O May My Soul Increase And Grow – Hymn Lyric
“O May My Soul Increase And Grow: Nurturing Virtue, Love, and Zeal” is a powerful hymn that expresses the poet’s desire for personal growth and spiritual strength. Through their words, they acknowledge the challenges they face within themselves while seeking the Lord‘s guidance and support. This hymn serves as a reminder for believers to cultivate virtues such as love, zeal, and faith in their lives, enabling them to triumph over obstacles and find peace.
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O May My Soul Increase And Grow – Hymn Lyric
O may my soul increase and grow
In virtue, love, and zeal likewise,
Until I conquer every foe
Of those who daily in me rise.
My unbelief, my pride, and lust,
My merits, and self-righteousness;
My worthless props, to which I trust,
How oft do they destroy my peace!
They cause in me a war and strife,
They strive to bring me down, to yield;
They strive to take my crown of life,
And fain would slay me in the field.
But Lord, supported by thy hand,
I shall be able to endure,
Against all such attacks to stand,
And banish Satan with his power.
Grant me, my Lord, that living faith,
By which I stand forever fast;
And though I fight the powers of death,
Yet I shall conquer all at last.
Meaning of O May My Soul Increase And Grow
O May My Soul Increase And Grow: Nurturing Virtue, Love, and Zeal
In this powerful hymn, the poet fervently expresses their desire for personal growth and spiritual strength. They long for their soul to increase and flourish in virtues such as love, zeal, and faith. Through their words, they acknowledge the challenges they face – the foes that rise within them in the form of unbelief, pride, lust, self-righteousness, and reliance on worthless props. These foes threaten their peace and seek to bring them down, even attempting to snatch away their crown of life.
The poet humbly recognizes their vulnerability and imperfections, the constant inner battle they wage. They do not shy away from acknowledging the war and strife within their own being. They understand that their foes are relentless, consistently trying to rob them of their joy and purpose. However, they find solace in the hope that the Lord’s hand will sustain them, give them the strength to endure, and ultimately defeat Satan and his powers.
Through these verses, the poet highlights the importance of living faith – a faith that anchors them securely and enables them to withstand the assaults of death itself. They yearn for this unwavering faith, knowing that it will empower them to triumph over all obstacles and emerge victorious in the end.
“O May My Soul Increase And Grow” serves as a reminder to believers of the constant need for growth and development in their spiritual journey. It encourages them to nurture virtues such as love, zeal, and faith in their lives, leaping over any hindrances that may come their way. This hymn is not just a reflection of personal struggles but also a universal plea for divine guidance and strength.
Virtue, defined as moral excellence and righteousness, plays a crucial role in the poet’s aspiration. By striving to increase and grow in virtue, they seek to align their actions and thoughts with divine principles. Virtuous behavior ensures a life that is in harmony with God’s will and brings about inner peace and contentment. As the poet yearns for their soul to flourish in virtue, they acknowledge that it is a lifelong process requiring continuous effort and commitment.
Love, another key characteristic mentioned in the hymn, is central to a believer’s journey. Love encompasses not only love for God but also love for one’s fellow beings. It is a force that binds people together, encourages forgiveness, and extends compassion. The poet’s desire for their soul to increase and grow in love is a testament to their recognition of its transformative power. They understand that love has the ability to conquer hatred, heal wounds, and create a more compassionate world.
Zeal, the third quality highlighted in the hymn, refers to a fervent and enthusiastic devotion to a cause or belief. It is the energy and passion that fuel one’s actions in service of God and humanity. The poet’s plea for their soul to increase and grow in zeal reflects their desire to live a life of purpose and dedication. They long to embrace opportunities for spiritual growth, to passionately pursue their calling, and to inspire others with their ardent commitment.
As readers and listeners, we can all resonate with the sentiments expressed in this hymn. Our own lives are often marked by inner battles and external challenges. We may find ourselves grappling with doubts, struggling with pride, or succumbing to harmful desires. Yet, like the poet, we can take solace in the assurance that with the Lord’s guidance and support, we can overcome these obstacles.
Just as the hymn touches our hearts, it also serves as a valuable teaching tool for younger audiences. Exploring the themes of personal growth, virtue, love, and zeal can help seventh-grade students navigate the complexities of their own lives. Through discussions and reflections sparked by this hymn, they can deepen their understanding of these concepts and ponder how they can apply them to their own journeys.
In conclusion, “O May My Soul Increase And Grow” is a hymn that resonates deeply with believers of all ages. Its timeless message of seeking growth in virtue, love, and zeal serves as a reminder of the ongoing nature of the spiritual journey. By nurturing these qualities, we can navigate the challenges that arise within us and conquer the foes that seek to hinder our progress. Ultimately, this hymn inspires us to embrace a life of faith, grounded in love, and filled with purpose.
I hope this hymn inspired image brings you hope and peace. Share it with someone who needs it today!
