Take My Life, That I May Be, verse 3, ELW 685 & LBW 406 (NRSV)
Read Take My Life, That I May Be, verse 3, ELW 685 & LBW 406 on biblegateway.com
Devotion
A friend once commented on that familiar hymn, "Take My Life, That I May Be," that he wished God would take his voice in the third verse. He could not sing a note and when he tried others would move away from him. He said he prayed, "Lord, give me back a voice that really sings praises to the King, because it is hard to remain silent and noncommittal when it comes to You."
I don't think the writer of the hymn text back in the 19th century was thinking of giving God what we wanted to get rid of in return for something better. What is needed is for us to give our entire being in service to Christ. It is not important what we receive in return, for Christ will provide all the blessings of a life "ever, only, all for thee."
Prayer
Lord, take my life that I may always be your servant. I give you not only what I want to lose, but whatever you see may be a hindrance to my love for you. Amen.