Christ is All

A Prayer by Hymn Writer & Pastor Ray Palmer
ALONE with Thee, alone with Thee.
Now through my breast
There steals a breath, like breath of balm,
That healing brings, and holy calm,
That soothes like chanted song or psalm,
And makes me blest.

Alone with Thee, alone with Thee,
In Thy pure light
The splendid pomps and shows of time,
The tempting steeps that pride would climb,
The peaks where glory rests sublime,
Pale on my sight.

Alone with Thee, alone with Thee,
My softened heart
Floats on the flood of love divine,
Feels all its wishes drowned in Thine;
Content that every good is mine
Thou canst impart.

Alone with Thee, alone with Thee,
I want no more
To make ray earthly bliss complete,
Than oft my Lord unseen to meet
For “sight” I wait till tread my feet
Yon glistening shore.

Ray Palmer

Ray Palmer is often considered to be one of America's best nineteenth-century hymn writers. After completing grammar school he worked in a Boston dry goods store, but a religious awakening prodded him to study for the ministry. He attended Yale College (supporting himself by teaching) and was ordained in 1835. A pastor in Congregational churches in Bath, Maine (1835-1850), and Albany, New York (1850-1865). During his tenure at these churches, Palmer made a profound impact on his congregations and the wider community, his message of hope and salvation touching countless lives.

But it was in the realm of hymnody that Ray Palmer truly left his mark. A gifted writer with a deep love for sacred music, Palmer penned 38 hymns that have stood the test of time. His compositions, known for their tenderness, beauty, and reverence, have been cherished by generations of worshippers. He published several volumes of poetry and hymns, including Sabbath Hymn Book, Hymns and Sacred Pieces.