GOSPEL >> Consecration
SDAH 326
Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
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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: Open My Eyes That I May See
Written and composed by Clara H. Scott, this beloved hymn of spiritual receptiveness was first published in Best Hymns No. 2 in 1895. Scott, a pioneering female composer and music educator, was the first woman to publish an anthem collection (The Royal Anthem Book, 1882). Inspired by Psalm 119:18—”Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law”—this hymn is a heartfelt prayer for vision, illumination, and spiritual discernment. Its gentle melody and earnest text invite worshipers to approach God with open hearts and minds, ready to receive His truth and walk in His light.
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
Both words and music of this hymn were written by Clara H. Scott, who was born December 3, 1841, at Elk Grove, Illinois. She went to the first musical institute held in Chicago by C. M. Cady, in 1856. For a time she taught music in the Ladies’ Seminary at Lyons, Iowa. Horatio R. Palmer encouraged her in creative writing, and she furnished a number of songs for his collections. She also published The Royal Anthem Book, 1882, which was the first anthem collection by a woman. Tragically, while visiting Dubuque, Iowa, she was killed June 21, 1897, when thrown from a buggy pulled by a runaway horse. The first publication of this hymn was in Best Hymns No.2, compiled by E. A. Hoffman and Harold F. Sayles, 1895.
📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.
Stanza:
1 – Psalm 119:10
2 – Matthew 13:9
3 – Psalm 81:10
Text
1
Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit Divine!
2
Open my ears that I may hear
Voices of truth Thou sendest clear;
And while the wave notes fall on my ear,
Everything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit Divine!
3
Open my mouth, and let me bear
Gladly the warm truth everywhere;
Open my heart, and let me prepare
Love with Thy children thus to share.
Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit Divine!
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Ps 119:10 (b) Matt 13:9 (c) Ps 81:10
Author
Clara H. Scott (1841-1897)
Year Published
1895
Metrical Number
Irregular
Composer
Clara H. Scott
Year Composed
1895
