Moravian Book of Worship ‎#604

604. Make Me a Captive, Lord

1 Make me a captive, Lord,
and then I shall be free;
force me to render up my sword,
and I shall conquer'r be.
I sink in life's alarms
when by myself I stand;
imprison me within your arms,
and strong shall be my hand.

2 My pow'r is faint and low
till I have learned to serve;
it lacks the needed fire to glow,
it lacks the breeze to nerve;
it cannot drive the world
until itself be driv'n;
its flag can only be unfurled
when you shall breathe from heav'n.

3 My heart is weak and poor
until it master find;
it has no spring of action sure,
it varies with the wind.
It cannot freely move
till you have wrought its chain;
enslave it with your matchless love,
and deathless it shall reign.

Text Information

• First Line: Make me a captive, Lord
• Title: Make Me a Captive, Lord
• Author: George Matheson (1890, alt.)
• Meter: S.M.D.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Scripture:
  Matthew 16:24-26
  ;
  Romans 6:13-22
  ;
  2 Corinthians 12:9-10
  ;
  Ephesians 3:1
  ;
  Philippians 4:10-13
• Topic: Invitation and Response; Christian paradox; Confession of Sin; Following Christ; Life in Christ

Tune Information

• Name: LEOMINSTER
• Composer: George William Martin (1862)
• Arranger: Arthur Sullivan (1874)
• Meter: S.M.D.
• Key: D Major
• Notes: 595 B in 1891 Offices of Worship and Hymns