Lord Jesus, Think on Me

“Lord Jesus, Think on Me” is a devotional hymn by Allen William Chatfield that takes its inspiration from the prayer of the penitent thief on the cross, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom” (Luke 23:42, KJV). The hymn is shaped as a series of humble petitions, expressing trust in Christ’s mercy and a deep desire for perseverance in faith.

The hymn centers on personal dependence upon Jesus Christ. Each petition asks the Lord to remember, guide, strengthen, and keep the believer, especially in moments of weakness, temptation, or suffering. This prayerful tone reflects a biblical understanding of the Christian life as one sustained by grace from beginning to end. The believer does not rely on past faithfulness alone but continually seeks Christ’s present help.

A strong theme in the hymn is remembrance, not as a mere mental act, but as covenant care. To ask Jesus to think upon the believer is to ask for His active compassion, intercession, and sustaining power. This echoes the biblical assurance that Christ, as our great High Priest, is mindful of His people and sympathetic to their weaknesses.

The hymn also looks forward with hope. While it acknowledges present struggle, it anticipates final deliverance and rest in Christ’s presence. This forward looking faith mirrors the confidence of the thief on the cross, who trusted Christ even in the face of death. The hymn therefore blends humility with assurance, repentance with hope.

“Lord Jesus, Think on Me” has remained a valued hymn for personal devotion and congregational worship, especially in seasons of reflection such as Lent. Its simple language and heartfelt petitions invite believers to place their trust wholly in Christ, confident that He remembers, redeems, and faithfully keeps those who call upon His name.