My God, My Father, While I Stray (Thy Will Be Done)

The Story Behind My God, My Father, While I Stray (Thy Will Be Done)

According to Hymnary.org, "[Charlotte Elliot] was born March 18, 1789. The first 32 years of her life were spent mostly at Clapham. In 1823 she moved to Brighton and died there September 22, 1871. To her acquaintance with Dr. C. Malan, of Geneva, is attributed much of the deep spiritual-mindedness which is so prominent in her hymns. Though weak and feeble in body, she possessed a strong imagination and a well-cultured and intellectual mind. Her love of poetry and music was great and is reflected in her verse. Her hymns number about 150, a large percentage of which are in common use. The finest and most widely known of these are, "Just as I am” and "My God, my Father, while I stray." Her verse is characterized by the tenderness of feeling, plaintive simplicity, deep devotion, and perfect rhythm."