Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior is a heartfelt plea for Christ’s mercy, grace, and salvation. Expressing deep dependence on the Savior, the song echoes biblical themes of seeking divine help, trusting in God’s merit, and finding comfort in Him alone. Rooted in Scripture, it highlights faith in Jesus as the only source of redemption and peace.
VERSE 1
Pass me not, O gentle Savior,
Hear my humble cry,
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.
CHORUS
Savior, Savior,
Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.
VERSE 2
Let me at a throne of mercy
Find a sweet relief;
Kneeling there in deep contrition,
Help my unbelief.
VERSE 3
Trusting only in Thy merit,
Would I seek Thy face;
Heal my wounded, broken spirit,
Save me by Thy grace.
VERSE 4
Thou the Spring of all my comfort,
More than life to me,
Whom have I on earth beside Thee?
Whom in heav’n but Thee?
Story Behind the Hymn
Fanny Crosby, a prolific 19th-century hymn writer, composed “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior” in 1868. Blind from infancy, Crosby penned over 8,500 hymns, many reflecting her deep faith and personal experiences. [1]
The hymn’s origin is linked to Crosby’s collaboration with composer William H. Doane. In her autobiographies, Crosby noted that Doane provided the subject for “Pass Me Not,” leading her to write the lyrics. [2]
Some accounts suggest that the hymn was inspired by Crosby’s visit to a Manhattan prison, where an inmate’s plea, “Good Lord, do not pass me by,” moved her deeply. However, this specific incident isn’t documented in her autobiographies. [3]
Upon completion, Doane composed the music for the hymn. “Pass Me Not” gained widespread popularity, especially after evangelist Ira Sankey included it in his crusades with Dwight L. Moody in Britain in 1874. [4]
The hymn’s heartfelt plea for divine mercy continues to resonate with worshippers, reflecting a universal longing for spiritual assurance.
The Savior’s Mercy and Compassion
“Pass me not, O gentle Savior” expresses a plea for divine mercy, recognizing Jesus as the compassionate Savior who calls sinners to Himself.
This echoes the cry of blind Bartimaeus in Mark 10:47, who pleaded, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” The singer acknowledges personal need and seeks Christ’s attention, trusting in His willingness to respond.
“Let me at a throne of mercy find a sweet relief” portrays the longing for God’s grace and forgiveness. Hebrews 4:16 invites believers to “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy,” affirming that Christ is the source of true peace.
The phrase “Help my unbelief” mirrors the prayer in Mark 9:24, where a father desperately asks Jesus to strengthen his wavering faith.
“Trusting only in Thy merit” emphasizes salvation by grace through faith, not human effort. Ephesians 2:8-9 confirms that believers are saved by God’s grace, apart from works. “Heal my wounded, broken spirit” reflects Psalm 34:18, which declares that “the Lord is near to the brokenhearted.”
“Thou the Spring of all my comfort” affirms that Christ alone satisfies the soul, aligning with Psalm 73:25: “Whom have I in heaven but Thee?” The song’s theology is biblically sound, emphasizing reliance on Christ’s mercy, grace, and sufficiency.
Relevant Bible Verses about Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior Hymn
And when he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Mark 10:47 NASB
Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need. Hebrews 4:16 NASB
Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief!” Mark 9:24 NASB
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 NASB
Whom do I have in heaven but You? And with You, I desire nothing on earth. Psalm 73:25 NASB
Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior lyrics and music by Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior, (1868) Public Domain