Charles Wesley - Saviour, I Still To Thee Apply Lyrics

Meaning & Inspiration

The 2009 release of "Saviour, I Still To Thee Apply" brings a timeless and profound prayer by Charles Wesley to contemporary listeners, reintroducing a hymn penned centuries ago that remains strikingly relevant for anyone seeking a deeper connection with the divine. Wesley, a towering figure in Christian hymnody and co-founder of Methodism, composed a vast collection of hymns designed not just for communal worship but also for personal spiritual formation, guiding believers in their walk of faith. This particular hymn is a poignant cry from the heart, a testament to the essential human need for divine illumination and understanding of God’s Word, recognizing that spiritual truth cannot be grasped by intellect alone.

The hymn opens with a direct appeal, "Saviour, I still to thee apply," setting an immediate tone of dependence and persistent supplication. This isn't a one-time request but an ongoing posture of the soul, acknowledging that our spiritual journey constantly requires Christ's intervention. This sentiment deeply echoes the words of John 15:5, where Jesus declares, "Apart from me you can do nothing," reinforcing the truth that all spiritual fruitfulness and understanding flow from Him. The subsequent line, "Before I read or hear," is profoundly humble and insightful. It recognizes the critical need for divine preparation of the heart and mind even *before* engaging with Scripture or any spiritual teaching. It’s a prayer that asks God to attune our inner being, acknowledging that without His grace, our engagement might be superficial or misconstrued. This aligns beautifully with Psalm 119:18, "Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law," and the experience of the disciples on the road to Emmaus, whose minds Jesus "opened to understand the Scriptures" (Luke 24:45).

Wesley then expands on this appeal by declaring God as the "Creator of the seeing eye, And of the hearing ear." This powerful theological statement grounds the prayer in God's sovereignty over all perception, both physical and spiritual. If God designed our physical senses, He is certainly capable of granting us spiritual discernment. This draws directly from Proverbs 20:12, which states, "The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made them both," and Psalm 94:9, asking, "He who planted the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see?" By invoking God's creative power, Wesley appeals to the ultimate source of all knowledge and understanding. The heart of the prayer is then unveiled: "The understanding heart bestow, The wisdom from above." This moves beyond mere physical perception to the profound spiritual capacity for comprehending divine truth. An "understanding heart" signifies a receptive spirit, one capable of not just hearing but truly internalizing and living by God's principles. This wisdom is explicitly "from above," distinguishing it from worldly or human wisdom, which often falls short of spiritual reality. This call resonates with James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach," and Proverbs 2:6, "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." It also acknowledges the truth found in 1 Corinthians 2:14, that "the natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned."

The hymn culminates with the desired outcome of this divine intervention: "So shall I all thy doctrines know, And all thy sayings love." The prayer is not merely for intellectual apprehension of God's teachings but for a deep, experiential *knowing* that leads to profound affection. To "know" God's doctrines implies an intimate familiarity and acceptance, while to "love" His sayings signifies a heart transformed, finding delight and joy in His Word. This profound connection between truth and affection is the hallmark of a vibrant faith, one that doesn't just assent to doctrines but embraces them with passion and commitment. It reflects the psalmist's declaration in Psalm 119:97, "Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day," and the words of Jesus in John 14:15, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments." "Saviour, I Still To Thee Apply" serves as a profound reminder that true spiritual growth begins and ends with humble reliance on our Creator, seeking His wisdom to navigate the truths of His boundless grace and love. It’s an enduring call to prayer for anyone desiring to truly hear, see, and understand the divine message.