Sunday, January 17, 2016

More Love to Thee

More Love to Thee

More love to thee, O Christ, more love to thee! 
Hear thou the prayer I make on bended knee;
 This is my earnest plea: 
More love, O Christ, to thee, more love to thee, more love to thee!

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Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest;
Now thee alone I seek, give what is best;
This all my prayer shall be: 
More love, O Christ, to thee, more love to thee, more love to thee! 

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Then shall my latest breath whisper thy praise;
This be the parting cry my heart shall raise;
This still its prayer shall be:
More love, O Christ, to thee, more love to thee, more love to thee! 

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 Elizabeth Prentiss wrote this hymn after two of her children died from an epidemic that swept New York. She found comfort in the hymn by Sarah Adams, "Nearer, My God, to Thee" and she used an almost identical meter to pen "More Love to Thee." She didn't intend for it to be more than a communication between herself and her Saviour, but after she showed it to her husband 13 years later, he encouraged her to publish it. 
The philosophy that is expressed in the hymn's verses reflects that of its author. Despite her pain and discouragement, Elizabeth found she could still experience great joy in expressing her love to God.
Among her writings is this reflection: 


"To love Christ more is the deepest need, the constant cry of my soul...out in the woods, an on my bed, and out driving, when I am happy and busy, and when I am sad and idle, the whisper keeps going up for more love, more love, more love!"

Elizabeth also wrote the book Stepping Heavenward and though it is written for young people, I highly recommend and encourage all of you read it. It outlines the techniques of living the Christian life and describes the Biblical view of the life hereafter. I find it greatly enthralling and am currently reading it a second time.    

Ephesians 3:19
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

It is my prayer that each of you will love Christ more and more each day and grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. I hope you all have a blessed week filled with the grace and mercy of Christ. 
Your sister in the Lord,
Ashley  

12 comments:

  1. This hymn is beautiful!
    -Clara

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  2. What a nice post Ashley!! I really like learning about how different hymns were written and was wondering if you could do one on "Onward Christian Soldiers". That is if you wanted to.
    Thanks, S.L.

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    1. I'm so glad you like learning the stories behind hymns; I enjoy it as well. I'd be delighted to do a post on "Onward Christian Soldiers", as I love that hymn as well. Thank you for commenting and have a joyful day in Jesus!
      Love in. Christ,
      Ashley

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  3. Ashley, I was so blessed by your post. Thank you so much! {{HUGS}}

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    1. Praise God! Hugs to you too!!
      Have a good and godly day. :)
      So much love in the Lord,
      Ashley

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  4. Thank you, Ashley, for this special post. It was very nice. :)

    ~Sheri

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  5. I love the book Stepping Heavenward, it is truly a gem. I did not know the history behind the song she wrote though, enjoyed that! Praying you have a blessed and marvelous day!

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  6. Tahnk you Ashley, I'm feeling the love in the Lord, nice post.

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  7. What a meaningful post, Ashley. Mercy and grace are so important in our lives. I also liked your post on ridding ourselves of bitterness.

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  8. Beautiful hymn and lovely message, Ashley!

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  9. This is such a lovley hymn and the story behind it is beautiful. Thank you for sharing with Roses of Inspiration.

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