Lord Plant My Feet On Higher Ground

Written by Polly Bergerson

Recently, I read a book “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson. Bryan has devoted his life to reviewing the trials of criminals who are sitting on death row for crimes they did not commit and working toward their release. It is hard to believe what has happened to these people in this country in our lifetimes. One of the prisoners who met with the author received a glimmer of hope during their conversation and as he walked away from the meeting he began singing an old gospel song.

I’m pressing on the upward way

New heights I’m gaining every day

Still praying as I’m onward bound

Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

I find myself repeating these words at least once a day and sometimes more. This song has spoken to me in so many ways. It is a message of mercy and hope. Maybe you, like me, long for a deeper nobler spiritual connection in our faith journey.  These words have become a prayer for me; a simple request that in all circumstances God is walking the path beside me, keeping me grounded in Him and through the Holy Spirit reminding me there is no situation that I am in that He is not also present.

Lord, lift me up and let me stand

By faith, on Heaven’s tableland

A higher plane than I have found

Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

These words remind me that God has given each of us gifts to use to build up His Kingdom and as we serve we are carried by faith to this higher place.

I want to live above the world

Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled

For faith has caught the joyful sound

The song of saints on higher ground.

We have passed the season of Pentecost – and we have much to sing about; what greater gift can we give to each other than to be God’s choir bringing a message of hope, peace, salvation, and healing to our neighbors, friends and families.

Lord, help us to reach the utmost height to spread the gleam of your glory and plant our feet on higher ground.

Polly Bergerson is a member of the Spiritual Care Team at Prince of Peace. “Lord Plant My Feet On Higher Ground” was written by  Johnson Oatman, Jr.