The United Methodist Hymnal

528

Nearer, My God, to Thee

1	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, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!

2	Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down, 
	darkness be over me, my rest a stone; 
	yet in my dreams I'd be 
	nearer, my God, to thee; 
	nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!

3	There let the way appear, steps unto heaven; 
	all that thou sendest me, in mercy given; 
	angels to beckon me 
	nearer, my God, to thee; 
	nearer, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!

4	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, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!

5	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, my God, to thee, nearer to thee!

WORDS: Sarah F. Adams, 1841
MUSIC: Lowell Mason, 1856
Scripture: Genesis 28:10-22
Theme: Biblical Narrative; Comfort; Eternal Life; Grief; Sanctifiying and Perfecting Grace: Strength in Triublation; The Sacraments and Rites of the Church: Funeral and Memorial Service