Higher Ground (Hymn)

Higher Ground is a beloved Christian hymn expressing a deep desire for spiritual growth, unwavering faith, and a closer walk with God. Through its uplifting lyrics, the song encourages believers to press forward in their faith journey, seeking strength and guidance to rise above doubt and worldly distractions.

VERSE 1
I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I onward bound,
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

CHORUS
Lord, lift me up and let me stand,
By faith, on Heaven’s table land;
A higher plane than I have found;
Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

VERSE 2
My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Tho’ some may dwell where these abound,
My prayer, my aim is higher ground.

VERSE 3
I want to live above the world,
Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;
For faith has caught the joyful sound,
The song of saints on higher ground.

VERSE 4
I want to scale the utmost height,
And catch a gleam of glory bright;
But still I’ll pray till Heav’n I’ve found,
Lord, lead me on to higher ground.

Story Behind the Song

In 1892, Johnson Oatman Jr., a Methodist Episcopal minister and businessman from New Jersey, began writing gospel hymns in his spare time. Despite his ordination, Oatman never pastored a church, choosing instead to contribute to Christian worship through hymn writing. Among his early works was “Higher Ground,” a hymn expressing a deep desire for spiritual growth and closer fellowship with God. [1]

Oatman collaborated with composer Charles H. Gabriel, who had recently moved to Chicago to pursue a career in gospel music. Gabriel composed the tune for “Higher Ground” shortly after his arrival in the city. He later recounted that he sold the rights to the song for five dollars to J. Howard Entwisle, a Philadelphia songbook compiler. The hymn was first published in 1898 in “Songs of Love and Praise No. 5,” a collection edited by Entwisle, John R. Sweney, and Frank M. Davis. [2]

Since its publication, “Higher Ground” has resonated with many Christians, particularly within the holiness movement and at camp meetings. Its message of striving for a deeper spiritual life continues to inspire believers to seek a closer walk with God. [3]