Lord, I Have Shut the Door

By William M. Runyan

Lyrics

1. Lord, I have shut the door,
Speak now the word
Which in the din and throng
Could not be heard;
Hushed now my inner heart,
Whisper Thy will,
While I have come apart,
While all is still.

2. Lord, I have shut the door,
Here do I bow;
Speak, for my soul attend
Turns to Thee now.
Rebuke Thou what is vain,
Counsel my soul,
Thy holy will reveal,
My will control.

3. In this blest quietness
Clamorings cease;
Here in Thy presence dwells
Infinite peace;
Yonder, the strife and cry,
Yonder, the sin:
Lord, I have shut the door,
Thou art within!

4. Lord, I have shut the door,
Strengthen my heart;
Yonder awaits the task--
I share a part.
Only through grace bestowed
May I be true;
Here, while alone with Thee,
My strength renew.

Bible Reference

Matthew 6:6

About This Hymn

This media is licensed under the terms of Hope Publishing: one copy

Lord, I Have Shut the Door is a gentle, prayerful hymn inviting believers to withdraw from noise and distractions and speak with God in intimate, quiet devotion. William M. Runyan, a Methodist minister and prolific hymnwriter, penned both its heartfelt lyrics and its serene tune—titled “Sanctuary” in 1923. The hymn draws deeply from Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:6 about private prayer, and embodies that message in a melodic and memorable way .

Subsequent verses deepen the themes of humility, peace, and renewal. Verse two speaks of bowing in reverence and yielding to God’s counsel; verse three emphasizes the peace found when distractions cease and Christ dwells within; verse four closes with a plea for strength to return to daily duties under God’s grace.

The hymn has appeared in numerous denominational collections, sometimes under headings like "Prayer" or "Supplication," and in worship contexts especially suited to Lenten seasons and calls to private communion with God.