Charles Wesley - Father, I Stretch My Hands To Thee Lyrics

Father, I Stretch My Hands To Thee Video

Father, I Stretch My Hands To Thee Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Father, I Stretch My Hands To Thee is a powerful hymn written by the renowned Methodist leader and hymn writer, Charles Wesley. The hymn was first published in 1741 in "Hymns and Sacred Poems", a collection of hymns penned by Charles Wesley. This hymn has since become a beloved classic in the Christian community, inspiring countless believers to lift their hands in worship and prayer.

The lyrics of Father, I Stretch My Hands To Thee are a heartfelt plea to God for help and guidance. The opening line, "Father, I stretch my hands to thee, no other help I know", sets the tone for the entire hymn. The speaker is acknowledging their complete dependence on God and their need for His intervention in their life.

The next line, "If thou withdraw thyself from me, ah! whither shall I go?", emphasizes the desperation of the speaker's situation. They realize that without God, they are lost and have nowhere else to turn.

The third and fourth lines of the hymn focus on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The speaker acknowledges the pain and suffering that Jesus endured to secure their salvation. This serves as a reminder of the incredible love and grace that God has shown to us through His Son.

The fifth line, "O Jesus, could I this believe, I now should feel thy power", expresses a longing for a deeper faith and a stronger connection with God. The speaker recognizes that faith is the key to experiencing God's power in their life.

The sixth line, "Now all my wants thou wouldst relieve, in this, the accepted hour", is a declaration of faith and trust in God's provision. The speaker is confident that if they seek God in faith, He will meet their needs.

The seventh and eighth lines of the hymn, "Author of faith, to thee I lift my weary, longing eyes, O let me now receive that gift, my soul without it dies", further emphasize the importance of faith in the Christian life. The speaker is asking God to give them the gift of faith, recognizing that without it, their soul would be lost.

The ninth and tenth lines of the hymn express a sense of urgency. The speaker is imploring God not to let them die without receiving His grace and forgiveness. This serves as a reminder of the brevity of life and the importance of making our relationship with God a priority.

The final two lines of the hymn express a deep longing to see God and experience His presence. The speaker is asking God to speak to them and to pour out His grace upon them.

Overall, Father, I Stretch My Hands To Thee is a powerful hymn that expresses the deep longing of the human heart for God's presence and intervention. It reminds us of our complete dependence on God and the importance of faith in our relationship with Him.

Inspiration and Story Behind the Song

Charles Wesley was born in 1707 in Epworth, England. He was the eighteenth of nineteen children born to Samuel and Susanna Wesley, both of whom were devout Christians. Charles and his brother John would go on to become leaders in the Methodist movement, which sought to revitalize the Church of England and bring about a deeper spiritual renewal among believers.

Father, I Stretch My Hands To Thee was written during a time of great personal struggle for Charles Wesley. He had recently experienced a spiritual awakening and was seeking a deeper connection with God. At the same time, he was dealing with a number of personal trials, including financial difficulties and health problems.

It was during this difficult time that Charles Wesley wrote Father, I Stretch My Hands To Thee. The hymn was a reflection of his own struggles and his deep longing for God's presence and intervention in his life.

Bible Verses References in the Song

The lyrics of Father, I Stretch My Hands To Thee are filled with references to Scripture. Here are a few of the most notable:

- "Father, I stretch my hands to thee" - This line is reminiscent of Psalm 143:6, which says, "I stretch out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land."
- "What did thy only Son endure before I drew my breath" - This line is a reference to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
- "Author of faith, to thee I lift my weary, longing eyes" - This line echoes Hebrews 12:2, which says, "fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."
- "O let me now receive that gift, my soul without it dies" - This line is a reference to the gift of salvation, which is offered to all who believe in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

Practical Application of the Song to Christian Living

Father, I Stretch My Hands To Thee is a powerful reminder of the importance of faith in the Christian life. It reminds us that we are completely dependent on God for our salvation and for the strength to live each day.

As we sing this hymn, we are reminded of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the incredible love and grace that God has shown to us through His Son. We are reminded of the urgency of seeking God and making our relationship with Him a priority.

In practical terms, this hymn is a call to action for believers. It challenges us to lift our hands to God in worship and prayer, to seek His face in faith, and to trust in His provision for our needs.

Conclusion

Father, I Stretch My Hands To Thee is a timeless hymn that has touched the hearts of countless believers over the centuries. Its powerful lyrics remind us of the importance of faith, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, and the incredible love and grace that God has shown to us.

As we sing this hymn, let us be reminded of our complete dependence on God and the urgency of seeking Him in faith. Let us lift our hands to Him in worship and prayer, trusting in His provision for our needs and His grace for our salvation.