LBW #294, “My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less”
Devotion
Edward Mote was a cabinetmaker by trade. There must have been times when his thoughts were not confined to his work, or when his creative, musical juices flowed while working. The first line of hymn 294 originally began, “Nor earth, not hell my soul can move.” The hymn was written about 1834 and was first sung when Mote went to visit a dying woman in his congregation. And now, 171 years later, the Christian church reconfirms the mighty profession of faith when it sings his hymn.
The words of Mote’s hymn are perfectly matched to the tune “The Solid Rock,” composed by William Batchelder Bradbury. Bradbury was a builder and piano salesman. Of several hundred hymn compositions, this was perhaps his best known work.
Prayer
Loving Creator, direct and focus my life that I may serve you. And when my mind can be relaxed, may my creative juices result in enjoyment or even possibly something of significance to your church. Amen.