It was written by English Anglican (then later Roman Catholic convert) poet Matthew Bridges (1800-1894). It was first published in Hymns of the Heart for the Use of Catholics in 1848, the year that Bridges died.
Some publications quote the opening line as "My God, accept my heart, I pray", while others leave out the first verse and open with "Before the Cross of Him Who died." The fourth verse is often omitted, and the hymn has been published many times without it.
In Common Meter (CM) time, Bridges set it to the tune BELMONT, but it has also been published set to ST PETER by Alexander R. Reinagle, which was published in Psalm Tunes for the Voice and Pianoforte (1836).
The hymn is popular for funerals, and also suitable for Confirmation ceremonies.
Downloads
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Examples
Singer, self-accompanied on electronic keyboard:
Choir with organ:
Folk-group with organ:
Lyrics
My God, accept my heart this day,And make it always thine,
That I from thee no more may stray,
No more from thee decline.
Before the cross of him who died,
Behold, I prostrate fall;
Let every sin be crucified,
And Christ be all in all.
Anoint me with thy heavenly grace,
And seal me for thine own,
That I may see thy glorious face,
And worship near thy throne.
May the dear blood once shed for me
My blest atonement prove
That I from first to last may be
The purchase of Thy love!
Let every thought and work and word,
To thee be ever given;
Then life shall be thy service, Lord,
And death the gate of heaven.
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