Take My Life, and Let It Be

“Take My Life, and Let It Be” is a profound hymn of personal surrender. It is a staple in many Nigerian parishes, often sung when the congregation is called to offer themselves entirely to God. The melody is gentle but resolute, carrying words that ask God to take every part of our human existence—our hands, our feet, our voices, and our wealth—and make them instruments of divine purpose.

In the choir loft, this piece is frequently chosen for the Offertory or during moments of consecration and renewal of vows. As the verses progress, the text moves from outward actions to the deepest parts of our being: the will and the heart. Singing it feels less like performing a piece of music and more like praying a collective vow. When the harmony swells on the repeated final phrases of each stanza, like “At the impulse of Thy love,” it reinforces the earnestness of the petition.

This handwritten solfa arrangement captures the straightforward, four-part harmony that makes the hymn so accessible to congregations and choirs alike. It is a quiet, steady reminder that true worship involves handing over our moments, our days, and our very hearts to become a royal throne for the Lord.