More Love to Thee (Hymn)

More Love to Thee O Christ is a timeless Christian hymn expressing a deep longing for greater love and devotion to Jesus. Centered on seeking Christ above all, surrendering earthly desires, and worshiping Him until life’s end, the song reflects a heart fully committed to growing in faith.

VERSE 1
More love to Thee, O Christ,
More love to Thee!
Hear Thou the prayer I make
On bended knee;
This is my earnest plea:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee,
More love to Thee!

VERSE 2
Once earthly joy I craved,
Sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek,
Give what is best;
This all my prayer shall be:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee,
More love to Thee!

VERSE 3
Then shall my latest breath
Whisper Thy praise;
This be the parting cry
My heart shall raise;
This still its prayer shall be:
More love, O Christ, to Thee,
More love to Thee,
More love to Thee!

Story Behind the Song

Elizabeth Prentiss, born in 1818, was a woman acquainted with sorrow. In the 1850s, while her husband, George, served as a Presbyterian minister in New York City, the couple faced the devastating loss of two of their children in quick succession.

This profound grief led Elizabeth to confide in her diary about her “unutterable longings to flee from a world that has so many sharp experiences.” [1]

During this period of mourning, Elizabeth found solace in the biblical account of Jacob at Bethel and was inspired by Sarah Adams’ hymn “Nearer, My God, to Thee.”

One evening, these reflections culminated in her writing the hymn “More Love to Thee, O Christ.” Remarkably, she completed the four stanzas in a single sitting but chose not to share them immediately, keeping them private for over a decade. [2]

It wasn’t until 1869 that Elizabeth revealed her heartfelt composition to her husband. Recognizing its depth and sincerity, George had the hymn printed in leaflet form.

The following year, it was set to music by composer William H. Doane and included in the hymnal “Songs of Devotion for Christian Associations.” [3]

“More Love to Thee, O Christ” has since become a cherished hymn, resonating with many for its earnest plea for a deeper love and commitment to Christ, especially in times of personal trial and loss.