Love Lifted Me

Love Lifted Me

James was born the son of a copper miner in England. At the age of 24 he moved to America, working for a railroad for 10 years, until he took a job with a Texas music publishing company. He eventually moved to Vermont where he wrote greeting cards with his daughter.

Howard Smith was an organist whose hands had become so arthritic that he could barely play his piano anymore. The two men, now in their 70’s, formed a friendship and began writings hymns together. They set out to write a song about the moment the Apostle Peter was lifted out of the water by Jesus on the Sea of Galilee.

Peter and the other disciples had seen Jesus walking on the water and Peter was inspired to do the same. He stepped out of the boat and found himself walking on the sea … until he took his eyes off of Jesus. As he sank, he cried out and Jesus lifted him up to safety. Love literally lifted Peter out of the sea.

James and Howard worked together to create a masterpiece that is still sung lovingly today. Rowe’s daughter recalled watching them:

“I can see them now, my father striding up and down humming a bar or two, and Howard playing it and jotting it down …The two huddled together, working line by line, bar by bar, composing this hymn in tandem.”

The resulting hymn was called Love Lifted Me.” They sold the rights to it in 1915 and it has been included in practically every hymnbook written ever since.

LOVE LIFTED ME

1 - I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea, heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.

Refrain:
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help
Love lifted me!

2 - All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I’ll cling
In His blessèd presence live, ever His praises sing,
Love so mighty and so true, merits my soul’s best songs,
Faithful, loving service too, to Him belongs.

Refrain

3 - Souls in danger look above, Jesus completely saves,
He will lift you by His love, out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea, billows His will obey,
He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.

Refrain