Hymn of the Week – When I Survey

This weeks hymn is one that has been sung movingly and with meaning by Christians for many generations.  It is especially suitable for communion seasons.  It is Isaac Watt’s Hymn, ‘When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.’

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?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

May its words bring us closer to the Cross, where our salvation was purchased at great price, as we approach the Sabbath, and prepare our hearts for worship.