This Christian hymn was born out of the author’s profound trust in her Maker. In 1906 Adelaide A. Pollard was inspired to write the hymn’s lyrics after visiting a prayer ceremony where she heard a woman say “it doesn’t really matter what you do with us, Lord, just have your own way with our lives.” Prior to that, Pollard had a disheartening experience. She had a great wish to pay a missionary visit to Africa. However, she found herself unable to raise the fund needed for the journey. After hearing those encouraging words from that woman, she fell into deep contemplation of the potter’s story found in the book of Jeremiah 18:3. When she went home that evening, she wrote down the words based on what she reflected on was able to complete all the four stanzas. The outcome was the famous hymn “Have Thine Own Way, Lord.¹”

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Thou art the Potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after Thy will,
While I am waiting, yielded and still.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Search me and try me, Master, today!
Whiter than snow, Lord, wash me just now,
As in Thy presence humbly I bow.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me, I pray!
Power, all power, surely is Thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine.

Have Thine own way, Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o’er my being absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit ’till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me.

¹countrythangdaily.com/have-thine-own-way-lord-pollard-potter/