Sunday morning brings another entry in my series, “Then Sings My Soul: The Hymns of My Youth,” and this week I’ve got a modern classic all queued up — “Reach Out to Jesus” by Ralph Carmichael, famously performed by Elvis Presley, among many others.

This is one that many will remember, like me, with warm thoughts from their younger days. I have to say that I’m not very keen on the old message of “Come to Jesus and he’ll automatically fix everything up for you.” I’m not a fan of the portrait of Jesus the answer-man mechanic. Still, many of the the themes and images in this hymn (chorus?) are scriptural, and as I said, I do like the song. After all, the assurance of which it speaks is inherently comforting. It isn’t my association with the song, but perhaps some readers will remember it as sung in particular by Elvis.

Reach Out To Jesus

Is your burden heavy as you bear it all alone?
Does the road you travel harbor dangers yet unknown?
Are you growing weary in the struggle of it all?
Jesus will help you, when on His name you call

He is always there hearing every prayer faithful and true
Walking by our side in His love we hide, all the day through
When you get discouraged just remember what to do
Reach out to Jesus, He’s reaching out to you

Is the life you’re living filled with sorrow and despair?
Does the future push you with its weight and its care?
Are you tired and famished? Have you almost lost your way?
Jesus will help you, just come to Him today

He is always there hearing every prayer faithful and true
Walking by our side in His love we hide, all the day through
When you get discouraged just remember what to do
Reach out to Jesus, come on and reach out to Jesus

I said reach out to Jesus,
He’s reaching out to you