Take My Life and Let It Be (SS&S Hymn 616)

Take My Life and Let It Be” (Sacred Songs and Solos, Hymn 616) is a hymn of total surrender and consecration to God, written by Frances Ridley Havergal in 1874. Each stanza of the hymn dedicates a different aspect of the believer’s life—time, talents, possessions, will, and love—to the service of God. The hymn is a powerful prayer of offering and devotion, inviting believers to commit their entire being to the Lord.

Verse 1: Offering Life and Time

“Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.”

This opening verse sets the tone for the hymn, expressing a desire for complete consecration. The worshipper offers their entire life to God, asking that every moment be dedicated to His glory. The phrase “let them flow in ceaseless praise” emphasizes a life of continuous worship, reflecting 1 Corinthians 10:31: “Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

Verse 2: Offering Hands and Feet

“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.”

This verse focuses on physical action, dedicating hands and feet to God’s service. The worshipper prays that their hands act according to God’s love and that their feet carry them swiftly to do His will. The imagery of “swift and beautiful” echoes Isaiah 52:7: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news.”

Verse 3: Offering Voice and Speech

“Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.”

In this verse, the voice and lips are offered to God. Singing “always, only” for the King suggests a life of constant praise and worship. Asking for lips to be “filled with messages” reflects a commitment to sharing God’s Word and truth, inspired by Isaiah 6:8: “Here am I. Send me!”

Verse 4: Offering Possessions and Intellect

“Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose.”

This verse expands the offering to material wealth and intellectual abilities. By dedicating “silver and gold,” the worshipper acknowledges God’s ownership of all possessions. Offering the intellect for God’s use reflects a desireto use one’s mind and talents to further His kingdom, aligning with Matthew 25:14–30, the Parable of the Talents.

Verse 5: Offering Heart and Will

“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.”

This verse emphasizes surrendering the innermost self—the heart and will—to God. By asking God to “make it Thine,” the worshipper aligns their desires and decisions with God’s purposes. The heart becomes God’s “royal throne,” signifying Christ’s reign over every aspect of the believer’s life.

Verse 6: Offering Love and the Whole Being

“Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee.”

The final verse expresses complete devotion, pouring out love as a treasure at Jesus’ feet, reminiscent of Mary’s act of anointing Jesus with costly perfume (John 12:3). The declaration “ever, only, all for Thee” summarizes the hymn’s theme of total consecration and self-offering.

Overall Message and Significance

Take My Life and Let It Be” is a hymn of dedication and devotion, calling believers to offer every aspect of their lives to God. It emphasizes total surrender, encouraging individuals to commit their time, talents, possessions, and will to His service. Through its heartfelt verses, the hymn conveys the message that true worship is a lifestyle of ongoing praise and obedience, not just a momentary act.

It reminds believers that every part of their being—body, mind, and soul—can be a tool for God’s glory. By surrendering completely, the worshipper acknowledges Christ as the rightful ruler of their heart and life, embracing the joy and fulfillment of living wholly for Him. Rooted in the biblical call to be a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1), this hymn inspires a deeper sense of commitment and purpose in the life of faith.