Nearer Still Nearer is a timeless Christian hymn expressing a deep longing for closeness with God, surrendering worldly desires for the peace found in Christ alone. Centered on themes of intimacy with God, repentance, and eternal hope, the lyrics reflect a heart’s cry to be drawn nearer to the Savior both now and forever.
VERSE 1
Nearer, still nearer, close to Thy heart,
Draw me, my Savior, so precious Thou art.
Fold me, O fold me close to Thy heart;
Shelter me safe in that haven of rest,
Shelter me safe in that haven of rest.
VERSE 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.
VERSE 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.
VERSE 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.
Story Behind the Song
Lelia Naylor Morris, born on April 15, 1862, in Pennsville, Ohio, displayed a passion for music and service from a young age. After her father’s death, she assisted her mother in running a millinery shop in McConnelsville, Ohio. At ten, Lelia committed her life to Christ and soon began playing the organ for her church.
In 1881, she married Charles H. Morris, and together they became active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, often participating in revivals and camp meetings. Encouraged by hymn writer H. L. Gilmour, Lelia began composing hymns in the 1890s, integrating her musical talents into her daily life. Despite facing blindness at 52, her dedication to hymn writing remained steadfast.
Her family constructed a 28-foot blackboard with oversized staff lines, enabling her to continue composing. Among her over 1,000 hymns, “Nearer, Still Nearer,” published in 1898, stands out as a heartfelt prayer for closeness to God. This hymn reflects her deep personal faith and desire for intimacy with the Divine.
Lelia’s life and work exemplify unwavering devotion, resilience, and a profound commitment to sharing her spiritual journey through music. [1] [2]
Experience God’s Presence
Nearer, Still Nearer is a hymn of deep longing for closeness with God, expressing the believer’s desire to dwell in His presence both now and for eternity. Nearer, still nearer, close to Thy heart reflects the biblical call to draw near to God, as seen in James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” This longing is not just for comfort but for a true abiding in Christ, much like Psalm 73:28 declares, “But it is good for me to draw near to God.”
Nothing I bring, naught as an offering to Jesus, my King acknowledges that salvation is not earned but received by grace alone. Ephesians 2:8-9 affirms this, stating that salvation is “not of works, lest anyone should boast.” The only offering given is a contrite heart, aligning with Psalm 51:17, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart—these, O God, You will not despise.” Yet, even repentance is not what secures salvation; it is Christ’s atoning work that cleanses and restores.
Give me but Jesus, my Lord, crucified expresses a surrender of worldly desires in exchange for Christ alone. Philippians 3:8 declares, “I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” Sin with its follies I gladly resign mirrors the call of Luke 9:23, where Jesus says, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” This reveals a heart that treasures Christ above all else.
Till safe in glory my anchor is cast reflects the believer’s ultimate hope in eternal life with God. Hebrews 6:19 speaks of this anchor as “both sure and steadfast,” a firm assurance that one day, faith will become sight. Through endless ages, ever to be nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee captures the promise of Revelation 21:3, where God dwells with His people forever.
This hymn presents a biblical view of salvation, surrender, and eternal hope. It does not rely on human effort but on Christ’s work alone. It calls believers to seek intimacy with God, forsake sin, and fix their hope on the glory to come. True nearness to God is not just a feeling but a reality secured in Christ, both now and forever.
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Bible Readings for Worship
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- Jesus Our Living Hope
- Like a Tree Planted by Streams of Water (Psalm 1:1-6)
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Related themes you might want to include Nearer Still Nearer in your list of songs for worship that centered around Holiness and Purity, Honoring God, Trusting God by Faith, Courage
Nearer Still Nearer lyrics and music by Lelia Naylor Morris, (1862) Public Domain
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