Scripture Verse

For to me to live is Christ. Philippians 1:21

Introduction

Words: Eli­za A. Walk­er, Hymns and Thoughts in Verse (Lon­don: Will­iam Hunt, 1864), pag­es 7–8.

Music: La­hore Will­iam F. Sher­win, Ech­oes from Zi­on (New York: Hor­ace Wa­ters & Son, 1873), page 63 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
William F. Sherwin
1826–1888

Lyrics

Precious Savior, may I live
Only for Thee.
Spend the powers Thou dost give,
Only for Thee.

Be my spirit’s deep desire
Only for Thee.
May my intellect aspire
Only for Thee.

In my joys may I rejoice
Only for Thee.
In my choices make my choice
Only for Thee.

Meekly may I suffer grief
Only for Thee.
Gratefully accept relief
Only for Thee.

Be my smiles and be my tears
Only for Thee.
Be my young and riper years
Only for Thee.

Be my singing and my sighing
Only for Thee.
Be my sickness and my dying
Only for Thee.

Be my rising, be my glory
Only for Thee.
Be my whole eternity
Only for Thee.