Composer: Frances R. Havergal
1 Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise,
let them flow in endless praise.
2 Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee,
swift and beautiful for thee.
3 Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee,
filled with messages from thee.
4 Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose,
every power as thou shalt choose.
5 Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne,
it shall be thy royal throne.
6 Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee,
ever, only, all for thee.
Story behind the song:
Frances Ridley Havergal, known as the "consecration poet," devoted her life to Christ and serving others, despite her fragile health and short life. She composed the hymn "Take My Life" in 1874, reflecting complete surrender to Christ. The hymn, originally consisting of six stanzas, is widely used in various musical arrangements. Each stanza focuses on consecrating different aspects of one's life to Christ, including physical body, possessions, and personal attributes. Havergal practiced what she preached by giving up material possessions for her faith. The hymn is often used in congregations during stewardship emphasis, embodying the principles she lived by.