Take My Life And Let It Be Lyrics

Song Facts:

Genre: Christian Worship

Lyricist: Frances Ridley Havergal (Original hymn) and Cindy Rethmeier, additional verses by Paul Baloche

Composers: Frances Ridley Havergal, Cesar Malan

Artist Info:

Hailed as a modern-day recording of worship music, Paul Baloche is recognized as a highly respected contributor to contemporary worship music. Often, his work reflects a deeply spiritual basis, aiming to create an intimate worship experience. Baloche has written some of the most powerful worship songs sung in churches globally. His music merges traditional hymn structures with contemporary elements, appealing broadly to listeners. His compositions, characterized by themes of surrender, devotion, and adoration toward God, have inspired and uplifted the global church.

Annotations and Meaning:

"Take My Life and Let It Be" is a hymn that believers have cherished through generations. The insistent plea in the song for God to "take my hands and let them move/at the impulse of thy love," and similar invocations, illustrate a complete and willing offering of oneself into divine service. Each verse not only introduces a new aspect of human experience but also explicitly spells out how each aspect can be dedicated to God's glory. The repeated lines, "At the impulse of Thy love," highlight that the actions and offerings of the speaker are motivated by God's love, showcasing the transformative power of divine love in guiding and inspiring service. The call to have one's physical abilities (like movement and speech) and possessions consecrated for God's purposes emphasizes holistic spirituality, integrating every dimension of human life into spiritual devotion. The phrase "Not a mite would I withhold" underscores the theme of total surrender, reflecting a heart fully committed to God without reservations. The hymn encourages believers to reflect on the depth of their commitment to God, challenging them to offer every part of their lives in service, inspired by love and devotion. This rendition by Paul Baloche, with updated verses and melody, breathes new life into the hymn, blending classic hymnal poetry with the vibrancy of modern Christian worship music.