I Love to Steal Awhile Away

“I Love to Steal Awhile Away” was written in 1818 by Phoebe Hinsdale Brown, a hymn that arose from a moment of deep personal longing for quiet fellowship with God. Brown, a devoted Christian woman living under humble circumstances, often found it difficult to secure a peaceful place for prayer and reflection. One evening, after feeling judged for seeking a private moment outdoors to pray, she poured her emotions into this hymn. It became her heartfelt expression of the believer’s desire to withdraw from the noise and demands of daily life in order to meet with God.

The hymn beautifully reflects the truth of Psalm 46:10, which says, “Be still, and know that I am God.” Brown captures the soul’s need for stillness and communion with the Lord. Her words show that even in ordinary and difficult routines, the believer can find sweet refreshment by drawing near to God in prayer. The hymn expresses the comfort found in hiding away with the Savior, laying every burden before Him, and receiving renewed strength.

Brown’s writing is gentle and sincere. She speaks of quiet moments where the believer can confess their struggles, seek guidance, and experience the peace that only God gives. The hymn emphasizes that prayer is not a ritual limited to formal places, but an accessible gift for every Christian, regardless of their circumstances. Brown’s own hardships gave her a deep understanding of the preciousness of spiritual solitude.

Through the years, this hymn has encouraged believers who yearn for time alone with God. It resonates with those who face busyness, worry, or discouragement, reminding them that the Lord is always ready to receive them in quiet fellowship. The hymn continues to be cherished because it expresses a universal Christian experience, the longing to step away from life’s pressures in order to rest in the presence of the One who knows every need and hears every whispered prayer.