Take My Life and Let It Be

Author – Frances R. Havergal, 1836–1879
Composer – H. A. César Malan, 1787–1864
Tune Name – “Hendon”
Meter – 11.11
Scripture Reference – 1 Corinthians 10:31
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

Frances Ridley Havergal, born December 14, 1836, in Astley, Worcestershire, England, is often known as “the consecration poet” because of her sincere commitment to Christ and her call for believers to live holy, surrendered lives. Her life was a living testimony to the theme she so often wrote about: full dedication to the service of Jesus. Wherever she encountered physical or spiritual need, she responded with genuine Christian love and concern. She began reading and memorizing Scripture at age four and started composing poetry at the age of seven. Her father, William Havergal, an Anglican clergyman and musician, strongly influenced her development and inspired her love for hymnody. Though her health remained fragile throughout her life, Frances proved to be an energetic and gifted student, mastering several modern languages as well as Greek and Hebrew. She had a natural musical gift and possessed a beautiful singing voice, which could have easily earned her a celebrated place in the world of classical music. But her purpose was different: she chose to use her talents entirely for the glory of Christ.

As a child, Frances feared she might not be among God’s elect, but in her early teens, she experienced a definite conversion and recorded the moment by writing, “There and then I committed my soul to the Savior—and earth and heaven seemed bright from that moment.” She resolved that her entire life would be devoted to Christ. Despite being in demand as a singer and pianist, she never pursued worldly fame. One of her most well-known hymns, “Take My Life and Let It Be,” was written in 1874. She described the circumstances of its writing in a letter: during a five-day visit to a household of ten people some unconverted, others spiritually stagnant, she prayed, “Lord, give me all in this house.” By the time she left, everyone had received a spiritual blessing. On the final night, filled with joy, she was unable to sleep and spent the hours in prayer and quiet worship. During that time, the lines of the hymn came to her heart “one after another,” concluding with the words, “ever, only, all for Thee.”

Frances did not take the words of her hymn lightly. In 1878, she wrote to a friend about a new step of obedience: she had sent nearly fifty pieces of fine jewelry, including a costly jewel cabinet, to the Church Missionary Society to be sold for the benefit of missions. She wrote, “I don’t think I ever packed a box with such pleasure.” Her lines, “Take my silver and my gold, not a mite would I withhold,” were matched by action. While Frances was writing deeply devotional hymns in England, her American contemporary, Fanny Crosby, was also composing hymns that would touch millions. Although they never met, both women admired each other’s work deeply. Frances Havergal died at the age of 42. When told her illness was likely fatal, she replied with radiant peace, “If I am really going, it is too good to be true.” At the foot of her bed, she had her favorite Scripture verse: “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

Havergal is also the author of several other beloved hymns, including “I Gave My Life for Thee” and “I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus.” The tune most commonly associated with “Take My Life and Let It Be” is “Hendon,” composed by Henri Abraham César Malan in 1823. Malan was a Swiss pastor in the State Reformed Church but was later dismissed because of his bold preaching against the spiritual deadness and formality in the church. He became a leading figure in the evangelical revival in Switzerland and preached throughout France, Belgium, and Great Britain. A prolific writer, Malan produced over 1,000 hymns and tunes, but “Hendon” remains his most enduring contribution. It is believed that the tune was named after a hill located northeast of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. The melody was first introduced to American audiences through a hymnal published by Lowell Mason in 1841. Together, Havergal’s powerful words and Malan’s noble tune have helped make “Take My Life and Let It Be” a cherished hymn of Christian consecration and surrender.