This piece was inspired by a simple, fictional story of three men who have passed away. In the process of their judgment in the next life, the first man enters a room with a judge. The judge inquires of the man, saying: “What do you know about Jesus Christ?”

 

The man replies that he has never heard the name. The judge then asks that the next man enter the room. The judge poses the same question to the next man, to which the man replies by quoting a plethora of scriptures from the New Testament, adding his own heavily thought-out observations clearly fueled by intense study. 

 

The judge signals for the third man to enter the room. When the third man sees the judge, he falls to his knees and exclaims: 

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“I know Thee, Lord!”
 

The brief story teaches that it is not through scripture study alone that we come to know our Savior. Rather, it is by spending a lifetime seeking to emulate and exemplify Him, supported by careful study, that we come to know our Savior on a personal, intimate level. 

 

I Know Thee, Lord is written from the perspective of someone who is learning about the life and ministry of the Savior and experiencing a change of heart. 

The lyrics attempt to capture some of the thoughts that may go through that person’s mind as they commence within themselves a deeper, fuller conversion to Him. The chord progression, through regular semi-tonicization of related keys (IV and vi), attempts to symbolize the lifelong process of spiritual development, with many conflicts and resolutions along the path of discipleship.

 

Mosiah 5:12-13