Take My Life That I May Be
Take my life that I may be
This hymn expresses the doctrine of Christian vocation and sanctification, reflecting Lutheran emphasis on the believer's life as a living sacrifice offered to God. It embodies the Reformation principle that all legitimate occupations constitute God's calling, encouraging total life consecration rather than withdrawal from the world.
History & Background
Written by Frances Ridley Havergal in 1874, this hymn emerged from her own experience of complete dedication to Christ's service. It was first published in her collection and has become one of the most beloved consecration hymns in Protestant Christianity.
This text is an updated version of Frances R. Havergal’s ‘Take My Scripture References Life and Let It Be” (288) and is partly modeled after a revision of all st. = Isa. 6:8 Phil. 1:20-21 Havergal’s text published in Hymnsfor Todays Church (1982). Rom. 12:1 st. 4 = Luke 21:2-3
Hymnal Appearances
- Baptist Hymnal — 460
- Chalice Hymnal — 609
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 744
- Glory to God — 697
- The Hymnal 1982 — 707
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 406
- Lutheran Service Book — 783-784
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 863
- Lutheran Worship — 404
- New Century Hymnal — 448
- Psalter Hymnal — 289
- Trinity Hymnal — 585
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 400
- United Methodist Hymnal — 399
- Voices Together — 754
Themes
Consecration and dedication Discipleship and commitment Self-surrender to God Living for Christ's service