1. Lord, I hear of showers of blessing, Thou art scattering full and free; Showers the thirsty land refreshing; Let some drops now fall on me; Even me, even me, Let some drops now fall on me. 2. Pass me not, O God, my Father, Sinful though my heart may be; Thou mightst leave me, but the rather; Let Thy mercy light on me; Even me, even me, Let Thy mercy light on me. 3. Pass me not, O gracious Savior, Let me live and cling to Thee; I am longing for Thy favor; Whilst Thou'rt calling, O call me; Even me, even me, Whilst Thou'rt calling, O call me. 4. Pass me not, O mighty Spirit! Thou canst make the blind to see; Witnesser of Jesus' merit, Speak the Word of power to me; Even me, even me, Speak the Word of power to me. 5. Have I been in sin long sleeping, Long been slighting, grieving Thee? Has the world my heart been keeping? O forgive and rescue me; Even me, even me, O forgive and rescue me. 6. Love of God, so pure and changeless, Blood of Christ, so rich and free; Grace of God, so strong and boundless Magnify them all in me; Even me, even me, Magnify them all in me. 7. Pass me not; but pardon bringing, Bind my heart, O Lord, to Thee; Whilst the streams of life are springing, Blessing others, O bless me; Even me, even me, Blessing others, O bless me.
Lyrics: Elizabeth Harris Codner
Music: William Batchelder
Bradbury
Tune: EVEN ME
Elizabeth Codner, 1824–1919
Mrs. Codner thought about the importance of water in the dry country of Palestine and related this to the necessity of the daily refreshment of the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures in a believer’s life. When she was still contemplating this truth, a group of young people from the parish called on her and told the news of their recent trip to Ireland. They related that certain cities and areas of the Emerald Isle had experienced a spiritual awakening during the time of their visit. The young people were thrilled to have been witnesses of this event. As they were describing their experience, Mrs. Codner began to pray that these young men would not be content merely to have been spectators of the Holy Spirit’s ministry but would also desire a genuine outpouring of His power in their individual lives. With the words of Ezekiel 34:26 in mind, she challenged them with the remark, “While the Lord is pouring out such showers of blessing upon others, pray that some drops will fall on you.”
The following Sunday morning, Mrs. Codner stayed home from church because of illness, and with the impact of the young people’s experience still fresh in her mind, she penned these challenging words.