Title: I am Thine O lord
Hymn Number: SS&S 607 (Sacred songs and solo)
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 near – – – er, 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 power of grace divine ;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine.
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.
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.
About The Hymn
The hymn “I Am Thine, O Lord,” numbered 607 in Sacred Songs and Solos, is a beloved Christian hymn written by Fanny J. Crosby in 1875. It is a song of consecration and deep desire for intimacy with God. Each of its four verses expresses a longing to draw closer to the Lord, reflecting themes of surrender, faith, and divine love. Rooted in scripture, it calls believers to a life of devotion and communion with Christ.
Verse 1: Consecration and Nearness to God
The first verse begins with the declaration, “I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice, and it told Thy love to me.” This opening line expresses the believer’s response to God’s calling, affirming a relationship of belonging and devotion. The words capture a sense of gratitude for God’s love, revealed through His voice in scripture, prayer, and the believer’s heart.
The verse transitions to a plea: “But I long to rise in the arms of faith and be closer drawn to Thee.” This reflects the believer’s yearning to grow in faith and intimacy with God. It recognizes that while salvation is a gift already received, the Christian life involves a continual journey of drawing nearer to God. The desire to be “closer drawn” emphasizes the hymn’s theme of spiritual growth and deeper communion with Christ.
Verse 2: The Call to Deeper Fellowship
The second verse continues with a heartfelt request: “Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord, by the power of grace divine.” This plea acknowledges the transformative work of God’s grace in enabling a life fully dedicated to Him. It reflects a willingness to surrender one’s life to God’s purpose and live in obedience to His will.
The line, “Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope, and my will be lost in Thine,” portrays a profound act of submission. It suggests that true closeness to God comes when believers surrender their own desires and align their will with His. The verse captures the essence of Christian discipleship: living in hope, faith, and complete reliance on God’s grace.
Verse 3: Experiencing God’s Presence
The third verse paints a vivid picture of experiencing God’s nearness: “O the pure delight of a single hour that before Thy throne I spend.” This line reflects the joy and peace found in moments of prayer and worship. It emphasizes the importance of spending intentional time in God’s presence, where distractions fade, and the soul is refreshed.
The verse continues, “When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God, I commune as friend with friend.” This imagery highlights the intimate relationship between the believer and God, portraying Him not only as a majestic King but also as a close and personal Friend. The reference to prayer as communion with God reinforces the hymn’s theme of seeking deeper fellowship and abiding in His love.
Verse 4: Anticipation of Eternal Communion
The final verse looks forward to the ultimate fulfillment of this desire for closeness: “There are depths of love that I cannot know till I cross the narrow sea.” This line reflects the understanding that the fullness of God’s love and presence will only be experienced in eternity. The “narrow sea” is a poetic metaphor for the passage from earthly life to eternal life.
The verse concludes with, “There are heights of joy that I may not reach till I rest in peace with Thee.” This points to the eternal joy and complete communion believers will experience in heaven. While the hymn focuses on the present journey of drawing nearer to God, it also inspires hope for the glorious future awaiting those who trust in Him.
Overall Message and Significance
“I Am Thine, O Lord” is a hymn of devotion and consecration that invites believers to seek a deeper relationship with God. It expresses a heartfelt longing to grow closer to the Lord, both in this life and in eternity. Each verse builds on this theme, combining gratitude for God’s love, a desire for personal holiness, and a vision of ultimate communion with Him.
The hymn resonates with Christians because of its rich spiritual imagery and deeply personal tone. It serves as both a prayer and a proclamation, encouraging believers to surrender their lives to God’s will, seek His presence in prayer, and rest in the assurance of His love.
Through its timeless message and lyrical beauty, “I Am Thine, O Lord” continues to inspire worshippers to draw near to God, live lives of faith and obedience, and look forward with hope to eternal fellowship with Him.