More Love to Thee O Christ

Yesterday's worship service was one of the most inspiring services I've experienced lately. As we sang songs by Chris Tomlin and other modern worship artists, I was blown away by God's greatness. However, it was the words found in Elizabeth Prentiss' hymn that caught my attention most.

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!

Once earthly joy I craved, sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek, give what is best.
This all my prayer shall be: More love, O Christ to Thee;
More love to Thee, more love to Thee!

Let sorrow do its work, come grief or pain;
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!

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!

I found it easy to sing along as we praised God for his greatness and his strength, but as I read over these words pleading with our heavenly Father to turn my heart towards him and to give me the ability to love Him more I struggled to sing along. Not because I didn't agree completely with what was being said, but because I was amazed at the conviction and passion that drove the original author. As I've thought over the words this morning, I wanted to know a little bit about the women that wrote this song. So with the help of google here's what I found.

The History Behind the Hymn

Elizabeth Payson Prentiss came from a family steeped in faith. Her father, Edward Payson, was a famous and beloved Congregational minister. Her husband was a Presbyterian minister and seminary professor.

Elizabeth struggled with insomnia and severe headaches for her entire life. After the loss of two children in short succession, Elizabeth’s frail health was nearly broken and she cried out in her distress “Our home is broken up, our lives wrecked, our hopes shattered, our dreams dissolved, I don’t think I can stand living for another moment.” (Peterson, William J. and Ardythe. The Complete Book of Hymns: Inspiring Stories About 600 Hymns and Praise Songs. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. 2006. page: 348)

May we all have the faith to plead with our Father during tough times to give us the ability and strength to have more love for Him.