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659

Nearer, Still Nearer

Full Text

1 Nearer, still nearer, close to thy heart,
draw me, my Savior, so precious thou art.
Fold me, O fold me close to thy breast;
shelter me safe in that haven of rest,
shelter me safe in that haven of rest.

2 Nearer, still nearer, nothing I bring,
naught as an offering to Jesus, my King–
only my sinful, now contrite heart;
grant me the cleansing thy blood doth impart,
grant me the cleansing thy blood doth impart.

3 Nearer, still nearer, Lord, to be thine,
sin with its follies I gladly resign,
all of its pleasures, pomp and its pride;
give me but Jesus, my Lord crucified,
give me but Jesus, my Lord crucified.

4 Nearer, still nearer, while life shall last,
till safe in glory my anchor is cast;
through endless ages, ever to be
nearer, my Savior, still nearer to thee,
nearer, my Savior, still nearer to thee.

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Scripture References

Confessions and Statements of Faith References

Further Reflections on Confessions and Statements of Faith References

Since it is uniquely the work and passion of the Holy Spirit, who is “our Sanctifier by living in our hearts” (Belgic Confession, Article 9) and “by the work of the Holy Spirit [God] regenerates us and makes us new creatures, causing us to live new life and freeing us from the slavery of sin” (Belgic Confession, Article 24), we plead for his power to continue this work. The Holy Spirit restores us into God’s image “so that with our whole lives we may show that we are thankful to God for his benefits, so that he may be praised through us...” (Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 32, Question and Answer 86). We come to know, therefore, that our growth in holy living will not occur without the Holy Spirit’s ministry.

659

Nearer, Still Nearer

Confession

The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
—Psalm 51:17, NRSV
— Worship Sourcebook Edition Two
Almighty God, in Jesus Christ you love us,
but we have not loved you.
You have opened your heart to us,
and in our pride we have spurned your care.
You have given us all things, and we have squandered your gifts.
We have grieved you and caused hurt to others,
and we are not worthy to be called your children.
Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we are ashamed
and sorry for all we have done to displease you.
Cleanse us from our sin and receive us again into your household,
that we might nevermore stray from your love
but always remain within the sound of your voice. Amen.
[John Paarlberg in Reformed Worship 34:7]
— Worship Sourcebook Edition Two

Additional Prayers

A Prayer for Closeness to Christ in Holy Week
O Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. The gospel has seemed remote to me, and even you have seemed remote, a stranger. Soften my heart for the good news, and draw me closer to your sacred heart. Else I am too far, too lost, too removed from your haven of rest. Enfold me, good Lord, and shelter me. Draw me to the shadow of your cross and then to the glory of your resurrection. O Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner, and grant me your peace. Amen.
— Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.
659

Nearer, Still Nearer

Tune Information

Name
STILL NEARER
Key
D Major
Meter
9.10.9.10.10

Recordings

659

Nearer, Still Nearer

Author and Composer Information

As a child, Leila N. Morris (b. Penns­ville, Ohio, Ap­ril 15, 1862; d. Auburn, New York, July 23, 1929) lived in Mal­ta and McCon­nels­ville, Ohio. In 1881, she mar­ried Charles H. Morris. Leila was ac­tive in the Meth­od­ist church, camp meet­ings, and song writ­ing, au­thor­ing more than 1,000 Gospel songs. When her eyes be­gan to fail in 1913, her son built a 28-foot black­board with over­sized staff lines, so she could con­tin­ue com­pos­ing. She died on Ju­ly 23, 1929, at her daughter’s home in Auburn, New York.
— Cyberhymnal.org
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