Hymn Desk
Hymn Texts /

Give Me Jesus

In the morning when I rise

The hymn expresses the sufficiency of Christ as the ultimate treasure, resonating with Lutheran emphasis on Christ-centered faith and the all-sufficiency of grace. Its simple but profound declarations align with Reformed and Reformation ideals of unmediated devotion to Christ.

History & Background

This African American spiritual emerged from the enslaved communities of the American South, reflecting deep faith amid suffering. The text was preserved orally within Black church tradition before its formal documentation and inclusion in hymnals.

Hymnal Appearances

  • All Creation Sings — 1071
  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 748
  • Glory to God — 770
  • Lutheran Service Book — 976
  • Voices Together — 603
  • With One Voice — 777

Bulletin Note

An African American spiritual of unknown authorship, 'Give Me Jesus' emerged from communities of faith who sang their longing for Christ amid suffering. Its stark beauty reflects the Negro spirituals' profound theology of redemption.

Preaching Connection

This hymn amplifies the Gospel's proclamation of grace by voicing the human heart's deepest conversion—from the Law's futile demands for worldly security to the Gospel's promise of Christ's all-sufficiency.

Catechism & Confessional Connections

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From weariness to rest in Christ, then from spiritual thirst to living water—a journey of complete soul-renewal through Christ's sufficiency

Themes

Christ as treasure Faith and trust Simplicity of Gospel Comfort in suffering Devotion to Jesus

Look Further