The story behind the hymn
Frances Ridley Havergal wrote this hymn on 4 February 1874 at Areley House in Worcestershire. She had spent five days there praying for the household, and several people were converted or blessed. That night she could not sleep, and the lines came as a prayer.
The original had eleven couplets, and a twelfth was added later. Most hymnals print four to six stanzas. Ira D. Sankey praised it as one of the finest hymns of consecration.
Two tunes are common. HENDON, by Henri Malan, is the most used in North America. PATMOS was composed in 1847 by her father, William H. Havergal, and she reportedly wanted it used.
The Scripture behind it
Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.
Romans 12:1 (World English Bible)
A short reflection
Consecration is not one dramatic moment. It is the daily handing over of hands, voice, time and resources. Choose one thing today you will offer to God on purpose.
Lord, I am yours. Take what I have and use it for your glory. Amen.
The full words
Read the full words of this hymn, with tunes and scores, on Hymnary.org.
Read the full hymn text →Source for author, dates and public-domain status: Hymnary.org. Scripture quoted from the World English Bible (public domain).