evangelism

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I Love to Tell the Story

Katherine Hankey 1866 Tune: Hankey (7.6.7.6.D with refrain)

An invalid's testimony of unwearying delight in retelling the gospel.

Quick Answer

An invalid's testimony of unwearying delight in retelling the gospel. Written by Katherine Hankey (1866), set to the tune "Hankey" by William G. Fischer.

Suggested pairing scripture

Psalm 96:3

"Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people."

Read Psalm 96:3 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "I Love to Tell the Story." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.

Read in context

When to sing this

Sing as an opening hymn of Sunday morning worship, calling the congregation to lift its voice to God.

Lyrics

Stanza 1

I love to tell the story of unseen things above, Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love; I love to tell the story, because I know 'tis true; It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do. I love to tell the story! 'Twill be my theme in glory, To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

Stanza 2

I love to tell the story; more wonderful it seems Than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams. I love to tell the story, it did so much for me; And that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.

Stanza 3

I love to tell the story; 'tis pleasant to repeat What seems each time I tell it more wonderfully sweet. I love to tell the story, for some have never heard The message of salvation from God's own holy Word.

Stanza 4

I love to tell the story; for those who know it best Seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest. And when, in scenes of glory, I sing the new, new song, 'Twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.

History & Background

Katherine 'Kate' Hankey, an English Sunday-school teacher and missionary's daughter, wrote a long 100-stanza poem on the life of Christ in 1866 while recovering from a serious illness. The portion that became 'I Love to Tell the Story' came from the second part. American composer William Fischer set selected verses to music in 1869 for a YMCA convention.

Scripture Behind the Hymn

Psalm 96:3

"Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people."

Read in context

Romans 1:16

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth."

Read in context

Frequently Asked Questions

Was this written as a complete hymn?

No — it was extracted from a long 100-stanza poem Hankey wrote in 1866 about the life of Christ. The verses we sing today are about a tenth of the original poem.

Related Hymns

Other hymns that share themes or scripture with I Love to Tell the Story.

Bringing in the Sheaves

Knowles Shaw · 1874

Holy, Holy, Holy

Reginald Heber · 1826

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Robert Robinson · 1758

Related Reading

Continue your study with related content from across our library:

I Love to Tell the Story

Katherine Hankey • 1866

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The Word of Our Testimony — Revelation 12:11 (KJV)

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Bible Verses About Being a Witness

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Psalm 40:3 Commentary

In-depth study • Worship & Praise

Where to go next

Enjoyed "I Love to Tell the Story"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.

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