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!

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 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 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 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 to thee.