The hymn, “My Savior,” (also known as “I Am Not Skilled to Understand) was written by Dora Greenwell, an English poet who lived from 1821-1882. The lyrics were set to music by William J. Kirkpatrick, a more well-known name among hymn writers and composers.

This piece of poetry is a beautiful testimony of simple faith in Jesus. As the hymn progresses, the author reflects on many different subjects, but one thing remains the same—Christ’s steadfast standing as our Savior.

Greenwell used a familiar rhyme scheme known as A-A-A-B. This means that the first three lines of each stanza will rhyme (and typically have the same meter), while the last line stands alone. The A-A-A-B rhyme scheme is often used to emphasize a particular phrase, with the rhythm and meter of the first three lines determining how exactly the last line is emphasized.

For example, the first three lines in “My Savior” are used to express a narrative—almost like a short story. These “stories” differ from stanza to stanza, but the last line of each stanza always circles back to an expression of trust and admiration for Jesus Christ. This use of the A-A-A-B rhyme scheme allows the poem to flow along gently but firmly, matching the style of the words.

However, when put to the right rhythm and meter, an A-A-A-B rhyme scheme can have a totally different effect. In my poem, “The Cry,” the first three phrases of each stanza are just long enough to give the reader a feeling of breathlessness and dread. The final lines of the stanzas are then declarations of unchanging reality. If you want to read the poem for yourself, click the button below to download it:

Below, you can read the entire hymn, “My Savior.” If you haven’t heard it before, you’re in for a treat. (Tip: Most poems are better when read aloud.) Click here to listen to a recording of the tune on Hymnary.

My Savior

I am not skilled to understand
What God hath willed, what God hath planned;
I only know at His right hand
Stands One who is my Savior.

I take God at His word and deed:
“Christ died to save me,” this I read;
And in my heart I find a need
Of Him to be my Savior.

And was there then no other way
For God to take?— I cannot say;
I only bless Him, day by day,
Who saved me through my Savior.

That He should leave His place on high
And come for sinful man to die,
You count it strange?— so do not I,
Since I have known my Savior.

In heav’n, He found no grief, nor blame
To bear away, no bitter shame
Of death and sin, and so He came
To earth to be its Savior.

And had there been in all this wide
Wide world no other sin beside
But only mine, then had He died
That He might be its Savior.

One wounded spirit, sore oppressed,
One wearied soul that found no rest
Until it found it on the breast
Of Him that was its Savior.

Then had He left His Father’s throne,
The joy untold, the love unknown,
And for that soul had giv’n His own,
That He might be its Savior.

And oh, that He fulfilled may see
The travail of His soul in me,
And with His work contented be,
As I with my dear Savior.

Yes, living, dying, let me bring
My strength, my solace from this Spring;
That He who lives to be my King
Once died to be my Savior.

Comment below if you have a suggestion for a future Hymn of the Month!