Have Thine Own Way, Lord!

"Have Thine Own Way, Lord!" was written by Adelaide Addison Pollard, a devoted Christian teacher and evangelist who had a deep longing to serve God overseas. In 1902, she felt called to missionary service in Africa but was unable to raise the needed funds. Disheartened, she attended a prayer meeting where she heard an elderly woman pray, “It really does not matter what You do with us, Lord, just have Your own way with our lives.” This humble and surrendered spirit touched Pollard deeply. That evening she reflected on Jeremiah 18:6, where the Lord likens His people to clay in the hands of a potter. Out of that meditation came the hymn “Have Thine Own Way, Lord!”, which she completed in 1907.

The hymn’s four verses are a heartfelt prayer of total submission to the will of God. The first verse focuses on surrender, recognizing God as the Potter and the believer as clay. The second verse pleads for God’s cleansing power, pointing to Christ’s blood as the source of purity. The third verse asks for God’s presence and control in life, while the fourth verse seeks the fullness of the Spirit and the reflection of Christ in the believer’s life.

The music was composed by George Coles Stebbins (1846–1945), a prominent American gospel musician who worked closely with evangelists like Dwight L. Moody and Ira D. Sankey. Stebbins’ melody complements the hymn’s prayerful tone with a gentle yet resolute flow, making it suitable for both personal devotion and corporate worship. Since its publication, “Have Thine Own Way, Lord!” has become a classic invitation hymn, often sung during altar calls and moments of dedication. Its enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and sincerity, offering believers a way to express their desire for God’s shaping hand in every part of life. This hymn continues to remind Christians that true peace and fruitfulness come only when we yield completely to the Master’s will.