faith and Surrender: The hymn explores themes of faith and surrender to the divine will. During a funeral service, when emotions are raw, the lyrics offer a message of trust and submission to the unknown journey, providing solace to those grappling with the uncertainties of loss.
- Introspective Melody and Tone: The melody and tone of the hymn are introspective and contemplative, fostering an atmosphere of reflection. This musical composition complements the mournful yet hopeful mood of a funeral service, inviting attendees to engage with the hymn’s lyrics on a deeper level.
- Spiritual Resonance: “Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown” carries spiritual resonance, drawing from themes found in the Psalms and other biblical passages. The hymn’s connection to biblical imagery adds depth and familiarity, providing a sense of spiritual grounding for mourners who find comfort in religious traditions.
Come, O Thou Traveler Unknown Lyrics
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.
I need not tell Thee who I am,
My misery or 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.
In vain Thou strugglest to get free,
I never will unloose my hold!
Art Thou the Man that died for me?
The secret of Thy love unfold;
Wrestling, I will not let Thee go,
Till I Thy name, Thy nature know.
Wilt Thou not yet to me reveal
Thy new, unutterable Name?
Tell me, I still beseech Thee, tell;
To know it now resolved I am;
Wrestling, I will not let Thee go,
Till I Thy Name, Thy nature know.
’Tis all in vain to hold Thy tongue
Or touch the hollow of my thigh;
Though every sinew be unstrung,
Out of my arms Thou shalt not fly;
Wrestling, I will not let Thee go
Till I Thy name, Thy nature know.
What though my shrinking flesh complain
And murmur to contend so long?
I rise superior to my pain;
When I am weak, then I am strong
And when my all of strength shall fail,
I shall with the God-Man prevail.
My strength is gone, my nature dies,
I sink beneath Thy weighty hand,
Faint to revive, and fall to rise;
I fall, and yet by faith I stand;
I stand, and will not let Thee go
Till I Thy Name, Thy nature know.
Yield to me now, for I am weak,
But confident in self-despair;
Speak to my heart, in blessings speak,
Be conquered by my instant prayer;
Speak, or Thou never hence shalt move,
And tell me if Thy Name is Love.
’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.