This hymn is a prayer that the Christian would continue to make the love of God his or her highest aim in life, as the psalmist wrote: “You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.” (Psalm 73:24-25 ESV)
Text:
In 1856, Elizabeth Prentiss was going through a time of intense suffering, and hurriedly wrote this hymn as a prayer expressing her devotion to Christ. However, she did not show it to anyone until 1869, when it was completed and published as a leaflet. It became quite popular, and was included in William Doane's Songs of Devotion for Christian Associations in 1870.
There are four stanzas, and most hymnals include all of them, though a few omit the third (“Let sorrow do its work”). Each of the stanzas relates to a step in the Christian experience. The first stanza is about the prayer of submission to Christ. The second looks back on the pleasure-seeking life before one turns to Christ, while the third welcomes the effective, yet painful process of sanctification. The final stanza looks forward to the day when the Christian shall see Jesus face to face.
Tune:
William Doane wrote MORE LOVE TO THEE in 1870 for this text, with which it was published in Songs of Devotion for Christian Associations. The tune name derives from the first line of the text. This tune should be sung in harmony without dragging the tempo. Try singing the third stanza (if included) a cappella.
When/Why/How:
This hymn of dedication may be sung at any time of year, perhaps preceding a time of prayer. It could be paired with another hymn with a similar theme, such as “My Jesus, I Love Thee” or “Be Thou My Vision.” Another option is to have the organ or choir perform the hymn prior to prayer. An organ collection of nine pieces with the theme of “The Fruit of the Spirit” uses this hymn for the first fruit – love. One choral arrangement of “More Love to Thee, O Christ” has an optional cello obbligato.
Tiffany Shomsky,
Hymnary.org
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