Before the Cross of Jesus

1 Before the cross of Jesus
Our lives are judged today;
The meaning of our eager strife
Is tested by His Way.
Across our restless living
The light streams from His cross,
And by its clear, revealing beams
We measure gain and loss.

2 The hopes that lead us onward,
The fears that hold us back,
Our will to dare great things for God,
The courage that we lack,
The faith we keep in goodness,
Our love, as low or pure -
On all, the judgment of the cross
Falls steady, clear, and sure.

3 Yet humbly, in our striving,
O God, we face its test.
We crave the pow'r to do Thy will
With Him who did it best.
On us let now the healing
Of His great Spirit fall,
And make us brave and full of joy
To answer to His call.

Source: Hymns for a Pilgrim People: a congregational hymnal #189