Lyrics
I’m pressing on the upward way,
New heights I’m gaining every day;
Still praying as I’m 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.
My heart has no desire to stay
Where doubts arise and fears dismay;
Though some may dwell where those abound,
My prayer, my aim, is higher ground.
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.
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.
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, plant my feet on higher ground.”
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Higher Ground gives the language of Christian perseverance to a steady prayer for spiritual growth. Each verse looks beyond fear, doubt, temptation, and complacency toward a life more firmly directed by faith. The recurring request to have the feet planted on higher ground makes progress dependent on divine help rather than personal confidence. Even images of climbing and pressing onward remain joined to prayer.
The hymn also holds present struggle beside future hope. Darts from Satan suggest active opposition, while the song of the saints and a glimpse of glory point toward heavenly fellowship. The upward movement can be read alongside the biblical call to pursue the goal set before the believer and to set the mind on things above. Its central image is therefore both moral and devotional: higher ground names a place of clearer trust, stronger faith, and closer attention to God. The repeated chorus keeps that aspiration humble by returning every desire for growth to the same petition.
Related Scripture
- Philippians 3:14 Paul presses toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ.
- Colossians 3:1-2 Believers are told to seek and set their minds on things above.
- Ephesians 6:16 The shield of faith extinguishes the flaming darts of the evil one.