I began composing this anthem back in the early 1990s. At the time, I did not feel capable of doing the text justice. So it sat in my files until several years ago when I decided to finish it. The text, Jesus, Lover of My Soul, by Charles Wesley has long been a favorite of mine. It is a prayer of comfort—whatever life throws our way, we have a safe place to fall—there is plenteous grace and healing streams. The text offers a timeless expression of faith and comfort.

Premiere of Jesus, Lover of My Soul

The anthem was premiered on Sunday, March 22, 2026 by First United Methodist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. I am grateful to Minister of Music, Patrick Evans; Organist, Richard Byrd; and the FUMC Chancel Choir.

About Charles Wesley

Charles Wesley (1707-1788) was an English Anglican cleric and a principal leader of the Methodist movement. He and his brother, John, were joint leaders of the Methodist Revival and evangelized throughout Britain and Ireland. Charles was a prolific hymn writer and wrote over 6,500 hymns—many of which are still popular. He was able to make complex religious ideas easy to understand. His texts proclaim that God’s love and grace are available to everyone.

His hymn texts include:

• Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,
• Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending
• Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
• O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing
• Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.

Here is a link to the video. Here is a link to Sheet Music Plus where the score is available for purchase.

Jesus, Lover of My Soul

Jesus, lover of my soul,
let me to your bosom fly,
while the nearer waters roll,
while the tempest still is high.
Hide me, O my savior, hide,
till the storm of life is past.
Safe into the haven guide.
O receive my soul at last.

Other refuge have I none;
hangs my helpless soul on thee.
Leave, ah! Leave me not alone;
still support and comfort me.
All my trust on you is stayed;
All my help from you I bring;
cover my defenseless head
with the shadow of your wing.

Plenteous grace with thee is found,
grace to cover all my need.
Let the healing streams abound;
make and keep me pure in deed.
Thou of life the fountain art;
freely let me take of thee.
Springing up within my heart.
Rise to all eternity.   

— Charles Wesley, 1740, alt.