LORD, I WANT TO BE A CHRISTIAN

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 1860

“Lord, I Want to Be a Christian” – History of the Hymn

“Lord, I Want to Be a Christian” is a traditional African American spiritual that emerged in the 19th century during the era of slavery in the United States.

Origins

  • The hymn was created by enslaved African Americans in the Southern United States, likely in the early to mid-1800s.

  • Like many spirituals, it was passed down orally, so there is no known single composer.

  • It reflects the deep Christian faith that sustained enslaved people through suffering, oppression, and hardship.

Spirituals often blended:

  • Biblical themes

  • Personal prayer

  • Hope for freedom (both spiritual and sometimes physical)

This hymn is more of a personal prayer than a narrative song, which makes it especially intimate and devotional.

First Publication

The hymn was first published in 1867 in the important collection:

  • Slave Songs of the United States

This was the first major published compilation of African American spirituals. The book was compiled by:

  • William Francis Allen

  • Charles Pickard Ware

  • Lucy McKim Garrison

Their work helped preserve spirituals that had previously existed only in oral tradition.

Themes and Structure

The hymn typically follows a simple, repetitive structure:

Lord, I want to be a Christian
In my heart, in my heart...

Additional verses often include:

  • “Lord, I want to be more loving”

  • “Lord, I want to be more holy”

  • “Lord, I want to be like Jesus”

The repetition reflects:

  • Call-and-response worship traditions

  • Community participation

  • Deep emotional meditation

Musical Style

  • Usually sung slowly and reflectively

  • Often performed a cappella or with simple accompaniment

  • Commonly arranged for church choirs and hymnals

Over time, it has been included in many Protestant hymnals and arranged by numerous composers.

Cultural and Religious Significance

“Lord, I Want to Be a Christian” is significant because:

  • It expresses inner spiritual transformation, not just outward religion.

  • It reflects how Christianity became a source of hope and identity among enslaved people.

  • It remains widely sung in churches across denominations today.

The hymn stands as both:

  • A testimony of faith under oppression

  • A lasting piece of American sacred music history

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