1. Lord, I hear of showers of blessing
Thou art scattering full and free,
Showers, the thirsty land refreshing;
Let some showers fall on me,
Even me.
2. Pass me not, O gracious Father,
Sinful though my heart may be;
Thou might’st leave me, but the rather
Let thy mercy light on me,
Even me.
3. 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.
4. 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.
The hymn “Lord, I Hear of Showers of Blessing” was written by Elizabeth Codner in the mid-19th century and has touched countless hearts with its earnest longing for personal spiritual revival. The backdrop of this hymn is closely tied to the spiritual awakenings that swept across parts of England and Wales during the 1850s and 1860s, and its lyrics reflect a deeply personal cry for inclusion in the outpourings of divine grace.
Elizabeth Codner (1823–1919), an Englishwoman, was active in Christian ministry alongside her husband, a clergyman. She was a devout evangelical and engaged in Sunday school work and mission efforts. She was particularly stirred by reports of revival occurring in different parts of Britain. In 1860, during a service where testimonies were shared about conversions and blessings being experienced elsewhere, Codner felt overwhelmed with both joy for others and a deep yearning for her own soul and those around her to experience the same.
One Sunday, after hearing young people in her congregation speak about these “showers of blessing” happening in other places, Codner was struck by the contrast between what was happening elsewhere and the dryness she perceived locally. That evening, her heart ached for the presence of God to descend upon her own church and community. She took up a pen and began to write what became the hymn “Lord, I Hear of Showers of Blessing.”
The opening line—*“Lord, I hear of showers of blessing, Thou art scattering full and free”—*expresses a mix of hope and heartache. It acknowledges that God is working powerfully in other places but pleads, “Let some drops now fall on me.” This refrain captures the essence of the hymn: a humble, prayerful request not to be left out of God's renewing work. Codner didn’t write from a place of bitterness, but from sincere yearning, desiring that God's mercy not pass her by.
The hymn was first published in 1860 in a small collection and gained popularity quickly. Its emotional sincerity, Scriptural allusions, and simple structure made it well-suited for revival meetings and personal devotions. The phrase “Showers of blessing” is drawn from Ezekiel 34:26 (KJV): “And I will cause the shower to come down in his season; there shall be showers of blessing.” This verse promises abundance, divine favor, and spiritual renewal—central themes in the hymn.
Though the hymn was written in a time of widespread revivalism, it struck a universal chord by focusing not on grand movements but on individual spiritual thirst. Its repeated plea—*“Even me, even me”—*has resonated with generations of Christians who feel spiritually dry or distant and who long to experience God's grace in a personal and tangible way.
Interestingly, the tune most often associated with this hymn, titled “Even Me,” was composed by William B. Bradbury (1816–1868), a prolific American hymn composer known for his work on tunes like “Jesus Loves Me” and “Sweet Hour of Prayer.” Bradbury’s melody added warmth and emotional power to Codner’s prayerful words, and the hymn quickly became a staple in hymnals both in Britain and America.
“Lord, I Hear of Showers of Blessing” is often grouped among invitation hymns and those used during times of spiritual decision or altar calls. Its simple but poignant lyrics give it lasting relevance. Whether sung during a revival or read silently in personal prayer, it remains a heartfelt petition for God’s grace not to bypass the individual soul.
Elizabeth Codner herself continued to be active in religious work and lived to the age of 96, passing away in 1919. While she wrote other hymns, none captured the public’s heart as deeply as this one. It stands today as a classic example of how personal spiritual longing can be transformed into a collective prayer, echoing through generations.
In essence, “Lord, I Hear of Showers of Blessing” is more than just a hymn—it’s a soul’s cry. In the midst of spiritual drought or distance, it reminds the worshiper to turn to God not only in recognition of His power elsewhere but in humble expectation that He will visit even me.
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