Scripture Verse

Mary took a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus. John 12:3

Introduction

Words: Ed­win P. Par­ker, 1888. Par­ker wrote this hymn to close a ser­mon. It was first pub­lished in The Chris­tian Hym­nal, 1889, and ap­peared in The Pil­grim Hym­nal in 1904.

Music: Love’s Of­fer­ing Ed­win Par­ker, 1888 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Edwin P. Parker (1836–1920)

Lyrics

Master, no offering
Costly and sweet,
May we, like Magdalene, lay at Thy feet;
Yet may love’s incense rise,
Sweeter than sacrifice,
Dear Lord to Thee, dear Lord to Thee.

Daily our lives would show
Weakness made strong,
Toilsome and gloomy ways
Brightened by song;
Some deeds of kindness done,
Some souls by patience won,
Dear Lord to Thee, dear Lord to Thee.

Some word of hope
For hearts burdened with fears,
Some balm of peace for eyes
Blinded with tears,
Some dews of mercy shed,
Some wayward footsteps led,
Dear Lord to Thee, dear Lord to Thee.

Thus, in Thy service, Lord,
Till eventide
Closes the day of life may we abide;
And when earth’s labors cease,
Bid us depart in peace,
Dear Lord to Thee, dear Lord to Thee.