The text that Adelaide Pollard wrote in 1906 came directly from an experience that illustrates its plea.  Distressed after being unable to raise money to go to Africa as a missionary in the late 1890s, she attended a prayer meeting in 1902 and was inspired after hearing an older woman pray, "It really doesn't matter what you do with us, Lord–just have your way with our lives." She went home and thought about the potter's story in Jeremiah 18. "Have thine own way," repeats in each each stanza, emphasizing the need to harmonize ourselves with God's will. This is a deeply personal prayer that culminates in a strong plea that others may see Christ in the believer through the power of His example and their devotion to Him.In the October 2015 LDS General Conference, Sister Neill Marriott, 2nd counselor in the church's Young Women General Presidency, gave a talk in which she quoted this hymn, familiar and meaningful to her in her Protestant upbringing.  I later felt to compose my own music to this to fully embody my desire to give my will to the Lord, to do with as He sees fit in His love for my growth and His glory.  This is my prayer, in the music I have felt to compose, as I sing and play this hymn.