STORIES BEHIND HYMNS: Take My Life And Let It Be

A hymn is a song of praise to God. It may seem straightforward, but have you ever explored the stories behind the beloved lyrics of your favorite classic hymns?

For the remaining month in 2024, we are sharing the stories behind some of our favorite hymns each month. We hope these stories will encourage you and aid your worship, just as they did for the hymnists, in times of hurt, hope, fear, thanksgiving, joy, or loss.

This month, we’re featuring the story behind "Take My Life and Let it Be."

The hymn "Take My Life and Let It Be" is widely used in consecration services by Christians around the world. It was written by Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879), an exceptionally talented poet, devoted Christian, and passionate devotional musician.

About the writer of the Hymn

Frances Havergal, the hymn writer, was born on December 14, 1836, in Astley, Worcestershire, in the West Midlands of England. 

She was the youngest of six children, and the fourth daughter, in the family of William Henry Havergal (1793–1870) and Jane Havergal (1794–1848). Both William and Jane were passionate about instilling in their children a deep devotion to the Saviour.

Story Behind the Hymn Take My Life And Let It Be

Ridley, as she affectionately called herself, was a devoted Christian throughout her life, with the Scripture being her greatest study. She made it a daily practice to read the Scripture both morning and night, aiming to transform herself "into the image of Christ" through its teachings. 

At the age of 36, she experienced a profound conversion after reading the book "All for Jesus," which made her acutely aware of her own devotional shortcomings. This led her to rededicate her life to Christ.

Shortly after this renewed commitment, she spent five days with a group of ten people, some of whom were uncommitted Christians and others who were not Christians at all. During this time, she fervently prayed, "Lord, give me all in this house," a prayer inspired by the Holy Spirit. 

Her heartfelt prayers were answered, and before her visit ended, each person in the group received a divine blessing and turned their lives to the Lord, becoming renewed in Christ. 

On the fifth and final day of her visit, Frances was so overjoyed that she couldn't sleep. Instead, she spent the night praising the Lord and renewing her own consecration. It was during this night, on February 4, 1874, at Astley House, that she was inspired to write the hymn "Take My Life and Let It Be."

Originally composed of eleven two-line stanzas, the hymn was first published in Charles B. Snepp's "Songs of Grace and Glory" (1872). In 1878, she included it in her book "Loyal Response," also known as "Daily Melodies for the King's Minstrels." 

Later, she added a twelfth stanza, creating a six-stanza hymn, which was first published in the "Psalter Hymnal."

Text Of The Hymn 

Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise,
let them flow in endless praise.

Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee,
swift and beautiful for thee.

Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee,
filled with messages from thee.

 Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose,
every power as thou shalt choose.

Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne,
it shall be thy royal throne.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee,
ever, only, all for thee.

Psalter Hymnal

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