GOSPEL >> Consecration
SDAH 308
I would be, dear Savior, wholly Thine;
Teach me how, teach me how;
I would do Thy will, O Lord, not mine;
Help me, help me now.
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For Worship Leaders
Make each hymn more meaningful with these helpful tools: Short, ready-to-use hymn introductions for church bulletins, multiple ways to introduce a hymn based on your worship theme and in-depth history and insights to enrich your song service.
Hymn Spotlight: Wholly Thine
Franklin Edson Belden, one of the most prolific and influential Adventist hymn writers, composed both the words and music of this hymn in 1886. “Wholly Thine” first appeared in Hymns and Tunes that same year, under the scriptural heading, “Consecrate yourselves today to the Lord… that he may bestow upon you a blessing” (Exodus 32:29). Belden’s lyrics reflect the deep call to full surrender and daily consecration, a theme closely tied to the Adventist message of sanctification and readiness for Christ’s return. The gentle, earnest tune draws the singer into a quiet personal response to God’s grace. May this hymn lead us to offer our whole hearts to Christ—nothing held back, wholly His.
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
In spite of the decree that forbade petition to any god or man but to the king only, Daniel continued to pray toward Jerusalem. He could have shut the windows and prayed in secret; instead, he decided not to compromise his testimony. His commitment to the truth ranked much higher than the protection of his own life. (Lesson 7, 1st Quarter 2020 – Tuesday, Daniel’s Prayer, 2/11/2020)
Having taken our place as soldiers in the army of Christ, we have His help to do His will at every step. Let us renew our vow to be wholly His every day. In His presence, we have His strength to be more than conquerors in every battle. (Lesson 9, 1st Quarter 2023, Managing for the Master – Monday, “An Accursed Thing in the Camp” 2/27/23)
Do we desire to be Christ’s? He is eager to teach us how! For the Bible promises that he that wills to do His will shall know His teaching. (Lesson 4, 2nd Quarter 2023 -Wednesday, Wholly Thine, 4/19/2023)
Both words and music were composed in 1886 by Franklin Edson Belden (1858-1945; see Biographies), and appear in Hymns and Tunes, 1886, where the heading is “Consecrate yourselves to day to the Lord . . . that he may bestow upon you a blessing” (Ex. 32:29).
📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.
Text
1
I would be, dear Savior, wholly Thine;
Teach me how, teach me how;
I would do Thy will, O Lord, not mine;
Help me, help me now.
Refrain
Wholly Thine, wholly Thine,
Wholly Thine, this is my vow;
Wholly Thine, wholly Thine,
Wholly Thine, O Lord, just now.
2
What is worldly pleasure, wealth or fame,
Without Thee, without Thee?
I will leave them all for Thy dear Name,
This my wealth shall be.
3
As I cast earth’s transient joys behind,
Come Thou near, come Thou near;
In Thy presence all in all I find,
’Tis my comfort here.
Hymn Info
Biblical Information
(b) Phil 3:8 (c) Col 3:11 (r) Matt 22:37
Author
Franklin E. Belden (1858-1945)
Year Published
1886
Metrical Number
9.6.9.5.Ref.
Composer
F.E. Belden
Year Composed
1886
