My Faith Looks Up to Thee

"My Faith Looks Up to Thee" is a cherished hymn of devotion and trust in Christ, written by Ray Palmer in 1830 shortly after a time of intense personal spiritual renewal. Palmer, a recent Yale graduate and soon-to-be Congregational minister, composed the text privately as a personal meditation on the suffering of Christ and the believer’s dependence upon Him. It was originally a poem, not intended for publication, but when he shared it with the famed composer Lowell Mason, Mason was so moved that he asked permission to set it to music. The resulting tune, “Olivet,” became inseparably linked with Palmer’s words and was published in 1832.

The hymn is a heartfelt prayer that captures the longing of the soul for divine grace, forgiveness, and spiritual strength. Each verse flows with reverent dependence upon the Savior, invoking the redemptive power of Christ’s love and sacrifice. The opening line, “My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine,” is both a confession of faith and a plea for sustaining grace. Palmer’s writing reflects the deep influence of the Second Great Awakening, which emphasized personal holiness, heartfelt piety, and complete surrender to God.

Musically, Lowell Mason's tune “Olivet” supports the tender, reflective mood of the hymn. Mason, a central figure in American church music, saw the potential of Palmer’s lyrics and matched them with a melody that has helped preserve the hymn in the worship life of churches for nearly two centuries. Together, the words and melody form a meditative expression of trust, often sung during times of consecration, communion, or personal commitment.

"My Faith Looks Up to Thee" continues to comfort believers in times of trial and strengthen them in moments of worship, reminding them that true faith always looks upward—to Christ, who is both the author and finisher of our faith.