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This is hymn 46 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 46: O LORD MY GOD WHEN I’M IN AWESOME WONDER

1. O Lord My God,
When I In Awesome Wonder,
Consider All The Worlds Thy Hands Hath Made
I See The Stars,
I Hear The Rolling Thunder,
Thy Pow’r Thro’out
The Universe Displayed:

Refrain:
Then Sings My Soul,
My Saviour God To Thee;
How Great Thou Art!
How Great Thou Art!
Then Sings My Soul,
My Saviour God To Thee;
How Great Thou Art!
How Great Thou Art!

2. When Through The Woods
And Forest Glades I Wander,
And Hear The Birds
Sing Sweetly In The Trees;
When I Look Down
From Lofty Mountain Grandeur
And Hear The Brook
And Feel The Gentle Breeze;

3. And When I Think
That God, His Son Not Sparing
Sent Him To Die,
I Scarce Can Take It In;
That On The Cross,
My Burdens Gladly Bearing,
He Bled And Died
To Take Away My Sin

4. When Christ Shall Come
With Shouts Of Acclamation,
And Take Me Home,
What Joy Will Fill My Heart!
Then I Will Bow
In Humble Adoration,
And There Proclaim,
My God, How Great Thou Art!

O LORD MY GOD WHEN I’M IN AWESOME WONDER HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, few hymns capture the full sweep of Christian worship as majestically as “How Great Thou Art.” It is a panoramic journey that moves from the awe of general revelation in nature to the wonder of special revelation in redemption, culminating in the hope of glory. It teaches us that true worship is the soul’s inevitable, eruptive response to the overwhelming evidence of God’s power, love, and grace.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to cultivate a spirit of awe, to connect the beauty of the world with the glory of the Gospel, and to express our deepest gratitude and hope. It is a hymn that expands our vision of God from Creator to Saviour to Coming King, compelling our souls to sing.

1. It is a Hymn of Cosmic Awe and Divine Power (Verse 1)
Worship begins with observation and contemplation. “When I in awesome wonder, Consider all the worlds Thy hands hath made.” The hymn calls us to stop, look, and listen—to see the stars, hear the thunder, and perceive the displayed power throughout the universe. This is not a distant, impersonal force, but the handiwork of a personal God. The sheer scale and power of creation provoke a sense of holy awe that demands a response. That response bursts forth in the refrain: the soul cannot stay silent but must sing directly to “my Saviour God” the truth it has beheld: “How Great Thou Art!”

2. It is a Hymn of Intimate Beauty and Sensible Grace (Verse 2)
God’s greatness is not only in cosmic power but also in intimate detail. The evidence shifts from the thunderous to the tender: the sweet song of birds, the grandeur of mountains, the murmur of a brook, the caress of a breeze. In the quiet of the woods, we see His beauty, hear His melody, and feel His gentle presence. His greatness encompasses both majesty and mercy, strength and sweetness. All of creation, from the vast to the minute, points to the artistry of a great and good God.

3. It is a Hymn of Sacrificial Love and Personal Redemption (Verse 3)
Here, worship reaches its deepest intensity as we move from creation to the cross. “And when I think…” The greatest wonder is not a starry sky, but a divine sacrifice: “That God, His Son not sparing, Sent Him to die.” The soul is overwhelmed (“I scarce can take it in”) by the personal love revealed: Christ bore my burdens and died to take away my sin. The Creator’s power and the world’s beauty are now eclipsed by the Saviour’s love. This is the heart of the Gospel, and it makes His greatness infinitely personal.

4. It is a Hymn of Glorious Hope and Eternal Acclamation (Verse 4)
The hymn culminates by fixing our eyes on the future. The same great God who created and redeemed will consummate His plan. The thought of Christ’s return “with shouts of acclamation”to “take me home” fills the heart with ultimate joy. Then, in His very presence, our earthly songs of awe will find their perfect fulfillment: “Then I will bow in humble adoration, And there proclaim, ‘My God, how great Thou art!’” Our worship here is a rehearsal for the eternal anthem of heaven.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

What fills your vision today? Is it a problem, a worry, or the noise of life? This hymn calls you to a holy interruption.

Go outside. Look up. Consider His handiwork. Let creation preach to you of His power and care. Then, move your gaze inward to the cross. Think. Ponder the unbearable cost He paid for you. Let your heart struggle to “take it in.”

And as you do, do not suppress the song. Let your soul sing it out, even if it’s a whisper: “How great Thou art!” Let this be your prayer, your praise, and your perspective. For you are loved by the God who hung the stars, painted the woodlands, and sent His Son to die. One day, you will see Him face to face, and you will know—fully and finally—just how great He truly is.

Then sings my soul!

In the name of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Amen.

This is hymn 45 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 45: O GOD OUR HELP IN AGES PAST

1. O God, Our Help In Ages Past
Our Hope For Years To Come
Our Shelter From The Stormy Blast
And Our Eternal Home

2. Under The Shadow Of Thy Throne
Thy Saints Have Dwelt Secure
Sufficient Is Thine Arm Alone
And Our Defence Is Sure

3. Before The Hills In Order Stood
Or Earth Received Her Frame
From Everlasting Thou Art God
To Endless Years The Same

4. A Thousand Ages In Thy Sight
Are Like An Evening Gone
Short As The Watch That Ends The Night
Before The Rising Sun

5. Time, Like An Ever-Rolling Stream
Bears All Its Sons Away
They Fly Forgotten, As A Dream
Dies At The Opening Day

6. O God, Our Help In Ages Past
Our Hope For Years To Come
Be Thou Our Guard While Trouble Last
And Our Eternal Home

O GOD OUR HELP IN AGES PAST HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, in the face of life’s transience, the rise and fall of nations, and our own fleeting days, the soul cries out for an anchor. This magnificent hymn, “O God, Our Help In Ages Past,” answers that cry by directing our faith to the only unchanging reality: the eternal God Himself. Based on Psalm 90, it contrasts the brief span of human life with the everlasting nature of our Creator, offering profound comfort and unshakable hope to every generation.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to gain an eternal perspective, to calm our fears in times of personal and global turmoil, and to anchor our souls in the God who exists outside of time. It is a hymn for funerals, for national crises, and for any moment we feel overwhelmed by change and mortality. It reminds us that our security is not in our own strength or the stability of our times, but in the everlasting arms of God.

1. It is a Hymn of Personal and Collective Refuge (Verse 1)
The hymn begins by declaring God’s dual role throughout time: He is our “Help in Ages Past” and our “Hope for Years to Come.” He is not a relic of history, but the continuous source of aid and the ground of our future confidence. He is both a “Shelter from the Stormy Blast” in life’s tempests and our ultimate destination—“our Eternal Home.” From the very start, we are placed in the context of God’s enduring care across all generations.

2. It is a Hymn of Sovereign Protection (Verse 2)
This verse paints a picture of perfect security. To dwell “Under the Shadow of Thy Throne” is to live under the direct protection and authority of the King of the universe. There, His people are “secure.” Our confidence lies not in armies or alliances, but in the sufficiency of “Thine Arm alone.” In a world of failed defenses, His is the one defense that is absolutely “sure.”

3. It is a Hymn of God’s Eternal Nature (Verse 3)
Here, the hymn zooms out to the cosmic scale to establish God’s transcendence. He existed “Before the hills in order stood.” He is the uncaused Cause, the Creator of all frames and forms. His defining attributes are His timelessness and immutability: “From Everlasting Thou art God, To endless years the same.” He is without beginning or end, and His character does not shift or evolve (Malachi 3:6). This is the bedrock of our trust.

4. It is a Hymn of Divine Perspective on Time (Verses 4 & 5)
These verses humble us by presenting time from God’s viewpoint. “A thousand ages” of human history are, to Him, “like an evening gone,” as brief as the watch of a night guard. Human life is portrayed with poignant brevity: we are carried away by time’s “ever-rolling stream,” and we fly from memory “forgotten, as a dream dies at the opening day.” This is not to despair us, but to rightly size our lives against the backdrop of eternity, making us cling all the more to the Eternal One.

6. It is a Hymn of Concluding Petition and Trust (Verse 6)
The hymn returns to its opening theme, now turned into a prayer. We reaffirm God as our past help and future hope, and we make our present petition: “Be Thou our Guard while troubles last.” We acknowledge that trouble is temporary (“while troubles last”), but His guardianship is what we need within it. And we reaffirm our ultimate destination: He is, and will be, “our Eternal Home.” The prayer accepts the reality of life’s storms but places them within the greater reality of God’s eternal, sheltering presence.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Are you anxious about the future, mourning the past, or feeling insignificant in the vast flow of time? This hymn calls you to lift your eyes above the fray.

Look to the God who was your help in your parents’ age, in your youth, and will be your hope in all your tomorrows. See your brief life cradled in His everlasting arms. Let the storms rage—you are under the shadow of His throne. Let generations pass—He remains the same.

Today, take refuge in your Eternal Home. Let the unchanging nature of God be the peace that steadies your heart in a changing world. For our times are in His hands, and our end is secure in Him.

O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come.

In the name of the Everlasting Father, Amen.

This is hymn 44 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 44: DEEPER, DEEPER IN THE LOVE OF JESUS

1. Deeper, Deeper In The Love Of Jesus
Daily Let Me Go;
Higher, Higher In The School Of Wisdom,
More Of Grace To Know.

Refrain:

Oh, Deeper Yet, I Pray,
And Higher Ev’ry Day,
And Wiser, Blessed, Lord,
In Thy Precious, Holy Word.

2. Deeper, Deeper! Blessed Holy Spirit,
Take Me Deeper Still,
Till My Life Is Wholly Lost In Jesus,
And His Perfect Will. [Refrain]

3. Deeper, Deeper! Tho’ It Cost Hard Trials,
Deeper Let Me Go!
Rooted In The Holy Love Of Jesus,
Let Me Fruitful Grow. [Refrain]

4. Deeper, Higher, Ev’ry Day In Jesus,
Till All Conflict Past,
Finds Me Conqu’ror, And In His Own Image
Perfected At Last. [Refrain]

DEEPER, DEEPER IN THE LOVE OF JESUS HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, the spiritual life is not static; it is a dynamic journey of continual growth and increasing intimacy. This stirring hymn, “Deeper, Deeper In The Love Of Jesus,” is the prayer of a heart that refuses to be content with shallow faith or stagnant knowledge. It is a cry for progression—to move daily further into the depths of love, the heights of wisdom, and the practical fruitfulness that comes from being rooted in Christ.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to express our holy discontent with spiritual complacency and to pray for continual growth in grace. It is a hymn of aspiration, surrender, and endurance, acknowledging that the path to deeper life in Jesus requires daily pursuit, the Spirit’s work, and often, the refining of trials.

1. It is a Hymn of Daily Pursuit and Dual Growth (Verse 1)
The hymn opens with a clear, active desire for progression. The direction is inward and upward: “Deeper… in the love of Jesus” and “Higher… in the school of wisdom.” This is not a one-time request but a “daily” commitment to press forward. We seek both the experiential intimacy of love and the intellectual and practical knowledge (“more of grace to know”) that comes from being taught in God’s school. The Christian life is both a heart’s romance and a disciplined education.

2. It is a Hymn of Spirit-Led Surrender (Verse 2)
The agent of this deepening is the “Blessed Holy Spirit.” We cannot drill down into divine love by our own effort. We must pray for Him to “Take me deeper still.” The ultimate goal of this deepening is profound surrender: “Till my life is wholly lost in Jesus, and His perfect will.” To be “lost” in Jesus is to find our true identity, purpose, and freedom. It is the dissolution of our self-will into the joyful obedience of aligning with His perfect purpose.

3. It is a Hymn of Costly Growth and Fruitful Living (Verse 3)
This verse introduces a sobering but vital truth: growth often comes through difficulty. “Tho’ it cost hard trials, deeper let me go!” The deepening process may involve pruning, testing, and challenges that root us more firmly. Yet, the purpose is not pain, but productivity: being “Rooted in the holy love of Jesus” so that we may “fruitful grow.” Trials drive our roots deeper into His love, which in turn produces the lasting fruit of the Spirit (John 15:5, Galatians 5:22-23).

4. It is a Hymn of Ultimate Victory and Glorious Completion (Verse 4)
The hymn lifts our eyes to the finish line. The daily pursuit—“Deeper, higher, ev’ry day in Jesus”—has an end: when “all conflict past.” The one who has been deepened and refined will be found a “conqu’ror” through Christ. The final, glorious goal is our conformity: to be perfected “in His own image at last” (Romans 8:29). Our daily prayer for depth is, in fact, a prayer for our eventual Christ-likeness in glory.

The Refrain: The Persistent Prayer
The refrain is the heartbeat of the hymn—a repeated, yearning cry for “deeper yet” and “higher ev’ry day.” It emphasizes that this wisdom and blessing are found specifically “in Thy precious, holy Word.” The Bible is the medium through which the Spirit deepens our love and heightens our understanding.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Are you spiritually comfortable? Has your faith settled onto a plateau? This hymn is a trumpet call to go further.

Do not be afraid to pray, “Deeper, deeper.” Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you beyond your current experience of Christ’s love. Embrace the lessons in His school of wisdom, even when the curriculum is challenging. Understand that trials are not signs of His absence, but tools for your deepening. Let every circumstance drive you deeper into His love and higher into His truth.

Make this refrain your daily prayer. Open His precious Word and ask Him to root you, teach you, and shape you. For the journey deeper into His love is the path to becoming like Him, and there is no higher calling.

Deeper yet, I pray, and higher every day.

In the name of Jesus, whose love is an endless ocean and whose wisdom is an infinite height, Amen.

This is hymn 43 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 43: LEAD US HEAVENLY FATHER, LEAD US

1. Lead Us, Heavenly Father, Lead Us
O’er The World’s Tempestuous Sea;
Guard Us, Guide Us, Keep Us, Feed Us,
For We Have No Help But Thee,
Yet Possessing Every Blessing
If Our God Our Father Be.

2. Saviour, Breathe Forgiveness O’er Us;
All Our Weakness Thou Dost Know;
Thou Didst Tread This Earth Before Us,
Thou Didst Feel Its Keenest Woe;
Lone And Dreary, Faint And Weary,
Through The Desert Thou Didst Go.

3. Spirit Of Our God, Descending,
Fill Our Hearts With Heavenly Joy,
Love With Every Passion Blending,
Pleasure That Can Never Cloy;
Thus Provided, Pardoned, Guided,
Nothing Can Our Peace Destroy.

LEAD US HEAVENLY FATHER, LEAD US HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, the Christian life is a journey, a pilgrimage from grace to glory. This hymn, “Lead Us, Heavenly Father, Lead Us,” is the perfect prayer-song for the traveler. It beautifully addresses each person of the Trinity, acknowledging the unique role of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit in guiding, forgiving, and filling us on our way. It is a comprehensive plea for divine help from start to finish.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to entrust our entire journey—past, present, and future—into the hands of God. It is a prayer for guidance, protection, forgiveness, and spiritual joy, recognizing that every need of the pilgrim is met by the specific ministry of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

1. It is a Prayer to the Father for Sovereign Care (Verse 1)
The hymn begins by acknowledging our vulnerability and God’s sovereignty. We are on a “world’s tempestuous sea,” a place of danger and uncertainty. Our cry is to the “Heavenly Father” for comprehensive care: to “Lead Us… Guard Us, Guide Us, Keep Us, Feed Us.” This covers direction, protection, instruction, preservation, and sustenance. The confession “we have no help but Thee”is not a cry of despair, but of faith—it is the realization that true and sufficient help is found in Him alone. The verse concludes with a stunning truth: despite our felt need, we are already rich, for in possessing God as our Father, we possess “every blessing” (Ephesians 1:3).

2. It is a Prayer to the Saviour for Empathetic Forgiveness (Verse 2)
Turning to Jesus, the prayer focuses on our past and present frailty. We ask the “Saviour” to “breathe forgiveness o’er us,” a gentle, pervasive image of cleansing grace. Our confidence in His forgiveness is rooted in His profound empathy: “All our weakness Thou dost know.” He is not a distant judge but a fellow traveler who “didst tread this earth before us” and felt its “keenest woe.” He knows the “lone and dreary, faint and weary” path of the desert because He walked it perfectly. Because He understands, we can boldly ask for His ongoing mercy and grace in our time of need (Hebrews 4:15-16).

3. It is a Prayer to the Spirit for Internal Joy (Verse 3)
Finally, we pray to the “Spirit of our God” for our internal transformation and future hope. We ask Him to fill us not with temporary happiness, but with “heavenly joy”—a deep, spiritual delight that transcends circumstances. This joy is the result of His “love with every passion blending,”sanctifying our affections, and giving “pleasure that can never cloy”—satisfaction that never fades or disappoints. The hymn ends by summarizing the work of the Trinity: we are provided for by the Father, pardoned by the Son, and guided by the Spirit. Therefore, “nothing can our peace destroy.” Our security is complete.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Are you feeling lost on a tempestuous sea? Are you burdened by weakness and failure? Does your heart lack true, lasting joy?

Let this hymn be your prayer today. Address the Heavenly Father and ask Him to take the helm and provide. Go to your empathetic Saviour, confess your weakness, and receive His forgiving, understanding grace. Then, invite the Holy Spirit to descend and flood your heart with the joy and love that only He can give.

You are not a wanderer; you are a pilgrim with a Triune Guide. You have been provided for, pardoned, and are being guided. Nothing in this world can ultimately destroy the peace of a soul entrusted to such a God. Walk on in confidence.

Lead us, O Triune God, from the desert to our eternal home.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

This is hymn 42 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 42: WONDERFUL STORY OF LOVE

1. Wonderful Story Of Love;
Tell It To Me Again;
Wonderful Story Of Love;
Wake The Immortal Strain!
Angels With Rapture Announce It,
Shepherds With Wonder Receive It;
Sinner, O Won’t You Believe It?
Wonderful Story Of Love.

Refrain:
Wonderful! Wonderful!
Wonderful!
Wonderful Story Of Love!

2. Wonderful Story Of Love,
Though You Are Far Away;
Wonderful Story Of Love;
Still He Doth Call Today;
Calling From Calvary’s Mountain,
Down From The Crystal Bright Fountain,
E’en From The Dawn Of Creation,
Wonderful Story Of Love.

3. Wonderful Story Of Love:
Jesus Provides A Rest;
Wonderful Story Of Love;
For All The Pure And Blest,
Rest In Those Mansions Above Us,
With Those Who’ve Gone On Before Us
Singing The Rapturous Chorus,
Wonderful Story Of Love.

WONDERFUL STORY OF LOVE HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, we have come full circle to a story so profound, so beautiful, and so powerful that our souls can never hear it enough. This hymn, “Wonderful Story of Love,” is an anthem of fascination and invitation. It calls us to marvel at the greatest story ever told—the Gospel—and to respond to its call, whether we are hearing it for the first time or the thousandth. It is the story that angels marvel at and the only one that can truly give rest to the human soul.

Why We Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to cultivate a heart of perpetual wonder at the Gospel, to keep the majestic truth of God’s love fresh in our minds, and to extend its universal call to every listening ear. It is a hymn of awe, evangelism, and eternal hope.

1. It is a Hymn of Insatiable Wonder and Urgent Invitation (Verse 1)
The hymn opens not with a statement, but with a plea: “Tell it to me again!” This reveals a heart that never tires of the core truth of the faith. It is the “immortal strain”—the eternal melody of redemption that never fades. The verse then captures the heavenly and earthly response to this story: “Angels with rapture announce it” (1 Peter 1:12) and “Shepherds with wonder receive it.”The greatest beings and the humblest alike are captivated. But the hymn does not linger on the past; it makes a direct, personal appeal to the present: “Sinner, O won’t you believe it?” The wonderful story demands a response.

2. It is a Hymn of Universal Call and Timeless Proclamation (Verse 2)
This verse powerfully declares that no one is beyond the reach of this love story. “Though you are far away… Still he doth call today.” The call is not confined to a moment in history; it echoes through time and space. It originates from the pivotal point of human history—“Calvary’s mountain”—where love was proved. It flows from the “crystal bright fountain” of grace and forgiveness opened by His sacrifice. Remarkably, it reaches back even “from the dawn of creation,” revealing that this plan of redeeming love was set in motion before the world began (Ephesians 1:4). It is a story that has always been and always will be.

3. It is a Hymn of Promised Rest and Eternal Chorus (Verse 3)
The wonderful story has a destination: “Jesus provides a rest.” This is the rest from the weariness of sin and striving, found only in Him (Matthew 11:28). It is a rest not just for the “pure and blest,”but for all made pure and blessed by His blood. This rest culminates in the “mansions above,” in the joyful reunion of the great cloud of witnesses, where we will join the unending, “rapturous chorus” of the redeemed. The story that begins with a call ends with a celestial song of praise.

The Refrain: The Heart’s Only Response
The exclamatory refrain—“Wonderful! Wonderful!”—is the only fitting reaction to such a story. It is a cascade of worship, a simple yet profound confession that the Gospel of love is the most wonderful reality in the universe.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Has the story become routine to you? Has the glorious truth of the Gospel lost its luster in the grind of daily life? This hymn is your antidote. Ask the Lord to tell it to you again. Wake up the immortal strain in your own heart. Let the Spirit rekindle your wonder at the love that called from Calvary to save you.

And if you are that one feeling “far away,” hear the call that still sounds today. It is calling for you. The fountain of grace is still flowing. Believe this wonderful story of love.

Let your life today be captivated by this story anew. And let your heart begin its rehearsal for the eternal chorus, singing with joy: Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful story of love!

In the name of Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our wonderful story, Amen.

This is hymn 41 of the Open Heavens daily devotion written by Pastor E. A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

HYMN 41: JESUS, MY LORD, MY GOD, MY ALL

1. Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All,
Hear Me, Blest Saviour, When I Call;
Hear Me, And From Thy Dwelling
Place Pour Down The Riches Of Thy Grace;

Refrain:
Jesus, My Lord, I Thee Adore;
Oh Make Me Love Thee More And More.

2. Jesus, Too Late I Thee Have Sought;
How Can I Love Thee As I Ought?
And How Extol Thy Matchless Fame,
The Glorious Beauty Of Thy Name?
[Refrain]

3. Jesus, What Didst Thou Find In Me,
That Thou Hast Dealt So Lovingly?
How Great The Joy That Thou Hast Brought
So Far Exceeding Hope Or Thought!
[Refrain]

4. Jesus, Of Thee Shall Be My Song,
To Thee My Heart And Soul Belong;
All That I Have Or Am Is Thine,
And Thou, Blest Saviour, Thou Art Mine.
[Refrain]

JESUS, MY LORD, MY GOD, MY ALL HYMN COMMENTARY

Beloved in Christ, this profoundly intimate hymn, “Jesus, My Lord, My God, My All,” is a personal prayer of love, wonder, and total surrender. It moves beyond doctrinal confession into the realm of passionate, personal devotion. Every line is addressed directly to Jesus, making it less a song sung about Him and more a prayer breathed to Him. It captures the soul’s journey from an awestruck call for grace to a final, settled declaration of mutual belonging.

Why Sing This Hymn

We sing this hymn to cultivate a heart of deep, personal love for Christ, to express our wonder at His unmerited favor, and to reaffirm our total consecration to Him. It is a hymn for private devotion that expands our vision of Jesus from Savior to our supreme Treasure, our All-in-All.

1. It is a Hymn of Loving Address and Dependant Plea (Verse 1)
The hymn opens with a four-fold title for Jesus that ascends in intimacy and supremacy: “My Lord, My God, My All.” He is our Master, our Deity, and our Everything. This total claim leads to a total plea: “Hear Me.” We ask not just for things, but for the essence of His being—“the riches of Thy grace.” The refrain then reveals the ultimate goal: not just to receive grace, but to respond with ever-increasing love. “Oh Make Me Love Thee More And More” is the central prayer of the spiritual life, acknowledging that even our love for Him is a gift He must supply.

2. It is a Hymn of Humbled Awe and Inadequate Praise (Verse 2)
Faced with the majesty of Christ, the soul is overwhelmed by its own inadequacy. The cry “Too late I Thee have sought” expresses a holy regret for years spent without Him, and a sense that a lifetime is insufficient to love Him as He deserves. The questions—“How can I love Thee as I ought? And how extol… the glorious beauty of Thy Name?”—are not rhetorical despair, but the humble acknowledgment that our best efforts fall infinitely short of His worth. It is the prayer of a heart that has seen His beauty and feels the poverty of its own devotion.

3. It is a Hymn of Wondering Grace and Unfathomable Love (Verse 3)
This verse turns from our effort to His initiative. In a moment of stunning wonder, the soul asks, “What didst Thou find in me, That Thou hast dealt so lovingly?” There is no answer, for there is nothing in us to merit it. This is the mystery of electing, redeeming love. The focus is entirely on the “joy” He has brought—a joy so profound it exceeds all human “hope or thought.” Our love for Him is a response to being astounded by His love for us (1 John 4:19).

4. It is a Hymn of Eternal Theme and Reciprocal Possession (Verse 4)
The hymn culminates in a resolution of the soul. Jesus will be the eternal subject of our “song.”Our internal being—“heart and soul”—belongs to Him. Then comes the complete surrender: “All that I have or am is Thine.” This is the logical response to Him being our “All.” The final line seals the relationship with a promise that is both our pledge and our comfort: “And Thou, blest Saviour, Thou art mine.” This is the covenant embrace—we are His, and He is ours (Song of Solomon 2:16). Our “All” has given Himself to us.

A Word for Your Spirit Today

Do you know Jesus as your “All”? Or is He one priority among many? This hymn invites you into a love relationship where He becomes your central focus, your greatest treasure, and your dearest friend.

Come to Him today with the prayer of this hymn. Admit your love is weak and plead, “Make me love Thee more and more.” Be astonished again that He, the glorious God, chose to deal lovingly with you. Let that wonder melt your heart.

Then, make the deliberate offering: “All that I have or am is Thine.” Hold nothing back. And rest in the glorious, secure truth of His promise: you belong to Him, and He, the blest Saviour, is yours.

Let this be your prayer, your song, and your settled truth today and forever.

Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All.

In the all-sufficient name of Jesus, Amen.

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.