Nearer, My God, to Thee

Lyrics by: Sarah F. Adams (1841)
Music by: Lowell Mason (1856)
Tune: BETHEL · 11.10.11.10
Scripture: Genesis 28:10-22

Verse 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!

Verse 2

Though like the wanderer,
Daylight all gone,
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!

Verse 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!

Verse 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!

Verse 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!

Sheet Music Open in App

A beloved American hymn based on Jacob's vision of the stairway to heaven.