DOCTRINES >> COMMUNION
SDAH 401
In imitation, Lord, of Thee,
This solemn service we repeat;
For Thine example full of grace,
Has made this humble duty sweet.
Get the hymn sheet in other keys here
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: In Imitation, Lord of Thee
Clara H. Scott, known as the first woman to publish an anthem collection, wrote both the words and music of this tender hymn of consecration. First appearing in Best Hymns No. 2 (1895), it calls believers to walk in the footsteps of Christ—living lives of humble service and self-sacrifice. Her legacy lives on through hymns that continue to draw hearts closer to the Savior’s example.
📖 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.
Text
1
In imitation, Lord, of Thee,
This solemn service we repeat;
For Thine example full of grace,
Has made this humble duty sweet.
2
Renew each sacred spark of love,
And vitalize the holy flame;
May union strong our hearts unite
While this we do in Jesus’ name.
3
Our great example Thou shalt be,
In washing Thy disciples feet;
And as we follow Thy command,
Make Thou our fellowship complete.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) John 13:15 (b) John 17:21 (c) John 13:14
Author
William Brickey
Year Published
c. 1886
Hymn Tune
MCCABE
Metrical Number
L.M.
Composer
E.S. Widdemer
