I am Thine, O Lord

from Up From the Roots by David Krienke

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about

I always thought that this hymn was called "Draw Me Nearer". I found out otherwise in 2007, while I was serving as Praise & Worship Leader at a church in Goshen, Indiana.
There is a hidden snippet at the end, after the fade out, of a vintage recording of my father, Arvid Krienke singing "Neither Do I Condemn Thee", accompanied by his mother (my grandmother), Ruth Krienke on the autoharp.
The story of this hymn is interesting:
Fanny Crosby was visiting Mr. W. H. Doane, in his home in Cincinnati, Ohio. They were talking together about the nearness of God, as the sun was setting and evening shadows were gathering around them. The subject so impressed the well-known hymn-writer, that before retiring she had written the words to this hymn, which has become one of the most useful she has ever written. The music by Mr. Doane so well fitted the words that the hymn has become a special favorite. It has also been reported that Fanny Crosby, though blind, had a sunset described to her in words before writing the lyrics. Hebrews 10:22 is reported as being a source of inspiration for the hymn - "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water."

lyrics

I am Thine, O Lord – I have heard Thy Voice –
And it told Thy Love to me.
But I long to rise in the Arms of faith –
And be closer drawn to Thee.

Chorus
Draw me nearer – nearer – blessed Lord,
To the Cross – where Thou hast died.
Draw me nearer – nearer – nearer – blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.

Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord –
By the power of grace divine.
Let my soul look up, with a steadfast hope –
And my will be lost in Thine.

~~~Chorus~~~

There are depths of Love, that I cannot know –
‘Till I cross the narrow sea.
There are heights of joy, that I may not reach –
‘Till I rest in peace with Thee.

~~~Chorus~~~

credits

from Up From the Roots, released April 22, 2010
Public Domain
words by Fanny J. Crosby & music by W. Howard Doane

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about

David Krienke Elkhart, Indiana

Born into a family of Gospel singers & musicians in South Bend, Indiana, David began singing & playing the piano as a small child.
In the 1970's, his musical style was shaped by the acoustic rock artists of the time - and in the 1980's David played the local nightclub circuit as keyboardist/singer with the band Justus.
But God comes in places unlooked for - unexpectedly. ... more