The Story Behind My Faith Looks Up To Thee
Ray Palmer, a later doctor of theology, and Lowell Mason, a doctor of music, met in Boston in 1830. Mason inquired to Palmer if he had any lyrics that could be inserted for Spiritual Songs for Social Worship, a compilation that was being prepared by Mason and Thomas Hastings for publication within a couple years.
Palmer presented Mason his leather book containing his poem, "My Faith Looks Up to Thee," originally in six stanzas. The two men walked into a shop so Mason could obtain a transcript of Palmer’s words. It wasn’t until he arrived home that evening that the forthwith celebrated stanzas were read, and Mason immediately wrote the tune OLIVET, the only melody ever performed with Palmer’s poem.
Palmer believed his hymn flourished since it “embodied, in appropriate and simple language that which is most central in all true Christian experience—the act of faith in the divine Redeemer—the entrusting of the individual soul to Him entirely and forever.”
Popular Hymn Lyrics with Story and Meaning
Day by Day and With Each Passing Moment
Jesus Loves Me
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Blessed Assurance
Nearer My God to Thee
Abide with Me
His Eye is On the Sparrow
Be Thou My Vision
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty
Amazing Grace
