Blessing Ogundulu
In the realm of spiritual encounters, few experiences match the profound and uplifting moments when we feel the presence of Jesus. These instances, though often elusive, possess a transformative power that resonates deeply within.
They serve as the inspiration for hymns that beautifully articulate the yearning to see Jesus more clearly. Join me on a musical odyssey as we explore 15 hymns, each a unique expression of the universal human longing to catch glimpses of the divine.
Through the verses penned by various lyricists and musicians, I’ll delve into the collective desire to witness the profound and tangible presence of Jesus in our lives.
Hymns About Seeing Jesus
1. “Open My Eyes, That I May See” Clara H. Scott
In the gentle cadence of Clara H. Scott’s hymn, “Open My Eyes, That I May See,” we find a heartfelt plea for spiritual illumination. The lyrics beseech the divine to open our eyes to the wonders of God’s truth.
It’s a melody that resonates with the simplicity of a sincere prayer, a hymn that invites us to consciously see the world through the lens of faith.
2. “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” Helen H. Lemmel
Helen H. Lemmel’s timeless hymn, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,” paints a vivid picture of shifting our gaze from life’s distractions to the radiant figure of Jesus.
The melody carries a gentle urgency, urging us to refocus our attention on the source of unwavering hope. It’s a call to turn away from the tumult and fix our eyes on the unchanging love and grace embodied in Jesus.
3. “I Want to See Jesus” Albert A. Goodson
Albert A. Goodson’s composition, “I Want to See Jesus,” expresses a raw and unfiltered longing. This hymn delves into the depths of the human soul, articulating the profound desire to encounter Jesus face to face.
The simplicity of the melody mirrors the earnestness of the heart, crying out for a tangible connection with the divine.
4. “Be Thou My Vision” Ancient Irish Hymn, Translated by Mary E. Byrne
Translated from an ancient Irish hymn by Mary E. Byrne, “Be Thou My Vision” stands as a poetic tribute to Jesus as the ultimate guide and source of clarity.
The hymn invites us to see not with mere physical eyes but with a vision aligned with the values and purpose illuminated by Christ. It’s a melody that unfolds like a sacred journey towards a clearer understanding of our Savior.
5. “Open the Eyes of My Heart” Paul Baloche
In Paul Baloche’s “Open the Eyes of My Heart,” there’s a modern resonance to the ageold prayer for spiritual revelation.
The hymn pulsates with a rhythmic sincerity, a contemporary expression of the timeless desire to see Jesus not just as a distant figure but as an intimate presence in our lives. It’s an invitation to open our hearts to a profound encounter.
6. “I Saw One Weary” Civilla D. Martin
Civilla D. Martin’s “I Saw One Weary” is a hymn that paints a compassionate picture of seeing Jesus on the wearied faces of those around us.
It calls us to recognize the divine in acts of kindness and empathy, reminding us that our encounters with Jesus can manifest in the everyday struggles and triumphs of humanity.
7. “I Saw the Cross of Jesus” Frederick Whitfield
Frederick Whitfield’s hymn, “I Saw the Cross of Jesus,” draws our attention to the profound symbolism of the cross. It’s a contemplative melody that invites us to see beyond the surface and grasp the sacrificial love embodied in the crucifixion.
Through the lens of the cross, the hymn encourages us to perceive the depth of Jesus’ impact on our lives.
8. “In the Garden” C. Austin Miles
C. Austin Miles’ “In the Garden” unfolds like a serene meditation, portraying a moment of personal encounter with Jesus in the quietude of a garden.
The hymn captures the intimacy of communion, depicting a scene where we can, in our mind’s eye, walk and talk with Jesus, experiencing His presence in the stillness of nature.
9. “Fairest Lord Jesus” Anonymous, Translated by Joseph A. Seiss
The hymn “Fairest Lord Jesus,” translated by Joseph A. Seiss, stands as a poetic ode to the beauty of Jesus. It’s an exploration of seeing Jesus as the epitome of all that is fair and lovely.
The hymn calls us to recognize the divine beauty in our midst, stirring a profound appreciation for the splendour of our Savior.
10. “I Saw the Light” Hank Williams
Hank Williams’ “I Saw the Light” introduces a jubilant note to our journey. This hymn celebrates the transformative power of encountering Jesus, where darkness gives way to light.
The melody resonates with the joy of newfound sight, a triumphant declaration of seeing the path illuminated by the grace of Jesus.
11. “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” Charles Wesley
Charles Wesley’s “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” is an exuberant anthem that rejoices in the ability to declare the praises of Jesus.
The hymn vividly expresses the overwhelming desire to articulate the awe-inspiring moments of encountering Jesus. It serves as a reminder that words, even a thousand tongues, could never fully capture the magnitude of such divine experiences.
12. “Hallelujah, I Have Seen Him” Eliza E. Hewitt
Eliza E. Hewitt’s hymn, “Hallelujah, I Have Seen Him,” resounds with a victorious spirit. It’s a declaration of the joy that comes with seeing Jesus in various aspects of life.
The hymn encourages us to lift our voices in hallelujah, celebrating the moments of revelation and connection with the Savior.
13. “Crown Him With Many Crowns” Matthew Bridges and Godfrey Thring
The collaborative work of Matthew Bridges and Godfrey Thring in “Crown Him with Many Crowns” paints a majestic portrait of Jesus.
The hymn envisions Jesus crowned with glory and honour, inviting us to recognize His sovereign majesty. It’s a call to see beyond the ordinary and acknowledge the regal authority of our Savior.
14. “Open Our Eyes, Lord” Bob Cull
Bob Cull’s “Open Our Eyes, Lord” is a contemporary plea for spiritual insight. The hymn acknowledges our human limitations and implores the divine to open our eyes to the profound truths of God.
It serves as a humble recognition of our dependence on divine revelation for a clearer understanding of Jesus.
15. “I Saw Jesus in You” Ron Hamilton and Shelly Hamilton
I Saw Jesus in You hymns brings our musical journey to a poignant conclusion. This hymn beautifully captures the essence of seeing Jesus in the actions and love of others.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most profound encounters with Jesus happen through the reflection of His love in the people around us.
The Symphony of Sight: Harmonizing Your Journey With Jesus
As I draw the curtains on this melodic exploration of hymns about seeing Jesus, let the echoes of these timeless compositions linger in your heart.
Each hymn, a poetic brushstroke on the canvas of faith, invites us to gaze into the depths of our spirituality, seeking moments where the divine is unveiled in the ordinary.
In the quietude of “In the Garden” and the jubilant declaration of “I Saw the Light,” we’ve traversed a spectrum of emotions, all converging on the central theme of longing to see Jesus.
Whether through the lens of weariness, the symbolism of the cross, or the celebration of newfound sight, these hymns resonate with the universal human yearning for a closer connection with our Savior.
Keep your eyes open to the presence of Jesus, not just in the sacred spaces of worship but in the ordinary moments, the faces of those around you, and the echoes of these hymns that linger in your heart.
For in each note and lyric, there is an invitation to see beyond the visible, to glimpse the extraordinary in the simplicity of faith.
