Latinised Hymns

Take my life, and let it be

Take my life, and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee;
take my moments and my days,
let them flow in ceaseless praise.

Take my hands, and let them move
at the impulse of thy love;
take my feet, and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee.

Take my voice, and let me sing
always, only, for my King;
take my lips, and let them be
filled with messages from thee.

Take my silver and my gold,
not a mite would I withhold;
take my intellect, and use
every power as thou shalt choose.

Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
take my heart, it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne.

Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure-store;
take my self, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee.

R Havergal

Vitam tibi, Domine,
consecratam suscipe
ut momenta sic dies
laudibus fac uberes.

Cape tu manus meas
et amore dirigas,
tibi dum mei pedes
pulchri sint et celeres.

Cape vocem: sit meum
soli tibi canticum;
ora tu reple mea:
verba nuncupent tua.

Opum mihi minimam
partem ne retineam;
mentis huius acie
ut libebit utere.

Haec voluntas non mihi
sed oboediat tibi;
pectus hoc accipias,
rex ut ibi sedeas.

Mihi quantus est amor
totum tibi largior;
cape me, tibique ero
semper omnis unico.

MM 25.2–9.3.98