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This is hymn 59 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 59: I WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS

1. I want to be like Jesus,
So lowly and so meek;
For no one marked an angry word,
That ever heard Him speak.

2. I want to be like Jesus,
So frequently in prayer;
Alone upon the mountain top,
He met His Father there.

3. I want to be like Jesus,
I never, never find
That He, though persecuted was
To anyone unkind.

4. I want to be like Jesus,
Engaged in doing good;
So that of me it may be said,
“He hath done what he could.”

5. I want to be like Jesus,
Who sweetly said to all,
“Let little children come to Me,”
I would obey the call.

6. But oh, I’m not like Jesus,
As anyone may see;
O gentle Savior, send Thy grace,
And make me like to thee.

I WANT TO BE LIKE JESUS HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, this tender hymn, “I Want to Be Like Jesus,” strikes at the very heart of God’s purpose for our salvation: our conformity to the image of His Son (Romans 8:29). It is more than a song; it is a holy ambition, a prayer of discipleship that moves from admiration to a heartfelt plea for transformation. It sets before us the beautiful, practical character of Jesus and then, in humble honesty, acknowledges our own deep need for grace to become like Him.

Why We Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to cultivate a Christ-like character, to examine our lives against His perfect example, and to express our utter dependence on the Holy Spirit to change us. It is a hymn of sanctification, guiding us beyond the desire for blessings to the deeper longing for Christ-likeness in thought, word, and deed.

1. It is a Hymn of Admiring Imitation (Verses 1-5)
Each verse begins with the heartfelt declaration, “I want to be like Jesus,” and then focuses on a specific, observable trait of His earthly life:

• In Speech: He was “lowly and so meek”; His words were never marked by angry, ungracious speech (Verse 1).
• In Prayer: He was “frequently in prayer,” seeking solitary communion with the Father (Verse 2, Mark 1:35).
• In Response to Evil: Though persecuted, He was never unkind or retaliatory in spirit (Verse 3).
• In Service: He was “engaged in doing good,” and His life could be summarized by the principle, “He hath done what he could” (Verse 4, Mark 14:8).
• In Heart for the Lowly: He showed tender love and welcome to children, the humble, and the overlooked (Verse 5).

This paints a portrait of a life of gentle strength, prayerful dependence, active love, and gracious humility—a clear model for our own daily walk.

2. It is a Hymn of Humble Confession and Gracious Plea (Verse 6)
The hymn takes a crucial, honest turn. After five verses of aspiration, the singer looks inward and confesses: “But oh, I’m not like Jesus, As anyone may see.” This is not despair, but the necessary humility that unlocks grace. We cannot will ourselves into Christ-likeness. The realization of our deficiency leads to the only solution: a prayer. “O gentle Savior, send Thy grace, And make me like to Thee.” We acknowledge that the change we desire is a work of His grace within us, not our own moral effort. It is a plea for the Spirit to form Christ in us (Galatians 4:19).

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Do you truly want to be like Jesus? This hymn invites you to move beyond a general admiration to a specific longing. Look at the areas it highlights:

• Is your speech marked by the “lowly and meek” spirit of Christ, or by anger, gossip, or pride?
• Is your life rooted in “frequent prayer,” or is it powered by your own plans?
• When wronged, do you harbor unkindness, or do you reflect His gracious, forgiving spirit?
• Are you “engaged in doing good” in practical ways where you are?
• Do you have His heart for the humble, the young, and the marginalized?

As you reflect, you will likely join in the confession of Verse 6. Do not be discouraged. This is where grace flourishes. Bring your failed efforts and sincere longing to the “gentle Savior.” Pray this hymn as your own. Tell Him you want to be like Him, and then plead for His grace to accomplish in you what you cannot do for yourself.

The desire to be like Jesus is the Spirit’s work. The power to become like Jesus is the Spirit’s gift. Let this hymn be your prayer today, and trust the gentle Savior to answer.

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

In the name of our perfect Example and gracious Transformer, Jesus Christ, Amen.

This is hymn 40 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 40: CHRIST IS OUR CORNER-STONE

1. Christ Is Our Corner-Stone;
On Him Alone We Build;
With His True Saints Alone
The Courts Of Heaven Are Filled;
On His Great Love
Our Hopes We Place
Of Present Grace,
And Joys Above.

2. Oh, Then, With Hymns Of Praise
These Hallow’d Courts Shall Ring:
Our Voices We Will Raise,
The Three In One To Sin;
And Thus Proclaim
In Joyful Song,
Both Loud And Long,
That Glorious Name.

3. Here, Gracious God, Do Thou
For Evermore Draw Nigh;
Accept Each Faithful Vow,
And Mark Each Suppliant Sigh;
In Copious Shower
On All Who Pray,
Each Holy Day,
Thy Blessings Pour.

4. Here May We Gain From Heaven
The Grace Which We Implore,
And May That Grace, Once Given
Be With Us Evermore;
Until That Day,
When All The Blest,
To Endless Rest Are Called Away.

CHRIST IS OUR CORNER-STONE HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, as we conclude this series of reflections, we come to a hymn that lays the theological and practical cornerstone for everything we have sung. “Christ Is Our Corner-Stone” is a majestic declaration of the supremacy, sufficiency, and centrality of Jesus Christ in our faith, our fellowship, and our future. It beautifully weaves together the themes of our identity as His saints, our present worship, and our eternal hope—all resting on the one, unchanging foundation.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to affirm the exclusive Lordship of Christ over the Church, to consecrate our corporate worship, and to pray for the abiding grace that flows from His presence. It is a hymn for the dedication of a church building, the gathering of the saints, and the daily building of a life. It reminds us that our unity, our hope, and our access to God are found in Him alone.

1. It is a Hymn of Exclusive Foundation and Glorious Fellowship (Verse 1)
The hymn begins with the absolute, non-negotiable declaration of Christ’s unique role: “Christ Is Our Corner-Stone.” In ancient architecture, the cornerstone determined the lines, strength, and stability of the entire building. Our faith, our community, and our eternal destiny are aligned and supported by Him alone: “On Him Alone We Build.” This cornerstone not only supports us but also defines our fellowship. It is “With His True Saints Alone”—those united in Him—that “The Courts Of Heaven Are Filled.” Our present hope for grace and our future joy in heaven are both placed “On His Great Love.” He is the source of everything.

2. It is a Hymn of Joyful, Corporate Proclamation (Verse 2)
From this foundation springs our primary earthly activity: worship. Because Christ is our cornerstone, our gatherings (“These Hallow’d Courts”) should resound with “hymns of praise.” We do not worship in silence, but we “raise” our voices to proclaim the Triune God. Our worship is an active, joyful announcement to the world and a declaration to our own souls of the “glorious name”upon which we stand. True worship is the natural and necessary sound of a people built on Christ.

3. It is a Hymn of Petition for God’s Abiding Presence (Verse 3)
This verse is a prayer for the reality of God’s presence in our midst. We ask the gracious God to “For Evermore Draw Nigh.” We seek His attentive ear to “Accept Each Faithful Vow, And Mark Each Suppliant Sigh.” We plead for His blessings in “Copious Shower” upon all who pray. This underscores that a church built on Christ is not a monument, but a living, breathing place of prayer, vow-making, and divine visitation. We depend on His continued grace, not just our initial foundation.

4. It is a Hymn of Sustaining Grace and Eternal Consummation (Verse 4)
The final prayer links our present need with our eternal destiny. We ask to “Gain From Heaven The Grace Which We Implore”—the daily strength to live faithfully on the cornerstone. And we pray that this grace, once given, will “Be With Us Evermore,” sustaining us through all of life. This leads us to look forward to “That Day” of final gathering when all the blessed will be called to “Endless Rest.”Our life on the cornerstone now is a pilgrimage toward perfect, eternal communion with Him.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

What are you building your life upon today? Your achievements, your relationships, your plans? This hymn calls for an inspection of your foundation. Is it Christ, and Christ alone? He is the only cornerstone that can withstand every storm of life and death.

When you gather with other believers—whether in a grand cathedral or a simple room—remember you are joining the “true saints” who fill heaven’s courts. Worship with joy, for you stand on a glorious, unshakeable foundation.

And pray earnestly for His grace to be with you evermore, from this holy day until the day you are called to your endless rest in His presence. For the building that rests on Christ the Cornerstone will stand forever.

Build on Him. Worship in His name. Pray for His grace. Look to that Day.

In the name of Jesus Christ, our only Cornerstone and Eternal Hope, Amen.

This is hymn 39 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 39: I AM THINE, O LORD

1. I am Thine, O Lord
I have heard Thy voice
And it told Thy love to me
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee

Chorus:
Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord
To the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord
To Thy precious, bleeding side.

2. Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord
By the pow’r of grace divine
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope
And my will be lost in Thine.

3. Oh, the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee,
my God I commune as friend with friend

4. There are depths of love that I cannot know
Till I cross the narrow sea
There are heights of joy that I may not reach
Till I rest in peace with Thee.

I AM THINE, O LORD HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, this tender and intimate hymn, “I Am Thine, O Lord,” draws us into the quiet chamber of personal devotion. It is the breath of a heart that has been captured by grace and now burns with a single, holy ambition: to know Christ more deeply. This hymn gives us language for the sacred tension of the Christian life—the joy of belonging and the longing for greater nearness. It is a prayer for nearness, consecration, communion, and ultimate fulfillment.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to give voice to our holy dissatisfaction with a distant or routine faith. It is the song of a soul that has tasted God’s love and now craves the fullness of His presence. It transforms our prayer life from a list of requests into a pursuit of intimacy with our Savior.

1. It is a Hymn of Secure Belonging and Holy Longing (Verse 1)
The hymn begins with the most wonderful confession a believer can make: “I am Thine, O Lord.”This is the foundation of our faith—a relationship of belonging, secured by His grace. We have “heard Thy voice” in the Gospel, and it spoke of love. But a true encounter with Christ’s love does not lead to complacency; it ignites a sacred hunger. The believer longs to “rise in the arms of faith”and be “closer drawn to Thee.” Our salvation is secure, yet our souls are perpetually restless, seeking deeper communion with the One who saved us.

2. It is a Hymn of Consecrated Surrender (Verse 2)
The natural response to being drawn nearer is a desire to be fully His. “Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord” is a prayer of total surrender. This is only possible “by the pow’r of grace divine.”The beautiful result is a soul anchored in “steadfast hope” and a will that finds its true freedom and purpose when it is “lost in Thine.” This is the pinnacle of discipleship: our desires merging with His, our plans dissolving into His perfect will.

3. It is a Hymn of Prayerful Delight (Verse 3)
This verse captures the sublime joy of personal devotion. It calls prayer a “pure delight,” reframing it from duty to the highest privilege. The image of spending an “hour… before Thy throne” and communing “as friend with friend” reflects the breathtaking reality that the Almighty God invites us into intimate relationship (John 15:15). This is the source of our strength and the wellspring of our joy—knowing we can approach not just a King, but a Friend who listens and loves.

4. It is a Hymn of Hope-Filled Expectation (Verse 4)
The hymn ends with a sober yet glorious recognition: our communion here, as sweet as it is, is still partial. There are “depths of love” we cannot yet fathom and “heights of joy” we cannot yet scale. But this is not a note of despair, but of triumphant hope! It points us to our eternal home, “till I cross the narrow sea” and “rest in peace with Thee.” Our present drawing nearer is a foretaste of the perfect, unbroken fellowship that awaits us in glory.

The Chorus: The Heart’s Constant Cry
The repeated chorus is the soul’s perpetual prayer: “Draw me nearer… to Thy precious, bleeding side.” Our closeness to God is always measured by our nearness to the cross. It is at the place of His sacrifice that we understand His love, receive our cleansing, and find the magnetic center that pulls our hearts away from sin and self, and into deep fellowship with Him.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Has your spiritual life felt routine? Have you felt a gentle, holy tug on your heart, a sense that there must be more than this? That is the very voice this hymn embodies. You belong to Him. Do not ignore that longing; embrace it as a gift from the Spirit.

Today, in your quiet moment, make this hymn your prayer. Tell the Lord you are His. Ask Him to draw you nearer to the reality of the cross. Surrender your will afresh to His service. Seek the pure delight of a few unhurried minutes in His presence, talking to Him as your dearest Friend.

And be encouraged: every step you take in response to this longing brings you deeper into His love now, and prepares you for the indescribable depths and heights you will know when you finally see Him face to face.

Answer the call. Seek His nearness.

In the name of Jesus, our Friend and Savior, Amen.

This is hymn 38 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 38: GOD GIVE US CHRISTIAN HOME

1. God give us Christian homes
Homes where the Bible is loved and taught,
Homes where the Master’s will is sought,
Homes crowned with beauty Thy love has wrought;
God give us Christian homes
God give us Christian homes!

2. God give us Christian homes
Homes where the father is true and strong,
Homes that are free from the blight of wrong,
Homes that are joyous with love and song;
God give us Christian homes
God give us Christian homes!

3. God give us Christian homes
Homes where the mother in queenly quest,
Strives to show others Thy way is best,
Homes where the Lord is an honoured guest;
God give us Christian homes
God give us Christian homes!

4. God give us Christian homes
Homes where the children are led to know
Christ in His beauty who loves them so,
Homes where the altar fires burn and glow;
God give us Christian homes;
God give us Christian homes!

GOD GIVE US CHRISTIAN HOME HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, the family is the foundational unit of society and the first school of discipleship. This hymn, “God Give Us Christian Homes,” is far more than a sentimental wish; it is a powerful, collective prayer and a clear blueprint for what a home centered on Christ should look like. It recognizes that a godly home is not an accident, but a gift from God to be sought, built, and nurtured through intentional devotion and obedience. It is a hymn of intercession and aspiration for every household of faith.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to pray for our own families and the families within the church, to define the spiritual priorities of a Christian household, and to dedicate our homes to the lordship of Jesus Christ. It is a hymn that calls us to action, reminding us that the faith is lived out most practically within the walls of our own homes.

1. It is a Hymn of Foundational Truth and Sought-After Beauty (Verse 1)
The hymn begins by establishing the non-negotiable foundation: a home where “the Bible is loved and taught.” God’s Word must be both cherished affectionately and instructed faithfully. This leads to the home’s central pursuit: seeking “the Master’s will.” The family’s direction comes not from cultural trends, but from Christ. The result is a beauty not of mere decoration, but of divine craftsmanship: “Homes crowned with beauty Thy love has wrought.” A Christian home is a masterpiece of God’s grace, marked by the beauty of holiness, love, and peace.

2. It is a Hymn of Godly Leadership and Joyful Atmosphere (Verse 2)
This verse highlights the role of the father as a pillar of integrity and strength: “true and strong.”His character provides stability and protection, helping to create a home “free from the blight of wrong.” This freedom from the corruption of sin fosters an environment of health and safety. The natural outcome is not a rigid, joyless place, but one that is “joyous with love and song.” A Christ-centered home is meant to be a sanctuary of joy, where affection is expressed and praise is sung.

3. It is a Hymn of Noble Influence and Sacred Hospitality (Verse 3)
Here, the mother’s role is portrayed as one of noble, purposeful influence (“in queenly quest”). She actively and wisely “strives to show others Thy way is best,” guiding her family and perhaps others toward godliness. The defining mark of the home is that “the Lord is an honoured guest.” This means Christ is not an afterthought, but the conscious, welcomed center of family life—respected, obeyed, and consulted in all things. The home itself becomes a place of ministry and hospitality to His presence.

4. It is a Hymn of Intentional Discipleship and Perpetual Worship (Verse 4)
The final verse focuses on the sacred responsibility of parenting: to “lead” children to know Christ. It’s not passive hope, but active guidance toward “Christ in His beauty who loves them so.” The goal is a personal, loving relationship with Jesus. Such a home is marked by “altar fires” that “burn and glow.” This symbolizes a life of consistent prayer, worship, and sacrifice—a home where the spiritual flame of devotion to God is continually tended and never allowed to go out.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Whether you are a parent, a child, a grandparent, or a single person creating a household of one, this hymn is your prayer. It challenges us to audit our own homes against this biblical standard.

Is the Bible loved and taught in your dwelling? Is Christ’s will actively sought in family decisions? Is the atmosphere one of joy and freedom from the “blight” of strife, unforgiveness, or ungodly media? Is the Lord truly the honored guest, or is He relegated to a Sunday-only visitor? Is there an “altar” of prayer and worship that burns consistently?

Sing this hymn as a prayer for your home. Dedicate your household afresh to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Ask God to give you—and our church—homes that are not just Christian in name, but in truth, beauty, and power. For from such homes, the light of Christ shines brightly into a dark world.

God, give us Christian homes!

In the name of Jesus, the head of every godly household, Amen.

This is hymn 37 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 37: LET US WITH A GLADSOME MIND

1. Let us, with a gladsome mind,
Praise the Lord, for He is kind;
For His mercies shall endure
Ever faithful, ever sure.

2. Let us sound His name abroad,
For of gods He is the God;
For His mercies shall endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.

3. He with all-commanding might
Filled the new-made world with light;
For His mercies shall endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.

4. All things living He doth feed;
His full hand supplies their need;
For His mercies shall endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.

5. He His chosen race did bless
In the wasteful wilderness;
For His mercies shall endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.

6. He hath with a pious eye
Looked upon our misery;
For His mercies shall endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.

7. Let us with gladsome mind
Praise the Lord, for He is kind;
For His mercies shall endure,
Ever faithful, ever sure.

LET US WITH A GLADSOME MIND HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, this bright and sturdy hymn, “Let Us with a Gladsome Mind,” is a call to worship that is as much a theological declaration as it is a joyful exhortation. Based on Psalm 136, it provides us with a clear, compelling reason for our praise: the enduring, faithful mercy of God. It is a hymn that equips us to praise, not primarily because of what we have, but because of who He is—a kind, sovereign, and providential God whose steadfast love is the unchanging foundation of our lives.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to discipline our hearts toward a “gladsome” attitude rooted in God’s character, to rehearse the historic and personal proofs of His mercy, and to anchor our souls in the truth that His goodness is “ever faithful, ever sure.” It is a hymn that combats discontent and despair by focusing on the eternal constancy of God’s kindness.

1. It is a Hymn of Commanded Joy and Defined Kindness (Verse 1)
Worship begins with a collective, willful decision: “Let us, with a gladsome mind.” Our praise is to be marked by gladness, a joy that flows from a specific source. That source is God’s fundamental nature: He is kind. This kindness is not a fleeting mood but the very essence of His enduring “mercies,” which are described as “ever faithful, ever sure.” Before we list any specific blessings, we praise Him for the bedrock attribute that makes all blessings possible: His covenantal, steadfast love (Psalm 136:1).

2. It is a Hymn of Exclusive Worship and Creative Power (Verses 2 & 3)
Our praise is not to be private but proclaimed: “Let us sound His name abroad.” The reason is His supreme deity: “For of gods He is the God.” He alone is worthy. We then praise Him as the Creator who by “all-commanding might” spoke light into chaos. Our gladness encompasses the grandeur of His power and the beauty of His creation. The same mercy that sustains us spoke the universe into being.

3. It is a Hymn of Universal Provision and Specific Redemption (Verses 4 & 5)
God’s mercy is both general and particular. We praise Him as the sustainer of “All things living,”whose “full hand supplies their need.” This is His common grace. Then, we praise Him for His special, covenantal grace: “He His chosen race did bless in the wasteful wilderness.” He does not just feed creation; He faithfully guides and provides for His redeemed people through their most barren trials. His mercy is the manna in our wilderness.

4. It is a Hymn of Compassionate Attention and Personal Application (Verse 6)
The hymn reaches its most intimate point. The God of cosmic power and covenant history turns His gaze upon individual misery. He has “with a pious eye”—a holy, compassionate, and gracious look—“Looked upon our misery.” He sees, He knows, and He cares. Our personal suffering is not beneath His notice; it is within the scope of His enduring mercy. This is the bridge from doctrine to personal comfort.

5. It is a Hymn of Culminating Repetition and Resolved Praise (Verse 7)
The hymn closes by repeating the first verse. This is a powerful literary device, bringing us full circle. Having surveyed creation, provision, redemption, and compassion, our conclusion is the same as our beginning: God is kind, and His mercy endures. This repetition seals the truth in our hearts. Our praise is not based on a single event, but on the unchanging, eternal character of God.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Is your mind anxious, burdened, or far from “gladsome”? This hymn gives you a pathway to joy. Begin by commanding your soul, with fellow believers, to praise. Fix your mind on His kindness. Then, take a tour of His faithfulness:

Look at the created world and see His power.
Remember your daily bread and see His provision.
Recall your salvation and His guidance through life’s wilderness.
Know in your current struggle that His eye is upon you with compassion.

Every point on this tour ends with the same, solid refrain: His mercies endure; they are ever faithful, ever sure. Your circumstances may change, but His kindness does not. Let this truth be the ground of your gladness today.

Praise the Lord, for He is kind.

In the name of the ever-faithful God, Amen.

This is hymn 36 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 36: THERE IS A FOUNTAIN FILL’D WITH BLOOD

There is a fountain filled with blood
Drawn from Emmanuel’s veins;
And sinners plunged beneath that flood
Lose all their guilty stains.

2. The dying thief rejoiced to see
That fountain in his day;
And there have I, though vile as he,
Washed all my sins away.

3. I do believe, I will believe,
That Jesus died for me!
That on the cross He shed His blood,
From sin to set me free.

4. Dear dying Lamb,
Thy precious blood
Shall never lose its power
Till all the ransomed church of God
Be saved, to sin no more.

5. E’er since, by faith, I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme,
And shall be till I die.

THERE IS A FOUNTAIN FILL’D WITH BLOOD HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, we come to one of the most vivid and powerful hymns in the treasury of faith. “There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood” confronts us with the graphic, yet glorious, reality of our redemption. It moves beyond theory into the realm of personal, transformative experience, using the arresting image of a fountain flowing not with water, but with the very life-blood of Jesus Christ. This hymn is a celebration of the sinner’s only hope and the saint’s eternal theme.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to keep the astounding, bloody truth of the atonement central to our faith. It destroys all notions of self-cleansing, vividly portrays the completeness of our pardon, and inspires unending gratitude for a love that purchased our freedom at the ultimate cost. It is a hymn for the guilty conscience and the grateful heart.

1. It is a Hymn of a Singular, Shocking Source (Verse 1)
The opening line is intentionally jarring: “There is a fountain filled with blood.” This is not a gentle spring, but a divinely-opened torrent, sourced in “Emmanuel’s veins”—the very life of God-with-us. The action required is total immersion: sinners are “plunged beneath that flood.” This is not sprinkling, but a complete submersion that results in a complete cleansing: they “Lose all their guilty stains.” The hymn leaves no room for partial forgiveness or lingering guilt. The fountain’s power is absolute.

2. It is a Hymn of Universal Hope and Personal Testimony (Verse 2)
The hymn immediately offers the supreme example of its efficacy: “The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day.” If grace could reach a condemned criminal in his final hours, it can reach anyone. The singer makes the breathtaking connection: “And there have I, though vile as he, washed all my sins away.” We identify not with the religious elite, but with the vilest sinner, finding common ground at the foot of the cross. Our testimony is one of equality in guilt and equality in grace.

3. It is a Hymn of Personal Faith in a Definitive Act (Verse 3)
This verse is the cry of the believing heart, affirming the core truth of the Gospel. The repeated “I do believe, I will believe” is an affirmation of both present trust and lifelong commitment. The object of faith is specific: “That Jesus died for me… on the cross He shed His blood.” The purpose is clear: “From sin to set me free.” Our faith is not in a principle, but in a person and His historic, sacrificial death for our particular liberation.

4. It is a Hymn of Eternal Efficacy and Ultimate Victory (Verse 4)
Here, the hymn soars into a declaration of the blood’s undiminished, everlasting power. “Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood shall never lose its power.” Its power extends through all time, applied to every member of the “ransomed church of God,” until the final goal is achieved: that we are “saved, to sin no more.” This points to our ultimate glorification, where the cleansing work is so complete that sin’s power is eternally broken. The fountain’s efficacy spans from Calvary to the New Creation.

5. It is a Hymn of a Lifelong Theme (Verse 5)
The hymn concludes with the personal, perpetual response of the washed sinner. From the moment faith saw “the stream Thy flowing wounds supply,” the heart has been captured. “Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.” The fountain does not just clean us and then recede; it becomes the source of our lifelong song. Our testimony, our worship, and our meditation are forever centered on the love that opened the fountain.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Are you burdened by a sense of guilt, old or new? Do you feel the stain of failure? Look to the fountain. See it filled with blood drawn for you. Bring your vileness, your sin, and your shame, and by faith, plunge them beneath that flood. Trust that the blood of the dying Lamb has power to cleanse you completely.

If you are a believer, sing this hymn to remember your washing. Let it rekindle your awe. Let “redeeming love” be your theme again today. The fountain has not run dry. Its power is undiminished. It is still open for your cleansing and your song.

Come, plunge afresh, and rejoice in the stream that flows from Calvary.

In the name of Jesus, the Lamb whose blood never loses its power, Amen.

This is hymn 26 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 26: THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS

1.There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Savior above.

Refrain:

Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.

2. There shall be showers of blessing,
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain. [Refrain]

3. There shall be showers of blessing:
Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing,
Come and now honor Thy Word. [Refrain]

4. There shall be showers of blessing:
Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call! [Refrain]

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, in the dry and weary seasons of the soul—times of spiritual drought, emotional exhaustion, or barren labor—we have a divine promise of revival. This hymn, “There Shall Be Showers of Blessings,” is a prayerful anthem of faith and expectancy. It draws on the beautiful biblical imagery of rain to declare that God’s love is not a stagnant pool, but a promised, pouring-out of life-giving grace to revive His people and His work.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to stir our faith in God’s promise to renew and refresh His Church, to express our holy dissatisfaction with mere spiritual survival, and to unite in a corporate plea for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It is a hymn for dry bones and parched lands, a confident plea for heaven-sent revival.

1. It is a Hymn of a Guaranteed Promise (Verse 1)
The hymn begins with an unequivocal declaration: “There shall be showers of blessing.” This is not a hopeful wish, but a confident statement of fact based on “the promise of love.” God’s covenantal love for His people guarantees seasons of heavenly refreshment “Sent from the Savior above.” It reminds us that spiritual renewal is not something we manufacture, but a gift sent down from heaven in its timing. The blessing comes as “showers”—abundant, widespread, and life-giving.

2. It is a Hymn of Specific Need and Urgent Plea (Refrain)
The refrain masterfully contrasts our present experience with our promised inheritance. “Mercy-drops round us are falling”—we acknowledge and give thanks for the daily, sustaining graces that keep us from total desolation. These are the gentle proofs of God’s faithfulness. Yet, the heart that knows God’s promise cries out for more: “But for the showers we plead.” We are not content with mere survival; we long for the saturation, the overflowing abundance, the undeniable revival that only a full “shower” can bring. This is the plea of a church that wants more of God.

3. It is a Hymn of Abundant Life and Visible Renewal (Verse 2)
The promised showers bring “precious reviving again.” They are not a light mist, but a downpour that impacts the entire landscape—“Over the hills and the valleys.” Revival is comprehensive, touching both the high points and the low places of our lives and communities. It produces a “Sound of abundance of rain,” a tangible, audible testimony to God’s lavish goodness that cannot be ignored. It is the sound of spiritual drought breaking.

4. It is a Hymn of Active Prayer and Claiming God’s Word (Verses 3 & 4)
The final verses transition from declaration to direct, expectant prayer. We do not passively wait; we actively “plead.” We pray, “Send them upon us, O Lord,” and “Grant to us now a refreshing.” Our plea is grounded in God’s own character: “Come and now honor Thy Word.” We are holding God to His promise, asking Him to vindicate His faithfulness in our midst. The plea is urgent—“Oh, that today they might fall”—and is coupled with the conditions for blessing: sincere confession and wholehearted calling upon Jesus.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Does your spiritual life feel dry? Does your ministry or your personal walk seem like a parched valley? Have you grown content with “mercy-drops” when God has promised showers?

This hymn calls you to lift your eyes in faith to the promise-keeping God. Thank Him for the daily drops of mercy, but do not stop there. Let a holy dissatisfaction arise in your heart. Plead for the showers. Pray for a widespread, reviving, abundant rain of the Holy Spirit upon your life, your family, and your church.

Come before Him in confession and call upon the name of Jesus. Believe that He honors His Word. The promise is sure: There shall be showers. Pray with expectancy. Prepare your heart to be drenched in His gracious, reviving love.

Open your heart to the skies of heaven, and plead for the rain.

In the name of Jesus, the Lord of the harvest and the Sender of the rain, Amen.

This is hymn 25 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 25: THE GREAT PHYSICIANS NOW IS NEAR

1. The great Physician now is near,
the sympathizing Jesus;
He speaks the drooping heart to cheer,
oh! hear the voice of Jesus.

Refrain:
Sweetest note in seraph song,
sweetest name on mortal tongue;
sweetest carol ever sung,
Jesus, blessed Jesus.

2. Your many sins are all forgiven,
oh! hear the voice of Jesus;
go on your way in peace to heaven,
and wear a crown with Jesus. [Refrain]

3. All glory to the risen Lamb!
I now believe in Jesus;
I love the blessed Savior’s name,
I love the name of Jesus. [Refrain]

4. His name dispels my guilt and fear,
no other name but Jesus;
oh! how my soul delights to hear
the charming name of Jesus. [Refrain]

THE GREAT PHYSICIANS NOW IS NEAR HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, we often carry burdens that are not visible to the eye—a drooping heart, the weight of guilt, the chill of fear. This tender hymn, “The Great Physician Now Is Near,” directs our weary souls to the one who specializes in healing the deepest maladies of the human spirit. It presents Jesus not as a distant deity, but as the “sympathizing” Healer who draws near, speaks comfort, and dispels our darkest troubles with the sweet sound of His own name.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to remind ourselves of Christ’s immediate presence and compassionate character in our times of inner sickness. It is a balm for the discouraged soul, a proclamation of pardon for the guilty conscience, and a love song to the name that brings peace. It turns our focus from our internal pain to the nearby Physician.

1. It is a Hymn of Present Comfort and Attentive Care (Verse 1)
The opening line is a declaration of hope: “The great Physician now is near.” He is not far off, making an appointment for a future date; He is present-tense near. This Physician’s primary qualification is His empathy: He is “the sympathizing Jesus” (Hebrews 4:15). He does not merely diagnose; He actively “speaks the drooping heart to cheer.” The remedy begins with hearing His voice—a voice of comfort, truth, and life. The call, “oh! hear the voice of Jesus,” is an invitation to stop listening to the voice of our own despair and to attend to His word of cheer.

2. It is a Hymn of Complete Pardon and Promised Peace (Verse 2)
The Physician’s first treatment addresses the root sickness: sin. He speaks a declarative word of healing: “Your many sins are all forgiven.” This is not a hope, but a settled fact announced by His voice. The result is a transformed journey: we can “go on your way in peace to heaven.” The guilt that paralyzed us is removed, replaced with peace and a future hope—a “crown” to be worn in eternity with Him. The Great Physician heals the fatal wound and secures our eternal wellness.

3. It is a Hymn of Personal Faith and Loving Response (Verse 3)
The soul, having heard and received the Physician’s cure, breaks into worship. The response is threefold: belief (“I now believe in Jesus”), love for His person (“I love the blessed Savior’s name”), and joyful glorification of His victory (“All glory to the risen Lamb!”). Healing leads naturally to adoration. Our faith is not a cold contract, but a relationship of love with the Healer Himself.

4. It is a Hymn of Powerful Deliverance and Soul’s Delight (Verse 4)
This verse testifies to the ongoing power of the Physician’s name in daily life. “His name dispels my guilt and fear.” Like a specific, potent medicine, the name of “Jesus” drives out the twin plagues of a troubled soul. The singer confesses a personal, delightful obsession: “oh! how my soul delights to hear the charming name of Jesus.” The cure has become our comfort, and the Physician’s name our sweetest song.

The Refrain: The Heart’s Sweetest Melody
The refrain is a cascade of superlatives celebrating the sweetness of Jesus. He is the “sweetest note” in angelic song, the “sweetest name” human lips can utter, and the subject of the “sweetest carol ever sung.” When the soul is healed by His grace, His name becomes the most delightful sound in all existence.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Is your heart drooping under a weight of sorrow, failure, or anxiety? Do you feel the sickness of sin or the fever of fear? The Great Physician is now near. He is not scowling in disapproval; He is sympathizing with your weakness.

Stop and hear His voice in Scripture. Hear Him speak forgiveness over your sins. Hear Him speak peace to your troubled way. Let His charming, powerful name—Jesus—disperse the shadows in your soul.

Then, let your healed heart sing the sweetest carol. Love His name. Glory in the risen Lamb. For the One who healed you with His stripes is near to keep you with His everlasting love.

Turn your ear to the sympathizing Jesus today.

In the healing, charming name of Jesus, Amen.

This is hymn 24 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 24: THAT WONDERFUL NAME

1. That wonderful name, Jesus!
That wonderful name, Jesus!
That wonderful name, Jesus!
There is no other name I know.

2. The Great Redeemer, Jesus!
His blood washed me clean, Jesus!
And now I am saved, Jesus!
There is no other name I know.

3. The Great Physician, Jesus!
His stripes health me, Jesus!
And now I am whole, Jesus!
There is no other name I know.

4. The Great Lord of Host, Jesus!
His truth set me free, Jesus!
I am free indeed, Jesus!
There is no other name I know.

5. The Great Provider, Jesus!
He supplies my needs, Jesus!
And now 1 am full, Jesus
There is no other name I know.

6.My Great Companion, Jesus!
Always by my side, Jesus!
I have a sure Friend, Jesus!
There is no other name I know.

7. The Soon Coming King, Jesus!
Coming back for me, Jesus!
I will reign with Him, Jesus!
There is no other name I know.

8. Let us praise His Name, Jesus!
Name above all Name, Jesus!
Let us shout His Name, Jesus!
I will sing I will shout, JESUS!

THAT WONDERFUL NAME HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, this jubilant hymn, “That Wonderful Name, Jesus,” is a powerful and repetitive declaration of the supremacy and sufficiency of our Savior. It is less a linear narrative and more a spiraling celebration, with each verse unveiling another facet of His glory and another benefit we receive through His Name. It is a hymn that builds from a simple confession into a triumphant shout, reminding us that every need of the human soul is met completely in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to meditate on the multifaceted power of Jesus’ name, to testify to His specific works in our lives, and to engage in joyful, repetitive praise that drives His supremacy deep into our hearts. It is a hymn of personal testimony, spiritual warfare, and eschatological hope, all centered on one name.

1. It is a Hymn of Exclusive Devotion (Verse 1)
The hymn begins with a burst of adoration for the name itself: “That wonderful name, Jesus!” The triple repetition is an expression of awe and love. This leads to the foundational confession of Christian faith: “There is no other name I know.” This is a statement of exclusive loyalty and trust. In a world of many options, philosophies, and saviors, our hope, our song, and our allegiance are fixed on one name alone—the name given above every name (Philippians 2:9).

2-6. It is a Hymn of Personal Testimony to His Offices (Verses 2-6)
Each subsequent verse pairs a majestic title of Christ with a personal, present-tense testimony of what He has done for me:

• The Great Redeemer: I am saved; His blood washed me clean.
• The Great Physician: I am whole; His stripes healed me.
• The Great Lord of Hosts: I am free indeed; His truth liberated me.
• The Great Provider: I am full; He supplies my needs.
• My Great Companion: I have a sure Friend; He is always by my side.
  This structure is profoundly instructive. It shows that doctrine is not dry; it is the truth that saves, heals, frees, provides, and companions. Each verse ends with the same anchoring refrain, emphasizing that all these blessings flow from the one, wonderful Name.

7. It is a Hymn of Blessed Hope and Future Glory (Verse 7)
The testimony looks forward to the culmination of our faith. He is “The Soon Coming King” who is personally “Coming back for me.” Our present relationship leads to a future destiny: “I will reign with Him.” Even our eternal hope is secured by and focused on this same wonderful Name.

8. It is a Hymn of Ecstatic, Universal Praise (Verse 8)
The final verse is a call to corporate, unrestrained worship. We are called to “praise,” to acknowledge His supremacy (“Name above all Name”), and to “shout His Name.” The personal testimony (“I will sing I will shout”) bursts forth into public proclamation. The hymn ends as it began—with the focus squarely on “JESUS!”

A Word for Your Spirit Today

What is your need today?

• Do you feel guilty or stained? Call on your Great Redeemer.
• Are you broken in body, mind, or spirit? Call on your Great Physician.
• Are you bound by fear, habit, or lies? Call on the Great Lord of Hosts.
• Are you anxious about a lack? Call on your Great Provider.
• Are you lonely or afraid? Acknowledge your Great Companion.
• Are you weary of the world’s brokenness? Look for your Soon Coming King.

This hymn teaches us to take our needs to the specific aspect of Christ’s character that meets them, all while remembering that He is one wonderful, all-sufficient Savior. Let your prayer today be the simple, powerful repetition of His name. Let your testimony be: “I am clean, whole, free, full, and befriended because of Jesus.” There is truly no other name.

Shout it, sing it, trust in it: the wonderful name of JESUS.

In the all-sufficient name of Jesus, Amen.

This is hymn 23 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 23: TAKE MY LIFE AND LET IT BE

1. Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise,
let them flow in endless praise.

2. Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee,
swift and beautiful for thee.

3. Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee,
filled with messages from thee.

4. Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose,
every power as thou shalt choose.

5. Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne,
it shall be thy royal throne.

6. Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee,
ever, only, all for thee.

TAKE MY LIFE AND LET IT BE HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, this hymn is perhaps the most comprehensive and personal prayer of surrender in all of hymnody. “Take My Life and Let It Be” is not a general statement of belief but a specific, clause-by-clause offering of every facet of our being to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It moves from the abstract offering of our life to the concrete surrender of our hands, feet, voice, possessions, mind, will, heart, and love. It is the practical outworking of what it means to be a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1).

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to vocalize a prayer of full surrender, to audit the areas of our life we may be withholding from God, and to dedicate ourselves afresh to His service. It is a hymn of discipleship that challenges superficial commitment and calls for wholehearted, practical devotion.

1. It is a Hymn of Time and Being (Verse 1)
The prayer begins with the totality of existence: “Take my life.” This is not about a single moment, but a state of being: “consecrated, Lord, to thee.” It then gets practical, asking for our “moments and my days”—the very fabric of our time—to be channels of “endless praise.” Our life is to become a continuous liturgy of worship, where ordinary time is infused with divine purpose.

2. It is a Hymn of Action and Direction (Verse 2)
We surrender our instruments of work and movement. Our “hands” are to be motivated not by selfish ambition or mere habit, but “at the impulse of thy love.” Our “feet” are to be directed by His purposes, making our journey through life “swift and beautiful for thee.” Our activity finds its true meaning and grace when it is guided by His Spirit.

3. It is a Hymn of Expression and Proclamation (Verse 3)
We offer our primary means of communication. Our “voice” is to be dedicated in its content (“always, only, for my King”) and our “lips” are to be vessels for “messages from thee.” This consecrates our speech, our witness, and our song to be used for His glory and the declaration of His truth, not our own opinions or complaints.

4. It is a Hymn of Resources and Capacities (Verse 4)
The surrender gets costly, touching our possessions (“silver and my gold”) and our mental faculties (“intellect”). We declare “not a mite would I withhold,” echoing the widow’s offering (Luke 21:1-4). We also surrender our reasoning, creativity, and skills, asking God to “use every power as thou shalt choose.” Our smarts and our stuff are tools for His kingdom.

5. It is a Hymn of Sovereignty and Identity (Verse 5)
This is the core of the surrender: the will and the heart. We pray for our stubborn “will” to be aligned with God’s, relinquishing ownership: “it shall be no longer mine.” We then offer our “heart,”the seat of our affections and desires, to be “thy royal throne.” We invite Christ to reign supremely from the very center of our emotional and spiritual life, displacing all other loves and loyalties.

6. It is a Hymn of Culmination and Essence (Verse 6)
The prayer culminates by offering the very wellspring of action: our “love.” We pour out its “treasure store” at His feet, acknowledging He is the only worthy recipient of our deepest affection. The final line is the ultimate summary: “Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee.”This is the goal: a unified person, wholly dedicated, in perpetual and exclusive devotion to Christ.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Is there a part of your life you have cordoned off from God’s control? Your time? Your finances? Your career ambitions? Your relationships? Your secret thoughts?

Let this hymn be your prayerful checklist today. Sing it slowly, meaning each word. Pause at each verse and ask the Lord: “Have I truly given you my feet to direct? My lips to fill? My will to shape?”

This is not a prayer to be sung lightly, but it is the prayer that leads to true freedom and purpose. As you offer each part, you are not losing yourself; you are finding your true self in His service. Offer yourself anew. The King awaits your total surrender, and in it, you will find your highest joy and your greatest usefulness.

Ever, only, all for Thee.

In the name of Jesus, our Lord and rightful King, Amen.