I have never heard the first verse that way.   

Emmylou Harris sang it as "O come and as you take life's journey, take Jesus..." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOHXvK6AxW4


The Grateful Dead sang it as "O sinner, as you life's journey, take Jesus..." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5zFHW8d0vQ

Kent