Clara Harriet Jones Scott Grave

Hymn History: Open My Eyes, That I May See & Author: Clara Harriet Jones Scott

“Clara Harriett Fiske Jones Scott … was the first woman to publish a volume of anthems, the
Royal Anthem Book, in 1882.”
(Hymnary.org)

The Origin of the Hymn “Open My Eyes, That I May See”

Among the many hymns that express a sincere desire for divine guidance and spiritual illumination, few are as gentle and heartfelt as “Open My Eyes, That I May See.” Written by Clara H. Scott in the late 19th century, this hymn has been cherished for its quiet prayerfulness and its timeless message: that true understanding and service to God begin with the opening of the heart, mind, and soul to His truth. The story behind the hymn is one of faith, devotion, and a life dedicated to using music for God’s glory.

Clara H. Scott: A Trailblazing Hymnwriter

Clara Harriet Scott (1841–1897) was born in Elk Grove, Illinois. She grew up in a time when women had limited opportunities in public life, yet she became one of the earliest female hymnwriters and music publishers in America. From her youth, Clara showed a deep love for both music and faith.

She attended the Musical Institute in Chicago, where she studied under the noted composer C. M. Cady. Her musical education prepared her for a life of teaching, composing, and publishing sacred music. She later became a music teacher at the Ladies’ Seminary in Lyons, Iowa, and went on to influence countless students with her musical and spiritual instruction.

In 1882, she achieved something remarkable for her time—she published The Royal Anthem Book, becoming the first woman to publish a hymnal. This was a significant accomplishment, given the male-dominated field of hymn publishing. Clara’s hymns reflected her deep spirituality and her desire to draw worshippers closer to God through song.

Inspiration Behind the Hymn

“Open My Eyes, That I May See” was written in 1895, just two years before Clara Scott’s untimely death. The hymn was published in her song collection Truth in Song for Lovers of Truth (1895). The words were inspired by Psalm 119:18, which reads:

“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.”

This verse served as the foundation for Clara’s meditation on spiritual sight. In a time when hymnwriting often focused on doctrinal statements or emotional experiences, her hymn stood out for its contemplative simplicity. It was a personal prayer, asking God to open one’s senses to perceive His truth and guidance.

The hymn’s three verses form a quiet progression of spiritual openness—eyes, ears, and heart:

Open my eyes, that I may see
Glimpses of truth Thou hast for me;
Place in my hands the wonderful key
That shall unclasp and set me free.

Each stanza is a humble plea to experience God more deeply: to see His truth, to hear His voice, and to surrender one’s heart to His will.

The Musical Setting

Clara Scott not only wrote the words but also composed the music. The tune, written in a flowing 6/8 meter, perfectly matches the hymn’s reflective tone. It moves gently and reverently, like a prayer being offered in quiet devotion. The refrain, “Silently now I wait for Thee, ready, my God, Thy will to see,” gives the song its contemplative center—a posture of patient waiting before the Lord.

The musical phrasing invites singers to slow down and truly ponder the words. Unlike many hymns of the revival era that were designed to stir emotion or encourage public decision, “Open My Eyes, That I May See” invites stillness and meditation. It encourages worshippers to listen inwardly—to be silent before God and open to His teaching.

A Hymn Born of Personal Devotion

Clara Scott’s writings and compositions suggest that she was a woman of deep personal faith and quiet conviction. The hymn seems to flow directly from her private devotional life. It is not dramatic or grand; rather, it is intimate, as though the writer is alone with God in prayer.

While there is no specific event recorded that inspired the hymn, its tone suggests a lifelong practice of seeking divine wisdom. Clara’s choice of language—“glimpses of truth,” “whisper of Thy voice,” “love with Thy children thus to share”—reflects both humility and spiritual yearning.

Her hymn became a beloved expression of Christian meditation, appealing across denominational lines. It was used in Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, and Congregational hymnals and continues to appear in modern worship collections today.

Tragic Ending, Enduring Legacy

Clara Scott’s life ended tragically in 1897. While visiting a friend in Dubuque, Iowa, she was thrown from a runaway horse carriage and died instantly at the age of 55. Her sudden death was deeply mourned by those who knew her, and yet, her legacy endured through her music.

In the years following her death, “Open My Eyes, That I May See” grew in popularity and found a permanent place in the Christian hymn tradition. Its prayerful simplicity made it a natural fit for times of reflection—before sermons, during communion, or at the close of worship.

The hymn has also been embraced by choirs and congregations worldwide. It continues to appear in both traditional hymnals and contemporary worship songbooks. Its universal message—the need for divine guidance and spiritual perception—resonates with every believer who longs to see God’s hand at work.

A Lasting Prayer for Spiritual Vision

More than a century after Clara Scott first penned the words, “Open My Eyes, That I May See” remains a timeless prayer. It reminds believers that true vision comes not from intellect or experience, but from the Spirit of God illuminating the heart.

In a world filled with noise and distraction, Clara’s words still call us to pause and listen:

Silently now I wait for Thee,
Ready, my God, Thy will to see;
Open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit Divine!

Through this simple yet profound hymn, Clara H. Scott left the Church a lasting gift—a melody of devotion and a prayer for enlightenment that continues to open hearts to God’s truth, one generation after another.