I AM THINE O LORD

On this blog we have often shared the story and hymns of Fanny Crosby, one of the most prolific writers of Gospel hymns in history.  Many of her numbers were collaborations between Crosby (1820-1915) and composer William Doane (1832-1915).  In 1874 Crosby was a visitor in Doane's home in Cincinnati.  That evening they talked about the nearness of God in their lives, as the sun was setting and darkness was approaching.  When Crosby went to her room her mind and heart were filled with the ideas that they had discussed.  Before the blind writer went to sleep, she quickly formed the words of this great hymn, "I Am Thine, O Lord."   The next morning she shared the words with Doan who wrote down the stanzas and composed the tune. It is said that Hebrews 10:22 was actually the source of Crosby's inspiration.   "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." (KJV)   The hymn is written in the first person and is a testimony of her relationship with Christ.  The first stanza begins with a total surrender to Christ.  The second draws upon this surrender as an impetus of service.  The third shows this relationship developed through prayer and the final stanza shares that this close relationship will not be complete until reaching heaven.  Is this hymn your testimony?  It should be, and our daily prayer should also be to be drawn nearer to the One who died for us.  So many things draw our attention and time throughout the day and these things can pull us away from prayer and our relationship with Christ.  Maybe this week it would be a good thing to begin each morning, when we roll out of bed, with the singing and praying of Fanny Crosby's words.  That could change our day.

(1) I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,

And it told Thy love to me;

But I long to rise in the arms of faith

And be closer drawn to Thee.

Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,

To the cross where Thou hast died;

Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,

To Thy precious, bleeding side.

(2) Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,

By the pow'r of grace divine;

Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,

And my will be lost in Thine.

Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,

To the cross where Thou hast died;

Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,

To Thy precious, bleeding side.

(3) Oh, the pure delight of a single hour

That before Thy throne I spend,

When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God

I commune as friend with friend!

Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,

To the cross where Thou hast died;

Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,

To Thy precious, bleeding side.

(4) There are depths of love that I cannot know

Till I cross the narrow sea;

There are heights of joy that I may not reach

Till I rest in peace with Thee.

Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,

To the cross where Thou hast died;

Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,

To Thy precious, bleeding side.

I am giving you two choices to listen to this week.  The first is a beautiful arrangement by a trio.  But there is some static in the video that might be distracting.     LISTEN 1

The second is a typical arrangement by a small congregation.   LISTEN 2