Take my Life O Lord (and ever let it stay) - Nazareth

This is a hymn dedicating one's life to Christ.  Especially appropriate at an ordination or religious profession - it is equally challenging to a lay person who is fully living their baptismal calling.

The words and tune were written by  Indian Roman Catholic priest, musician, liturgist and composer, Aniceto Nazareth (1938-2021).

No western publications have been located, but the hymn is probably included in the works published by Fr Nazareth in India.  Similarly, no sources of sheet music or released recordings have been found, as yet - but recent videos on YouTube suggest that it is becoming more popular.

The hymn is quite different from Frances Havergal's "Take my Life and Let it Be", although it has a similar message.



Downloads

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Examples

Trio with electronic keyboard:


Choir with electronic keyboard:


Singer with piano, professional recording:


Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:
Chorus:
Take my life, O Lord, and ever let it stay
Consecrated to your care.
Take my life and give me your life abundantly.
Make it beautiful in service, beautiful and free.

1  Lord, make my hands the channels of your love.
And may my feet walk in your way,
Take my voice and let it sing a song of praise.
From my lips may your word overflow.

2  To you I bring my intellect and will.
Lord, take my heart, make it your own,
Take my energy, my silver and my gold.
In exchange I will treasure your word.

3  Lord, make my body a living sacrifice.
Take and anoint it with your love.
Let me worship you in spirit and in truth.
By your touch my life be renewed.

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Chorus:
Take my life, O Lord, and ever let it stay
Consecrated to your care.
Take my life and give me your life abundantly.
Make it beautiful in service, beautiful and free.

1  Lord, make my hands the channels of your love.
And may my feet walk in your way,
Take my voice and let it sing a song of praise.
From my lips may your word overflow.

2  To you I bring my intellect and will.
Lord, take my heart, make it your own,
Take my energy, my silver and my gold.
In exchange I will treasure your word.

3  Lord, make my body a living sacrifice.
Take and anoint it with your love.
Let me worship you in spirit and in truth.
By your touch my life be renewed.

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