Ndikhokhele O Yehova

The story of this hymn

William Williams wrote 'Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah' in Welsh in 1745 — a pilgrim's prayer built on the Exodus: wilderness, manna, the Jordan crossed at last. Mission hymnals carried it to the Eastern Cape, and isiXhosa congregations have sung their own version for generations, most often to Cwm Rhondda, the towering Welsh tune the whole world knows. Its final picture — brought safe through death's river — is why it stands so close to the graveside.

Where it sits in the service

A natural processional — it works as the opening hymn while the coffin is brought in, and just as well at the graveside, where its last verse faces the crossing of death directly. Congregations sing it with force, repeating the final lines. Verse wording differs slightly between isiXhosa hymnals, so print from the hymnal your congregation uses, or give the title and hymn number only.

In the programme, list it in the order of service as “Hymn — Ndikhokhele O Yehova” with the leader or choir named beside it.

How it is actually sung

The isiXhosa form of “Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah”, sung to the same Welsh tune and with the same confident volume. It suits a recessional or the procession to the graveside, where the congregation walks out singing and keeps singing on the way. Known across generations, so it is a safe choice for a mixed-age congregation, and it needs no accompaniment to work.

Printing the words

Traditional translation in general congregational use. Print the first line; if a full text is wanted, check with the church about the hymnal setting.

This is practical guidance rather than legal advice. Reproduction rights vary by territory, by hymnal edition and by the licence your church holds — the church office is the right place to ask, and they answer this question often.