Hymns to Help Us Through – #46 – “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”...

Hello, everyone!!

We recently sang this beloved hymn during a celebration of the Mass at Bethany House. These words, penned by Isaac Watts, never cease to tug at both my heart and mind – something that very few contemporary worship songs are capable of doing! These words force us to think about and ponder very deeply the atoning sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. These words invite us to approach the cross with both our heart and our mind. I would encourage you to just read the words even before you listen to (or sing along with) the music!

By the way, you’ll definitely want to use headphones – the sound of this pipe organ is amazing!! (Be sure to start the volume low.) The words for today’s hymn are below, in case you want to sing along! :)

“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”

Tune: Hamburg

When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of Glory died,
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
save in the death of Christ, my God;
all the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his Blood.

See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down;
did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.
Amen.

Blessings! :)

Father Todd