Ivan Parker - A Little More Like You Lyrics
Lyrics
Grant me your holiness
Make me devoted deep within
I plead for patience in my trials
And more sorrow for my sin
A deeper faith in you
Dear Lord, please give me everyday
Let me find joy in my journey
And more purpose when I pray
This is my prayer
Lord, when this day is through
Was I a little less like me
And a little more like you
My lone desire
In all I say or do
Was I a little less like me
And a little more like you
Give me more gratitude
Help me to love you even more
And take pride only in your glory
And trust only in your word
Let me shed sorrow's tears
When others pain, when others grieve
And may my neighbor please see Jesus
Every time that they see me
This is my prayer
Lord, when this day is through
Was I a little less like me
And a little more like you
My lone desire
In all I say or do
Was I a little less like me
And a little more like you
This is my prayer
Lord, when this day is through
Was I a little less like me
And a little more like you
Was I a little less like me
And a little more like you
Video
A Little More Like You
Meaning & Inspiration
Ivan Parker's "A Little More Like You," released on July 29, 2016, as part of his album *Dancing in the Rain*, immediately impresses as a deeply personal and universal spiritual petition. The song serves as a profound expression of the Christian journey towards Christlikeness, offering a daily examination of one's walk with God and a sincere yearning for spiritual transformation. It speaks directly to the core desire of a believer: to diminish self and magnify the character of Jesus in every aspect of life.
The composition beautifully articulates a series of prayers that encapsulate the essence of sanctification, the process by which a believer grows in holiness. The opening verses begin with a plea for divine intervention, asking for "holiness" and deep devotion, aligning with the biblical call in 1 Peter 1:15-16 to "be holy, because I am holy." It acknowledges the human struggle, requesting "patience in my trials," a virtue recognized in Romans 5:3-4 as essential for developing character, and "more sorrow for my sin," reflecting the contrite heart described in Psalm 51:17. The desire for a "deeper faith" echoes Hebrews 11:6, emphasizing faith's indispensable role in pleasing God, while the longing for "joy in my journey" reminds us of Nehemiah 8:10 where the joy of the Lord is our strength. Furthermore, seeking "more purpose when I pray" highlights the yearning for genuine communion with God, moving beyond mere ritual to meaningful conversation.
The central theme of the song is powerfully condensed in its recurring desire: "Was I a little less like me / And a little more like you." This line is not merely a catchy refrain but a profound spiritual discipline, urging an honest self-assessment against the perfect standard of Christ. It reflects the teaching of Luke 9:23 about denying oneself and taking up one's cross daily, and the aspiration of 2 Corinthians 3:18 to be "transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory." This daily questioning fosters a mindset of continuous spiritual growth, pushing individuals to shed their ego, weaknesses, and sinful inclinations to embody more of Christ's character, illustrating Paul’s declaration in Galatians 2:20, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me."
The subsequent verses extend these petitions, asking for "more gratitude," a consistent command throughout Scripture, notably in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to "give thanks in all circumstances." It also seeks an increased love for God, aligning with the greatest commandment in Matthew 22:37 to love the Lord with all one's heart, soul, and mind. The call to "take pride only in your glory" is a direct challenge to human pride, redirecting honor to God alone, as highlighted in Jeremiah 9:23-24. Trusting "only in your word" affirms the Bible's supreme authority and reliability as a guide for life, a truth found in Psalm 119:105. Perhaps most compelling is the prayer to "shed sorrow's tears / When others pain, when others grieve," embodying the compassionate heart of Jesus and the biblical command to "mourn with those who mourn" (Romans 12:15). This moves beyond personal piety to outward expression of Christ's love. The ultimate aspiration, "And may my neighbor please see Jesus / Every time that they see me," is a powerful articulation of being a living testimony, allowing one's actions and character to reflect the light of Christ, as instructed in Matthew 5:16, so that others might glorify God.
"A Little More Like You" is more than just a song; it is a devotional guide, a daily prayer template for those earnestly pursuing a deeper walk with Christ. Ivan Parker, through this inspiring piece, delivers a message that transcends musicality to become a spiritual benchmark, encouraging believers to measure their progress not by worldly standards, but by their increasing conformity to the image of Jesus. It is a timeless anthem for spiritual refinement, prompting everyone who reflects on its words to introspect and strive for a life that is truly "less like me and more like You."