I Am Praying for You

Tune Composer
Ira David Sankey (1840–1908), composed the tune in 1874 after discovering Cluff’s words in a leaflet mobilehymns.orghymnstudiesblog

Date (Words / Tune)
Words: circa 1860 mobilehymns.orghymnstudiesblog
Tune: 1874 mobilehymns.orghymnstudiesblog

Meter
11.11.12.11 with refrain mobilehymns.orgHymnary

Key
G major (one sharp) mobilehymns.org

Time Signature
4/4 time mobilehymns.org

Publication / Usage
This hymn appears in over 500 hymnals Hymnary, including African Methodist Episcopal Church Hymnal #329 and African American Heritage Hymnal #350 Hymnaryhymnsforworship.org

Copyright Status
Public domain mobilehymns.orgHymnary

Brief Background Note
Cluff published this song among his “Timogue Leaflets” in 1860 and later left the Church of Ireland to join the Plymouth Brethren hymnstudiesblog. Sankey discovered the text during evangelistic campaigns and set it to music, making it a staple in Moody-Sankey meetings hymnstudiesblogYouTube.

 

“I Am Praying for You” is one of the most heartfelt gospel hymns of the nineteenth century, written by Samuel O’Malley Gore Cluff of Dublin, Ireland. Cluff, who was originally ordained in the Church of Ireland, later joined the Plymouth Brethren, and was a poet, preacher, and evangelist. His hymn was first published in 1860 in one of his “Timogue Leaflets,” small tracts that circulated widely. The hymn captured the spirit of intercessory prayer, expressing the deep love of a believer who longs to see another person saved and assured of eternal life in Christ. The words are simple yet powerful, built around the repeated refrain “For you I am praying,” which emphasizes both the sincerity and persistence of the singer’s plea before God on behalf of another soul.

The hymn gained global influence when Ira David Sankey, the famous gospel singer and composer who traveled with Dwight L. Moody, discovered Cluff’s words and set them to music in 1874. Sankey recounted that he found the hymn text printed on a leaflet and was so moved by its message that he composed a tune for it. Through the Moody-Sankey revivals in Britain and America, “I Am Praying for You” became one of the most beloved gospel solos of its time, touching thousands of hearts. Its impact was magnified by the fact that it combined a personal testimony of faith in Christ with the earnest intercessory appeal of one who longs to share heaven with others.

The hymn reflects several important biblical truths. It illustrates the power of prayer as taught in James 5:16, reminding Christians of the privilege of bringing others before God’s throne. It conveys the reality of Christ’s present intercession in heaven (Hebrews 7:25), drawing a parallel between the Savior praying for His people and believers praying for the salvation of others. It also echoes Paul’s deep burden for souls, as expressed in Romans 10:1, “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.” The hymn encourages Christians not only to rejoice in their own salvation but to carry a burden for the lost, praying faithfully that others may come to know the same Savior.

In worship, the hymn has been cherished for its tender tone and evangelistic usefulness. Its first-person testimony makes it personal and direct, and the refrain reinforces the urgency of prayer. The imagery of heaven, with robes, crowns, harps, and eternal rest, gives the believer a vision of glory while intensifying the longing to see others share in that joy. For over a century, it has been used in both personal evangelism and public services, often sung as a solo or as part of an invitation hymn. Today, it continues to remind believers that prayer is one of the greatest gifts we can offer to those we love, and that true Christian affection is shown not merely in words, but in the faithful act of interceding for others before God.