Portions of her writing were in rhyme and one of her poems was set to music. She drew on Scripture as the basis. These are the words of Paul to the believers in Philippi: "And this I pray, that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight "(Phil. 1:9). The words bring back sweet memories to me because my family sang them in church:

 

"More love to thee O Christ, more love to Thee.
Hear now the prayer I make, on bended knee.
This is my earnest plea, more love O Christ to Thee.
More love to Thee. More love to Thee."

 

Elizabeth Prentiss showed that poem and the other two verses to no one when it was finished, for fear that it was too simple and not important. But her husband, Rev. George Prentiss, discovered the poem years later and arranged for it to be printed in leaflet form.

 

After distribution at their Presbyterian church where he was pastor, it was set to music by the well-known composer, William H. Doane. He included it in his hymnal of 1870, "Songs of Devotion." It continues to be printed in hymnals of many denominations. Within the body of Christ, "we love Him because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19).

 

Rev. Prentiss spoke lovingly of his wife at her funeral in their church. "The aim of her writings, whether designed for young or old, was to incite to patience, fidelity, hope, and all goodness by showing how trust in God and loving obedience to His blessings, would brighten the darkest paths and make a heaven upon earth." Her death had come suddenly after a brief illness in Dorset, Vermont on August 13,1878.

 

I treasure my grandmother Maggie's little green book. It assures me that her intention was to raise her family with Godly love and devotion. Even though she died at a young age, the seeds she had sown within the family helped them all to step heavenward. Within the last years they have all done that.

 

What do we know about heaven? It is real! And it is exciting to know that Jesus has gone to prepare that Home for those who believe.

 

Our Father, who art in heaven, it is most wonderful to know that You are also here. As You pour love out upon all creation, let us respond with that invitation for Jesus to be Lord and Savior of our lives. May we express that love for You in worship and in the loving deeds You direct us to do. As we give a pat on the shoulder, a kind smile, a caring word, it may be the turning point in some lonely life. Thank you for giving us opportunities each day to express more love to Thee and may it pour out to others. We pray in Jesus' mighty name, Amen. 

Lucy Neeley Adams has always loved music. She began telling the story of hymns on Christian radio WWGM in Nashville, TN, in the '80s. She then wrote a newspaper column titled "Song Stories" for five years. During that time Lucy's book, 52 Hymn Story Devotions, was published by Abingdon Press in Nashville. Each of the 52 stories contained in the book is written in a devotional format, with the words of the hymn concluding each devotion. Lucy, dubbed "The hymn lady," can be heard on the first Thursday of each month when she discusses hymn stories during a telephone interview with Michelle Mendoza of "Living Christian." The program is aired on station KCIS in Seattle, WA. Lucy lives at Lake Junaluska, NC, with her minister husband, Woody. They have four children and fourteen grandchildren. She may be reached for comment at lucya424@aol.com. Visit her at 52hymns.com.