Piano Demo
0:00
Hymnal Number
298Resource Type:
Keys included:
G
About this Hymn
William Cowper wrote this hymn with John 21:15–19 in mind, in which Jesus asks Peter, "Do you love me?" Here Cowper interpolates some things Jesus was possibly thinking when asserting his own love toward Peter, and by extension toward us: he has offered nurture, direction, and parental care, and his love stretches beyond anything we could imagine, including a place with him in heaven. The response is brief: My own love is inadequate, but yes! Grant me the grace to love you more.
Lyrics
Verse 1
Hark, my soul, it is the Lord; 'tis thy Savior, hear his word; Jesus speaks, and speaks to thee, "Say, poor sinner, lov'st thou me?"
Verse 2
"I delivered thee when bound and, when wounded, healed thy wound; sought thee wand'ring, set thee right, turned thy darkness into light."
Verse 3
"Can a woman's tender care cease toward the child she bare? yes, she may forgetful be, yet will I remember thee."
Verse 4
"Mine is an unchanging love, higher than the heights above, deeper than the depths beneath, free and faithful, strong as death."
Verse 5
"Thou shalt see my glory soon, when the work of grace is done; partner of my throne shalt be: say, poor sinner, lov'st thou me?"
Verse 6
Lord, it is my chief complaint that my love is weak and faint, yet I love thee and adore; oh, for grace to love thee more!
Hark, my soul, it is the Lord; 'tis thy Savior, hear his word; Jesus speaks, and speaks to thee, "Say, poor sinner, lov'st thou me?"
Verse 2
"I delivered thee when bound and, when wounded, healed thy wound; sought thee wand'ring, set thee right, turned thy darkness into light."
Verse 3
"Can a woman's tender care cease toward the child she bare? yes, she may forgetful be, yet will I remember thee."
Verse 4
"Mine is an unchanging love, higher than the heights above, deeper than the depths beneath, free and faithful, strong as death."
Verse 5
"Thou shalt see my glory soon, when the work of grace is done; partner of my throne shalt be: say, poor sinner, lov'st thou me?"
Verse 6
Lord, it is my chief complaint that my love is weak and faint, yet I love thee and adore; oh, for grace to love thee more!
Copyrighted lyrics may be used in corporate worship in accordance with a valid CCLI license. Lyrics should be displayed unaltered and include author and copyright information. All other uses require permission from the copyright holder.
Attribution & Copyright
Words: William Cowper, 1768
Music: John B. Dykes, 1862
Music: John B. Dykes, 1862