I Give my Hands to Do Your Work (The joy of the Lord is my strength)

I give my hands to do your work and Jesus Lord, I give them willingly I give my feet to go your way and every step I shall take cheerfully. Chorus: O the joy of the Lord is my strength, my strength O the joy of the Lord is my help, my help For the power of His Spirit is in my heart And the joy of the Lord is my strength. 2 I give my eyes to see the world And every one, in just the way you do. I give my tongue to speak your words, To spread your name and freedom-giving truth. 3. I give my mind in every way So that each thought I have will come from you. I give my spirit to you, Lord, And every day my prayer will spring anew. 4. I give my heart that you may love In me your Father and the human race. I give myself that you may grow In me and make my life a song of praise.

This hymn about vocation and giving one-self to God was written by English teacher and musician Estelle White (1925-2011).

It was first published in Songs of the Spirit Volume 2 in 1981?

The un-named tune by White has a 2/4 time signature. It was originally published in the key of G, and the first few notes in this key are B C #C D.

Downloads

Examples

A church choir from India:

A music group with praise band:

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on second to last page of this booklet.

It has four verses, each four lines long, with a four-line chorus which is repeated after every verse. A rough outline is:

1 I give my hands to do your work

Chorus:
O the joy of the Lord is my strength, my strength
O the joy of the Lord is my help, my help
For the power of His Spirit is in my heart
And the joy of the Lord is my strength.

2 I give my eyes to see the world ...

3. I give my mind in every way ...

4. I give my heart that you may love ...