More Love to Thee
After the death of her two young children, later her child having a nearly fatal illness, Elizabeth Prentiss writing below "Let sorrow do its work," and trusting God to "give [me] what is best."
1 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!
2 Once earthly joy I craved,
Sought peace and rest;[1]
Now Thee alone I seek;
Give what is best.[2]
This all my prayer shall be:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee,
More love to Thee!
[1] meditate: not seeking peace and rest in earthly joy
[2] restated: “Lord, give me whatever you determine is best for me,” whether that’s comfort, trials, sorrow, joy, or anything else. Because each of those can increase our love for Christ.
3 Let sorrow do its work,
Send grief and pain; [3]
Sweet are thy messengers,
Sweet their refrain,
When they can sing with me:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee,
More love to Thee!
[3] meditate: sorrows, griefs, and pains not as enemies to be avoided at all costs, but as “sweet messengers” sent by Christ Himself. They are tools in God’s hands, for us to increase our love of Christ. It takes maturity to not be focused on an easy, pain-free life, but rather, take the position that if sorrow is what it takes to make me love Christ more, then let it do its full work.
4 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!
To learn more about Elizabeth Prentiss, see the book Stepping Heavenward.
Author: Elizabeth P. Prentiss
Composer: William H. Doane
Meter: 6.4.6.4.6.6.4
Tune name: MORE LOVE TO THEE