More Love to Thee

Sometimes hymns are excellent ways to pray. Here is one written by Elizabeth Prentiss in 1856. The third verse is one I have seldom seen.

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!


Photo: Children praying in the Dominican Republic