My God, My Father, While I Stray (Thy Will Be Done)
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"My God, my Father, while I stray" is a Christian hymn by Charlotte Elliot also known as "Thy will be done" which are the lyrics that end each verse. In this 19th-century hymn, Elliot declares that despite the hardships of life, she will strive for the will of God to be done in her life. This phrase was presumably inspired by the Lord's Prayer, which says "thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth and it is in heaven." Read the full lyrics of this hymn and Elliot's background story, and watch some music videos below!
1 My God and Father, day by day,
Far from my home in life's rough way,
O teach me from my heart to say,
"Thy will be done."
2 Though dark my path and sad my lot,
Let me be still and murmur not,
Or breathe the prayer divinely taught,
"Thy will be done."
3 What though in lonely grief I sigh
For friends belov'd, no longer nigh,
Submissive still would I reply,
"Thy will be done."
4 If thou shouldst call me to resign
What most I prize, it ne'er was mine;
I only yield thee what was thine,
"Thy will be done."
5 Let but my fainting heart be blest
With thy sweet Spirit for its guest,
My God, to thee I leave the rest:
"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."
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Today's Devotional
A Prayer for the Striving Soul Longing for Stillness - Your Daily Prayer - May 1
Do you have a hard time slowing down too? Do you long for rest, peace, and stillness, but many times at the end of your race, you feel the urge to just keep running?
