by Darren Glenewinkle
A hymn picturing our deepened, intimate relationship with God is depicted in this awe inspiring beloved hymn so named as "I Am Thine, O Lord" and also known as "Draw Me Nearer." While visiting William Howard Doane in his home, located in Cincinnati, Ohio, Fanny Crosby, otherwise known as "the Blind Poetess," wrote the words to this beloved hymn as she talked with William Howard Doane concerning the nearness of God. Fanny was so impressed with this subject that before she had retired for the night, she penned the words for this hymn. This has become one of the most useful hymns that she has written.
William Doane composed the music to this hymn. He wrote the music score that so well fitted the very words, that this hymn of deep solace and peace has become a very special favorite wherever Gospel hymns are known and sung all around the world. Written in the year of our Lord 1875, this hymn has shown many people through the centuries how a true child of God can become more intimate with God the Father, even though individual circumstances may look dark, dim and bleak. A believer can draw nearer to God through the spotless shed blood of his beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ and Him alone.
Other hymns written by Fanny Jane Crosby are as follows:
- A Wonderful Savior
- All the Way My Savior Leads Me’
- Blessed Assurance
- Hold Thou My Hand
- Jesus is Tenderly Calling
- Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross
- Praise Him! Praise Him!
- Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It
- Rescue the Perishing
- Safe in the Arms of Jesus
- Sing On, Ye Joyful Pilgrims
- Tell Me the story of Jesus
- ‘Tis the Blessed Hour of Prayer
- To God Be the Glory
Bibliography:
http://www.preciouslordtakemyhand.com/christianhymns/iamthine.html
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/i/a/iatolord.htm
Forrest M McCann, Hymns and Hymn History, ACU Press, Abilene, TX 1997 pp. 392 & 384
