Day by Day, Dear Lord

“Day by Day, Dear Lord” is a prayerful hymn rooted in the devotional spirituality of medieval Christianity and attributed to Richard of Chichester, an English bishop known for his humility, pastoral care, and deep personal piety. The hymn is best known for its simple yet profound threefold petition: to see Christ more clearly, to love Him more dearly, and to follow Him more nearly. These requests capture the essence of true discipleship and reflect a life centered on daily dependence upon God rather than dramatic spiritual experiences.

The phrase “day by day” reflects a biblical pattern of living by continual trust in the Lord. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes daily reliance on God’s provision and guidance. Jesus taught His followers to pray for daily bread and warned against anxious concern for tomorrow, calling believers to faithful obedience in the present moment. The hymn echoes this teaching by focusing not on distant spiritual goals, but on a steady, everyday walk with Christ. It reminds the singer that spiritual growth is ordinarily gradual, shaped through consistent prayer, obedience, and communion with God.

Richard’s prayer also reflects the biblical priority of knowing Christ personally. The desire to see Christ more clearly aligns with the apostle Paul’s longing to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. This knowledge is not merely intellectual, but relational and transformative. To love Christ more dearly flows naturally from seeing Him as He truly is, the gracious Savior who gave Himself for sinners. The hymn recognizes that genuine love for Christ is cultivated over time as believers meditate on His character, His sacrifice, and His faithfulness.

The final petition, to follow Christ more nearly, emphasizes practical discipleship. Following Jesus is presented as a daily calling that involves self denial, obedience, and perseverance. This reflects Christ’s own words that anyone who would follow Him must take up the cross daily. The hymn gently encourages believers to examine how closely their lives align with Christ’s example, not in a spirit of condemnation, but in humble dependence on grace.

“Day by Day, Dear Lord” has endured for centuries because of its simplicity and spiritual depth. It transcends time, culture, and denominational boundaries by focusing on the heart of the Christian life: growing nearer to Christ each day. Whether sung as a hymn or prayed devotionally, it continues to guide believers toward a quiet, faithful walk with the Lord, grounded in Scripture and sustained by grace.