NEARER TO THEE

Nearer, my God, to Thee,

Nearer to Thee!

E'en though it be a cross

That raiseth me;

Still all my song shall be,

Nearer, my God, to Thee,

Nearer to Thee!

***

Though like the wanderer,

Then sun gone down,

darkness be over me,

My rest a stone;

Yet in my dreams I'd be

Nearer, my God, to Thee,

Nearer to Thee!

***

There let the way appear

Steps unto heaven;

All that Thou send'st to me

In mercy given;

Angels to beckon me

Nearer, my God, to Thee,

***

Then, with my waking thoughts

Bright with Thy praise,

Out of my stony griefs

Bethel I'll raise;

So by my woes to be

Nearer, my God, to Thee,

Nearer to Thee!

***

Or if on joyful wing

Cleaving the sky,

Sun, moon, and stars forgot,

Upward I fly,

Still all my song shall be,

Nearer, my God, to Thee,

Nearer to Thee!

Sarah Flower Adams