Nearer My God to Thee
Journey Towards Divine Presence: Nearer, My God, to Thee
Lyrics
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
Expressing a desire to be closer to God.
E'en though it be a cross that raiseth me
Even if facing difficulties ("cross"), the speaker is willing to accept them if it brings them closer to God.
Still all my song would be nearer, my God, to Thee,
Reaffirming the commitment to be close to God through all circumstances.
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
Repetition for emphasis on the longing to be nearer to God.
Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down,
Comparing the speaker to a wanderer with the sun setting, symbolizing a challenging or difficult time.
Darkness be over me, my rest a stone
Describing a state of darkness and discomfort, yet acknowledging the speaker's resilience.
Yet in my dreams I'd be nearer, my God, to Thee,
Expressing a hope to be closer to God even in dreams or moments of rest.
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
Reiteration of the desire to be nearer to God, emphasizing the importance of this closeness.
There let the way appear steps unto heav'n
Asking for guidance and a clear path towards heaven.
All that Thou sendest me in mercy giv'n
Acknowledging everything as a mercy from God and a step towards spiritual elevation.
Angels to beckon me nearer, my God, to Thee,
Reference to angels guiding the speaker closer to God.
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
Repetition for emphasis on the theme of drawing nearer to God.
The with my waking thoughts bright with Thy praise,
Expressing a commitment to praise God, even in moments of wakefulness.
Out of my stony griefs Bethel I'll raise
Turning grief into an opportunity for spiritual growth and drawing closer to God.
So by my woes to be nearer, my God, to Thee,
Continuing the idea of using challenges as a means to be nearer to God.
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
Reiteration of the longing to be closer to God despite hardships.
Or if on joyful wing, cleaving the sky,
Exploring the idea of transcending earthly joys and ascending towards God.
Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upwards I fly,
Imagining a heavenly journey, leaving behind worldly distractions.
Still all my song shall be, nearer, my God, to Thee,
Committing to praise God regardless of the circumstances or the spiritual journey undertaken.
Nearer, my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
Final reiteration of the central theme, expressing the ultimate desire to be nearer to God.
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