Give Me the Faith Which Can Remove

“Give Me the Faith Which Can Remove” was written by Charles Wesley in 1749 and reflects the strong Methodist emphasis on living, active faith. The hymn draws directly from the words of Christ in Matthew 17:20, where He declares, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove.” Wesley does not treat this promise as mere metaphor or spectacle, but as a description of the mighty spiritual power that flows from true trust in God.

The hymn is a prayer. It does not boast of faith already possessed, but humbly asks God to grant it. Wesley understood that faith itself is a gift of grace, in harmony with Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” The believer depends entirely upon divine mercy, not personal strength. This tone of dependence is consistent with Methodist theology, which stressed heartfelt religion and continual reliance upon Christ.

Wesley also connects faith with love, reflecting Galatians 5:6, “faith which worketh by love.” The faith he seeks is not cold assent or intellectual agreement. It is a living principle that produces holiness, obedience, and compassion. In this way, the hymn aligns with 1 Corinthians 13:2, where Paul teaches that even mountain-moving faith is empty without love. Wesley’s prayer is for a faith purified and energized by divine charity.

The text also reflects the revival spirit of the eighteenth century. During this period, the Methodist movement called believers to deeper assurance, earnest prayer, and visible transformation of life. “Give Me the Faith Which Can Remove” served as a congregational expression of that longing. It encourages Christians to seek bold confidence in God’s promises and steadfast endurance in trials.

Rather than focusing on outward miracles, the hymn directs attention to inward spiritual victory. The mountains to be removed include doubt, fear, sin, and spiritual weakness. The believer cries out for faith strong enough to overcome these obstacles through Christ’s power.

More than two centuries later, the hymn remains a powerful reminder that genuine faith is both humble and mighty. It begins with prayer, rests in grace, and produces love. In asking for mountain-moving faith, the singer confesses dependence upon God while expressing confidence that He is able to accomplish what He has promised.