Another Gospel Hymn: Open My Eyes, That I May See

Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.

Refrain

Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready my God, Thy will to see,
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!

Open my ears, that I may hear
Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
Everything false will disappear.

Refrain

Open my mouth, and let me bear,
Gladly the warm truth everywhere;
Open my heart and let me prepare
Love with Thy children thus to share.

Refrain

Clara H. Scott, 1895

Tune: Scott by Clara H. Scott, 1895

There are two reasons why I love this particular hymn and I'll start with the last one first. Its last because it is in the final verse. Its the reminder to share the warm truth of the Gospel by opening my heart and sharing the love of God "everywhere."

The second reason that I love this hymn is contained in the first two verses. The words reflect my need as a believer to continue to ask God to open my eyes and ears to His truths. Yes, believers continue to need to hear the Gospel preached clearly to them too. We need it because we are a forgetful people. We forget when we are tired. We forget when we are discouraged. We forget when we are tempted. We forget because it is part of our nature, our weak and sinful human nature. And sometimes we are worse than forgetful. As Paul put it, "...I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin." (Romans 7:25) I am in the same situation. Only God has the power to overcome my sinful nature. In myself, I am powerless before it. And the Gospel, the theme of God's Holy Word, is His wonderful key that sets me free every time I hear it.

Rebecca is celebrating the theme of the Gospel and invites us to share our posts on the topic each Tuesday and Friday of the month of October. Please visit her here.