Nearer My God To Thee | story behind the hymn | lyrics study | performance

A classic hymn written by a Unitarian hymnwriter, based on Jacob's ladder in Genesis 28. It's controversial because it doesn't mention Jesus, but it is still a wonderful song of God's closeness through life's ups and downs.
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Sources I used for this video:
- Kenneth W. Osbeck. 101 Hymn Stories. 1985. Kregal Publications: Grand Rapids
- John Mclelland. The Ambassador Book of Great Hymn Stories. 1994. Ambassador Productions Ltd: Belfast
1 Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee!
E'en though it be a cross
That raiseth me;
Still all my song shall be,
Nearer, my God, to Thee,--
Nearer to Thee!
2 Though like the wanderer,
The sun gone down,
Darkness be over me,
My rest a stone;
Yet in my dreams I'd be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,--
Nearer to Thee!
3 There let the way appear,
Steps unto heaven;
All that Thou sendest me,
In mercy given;
Angels to beckon me
Nearer, my God, to Thee,--
Nearer to Thee!
4 Then, with my waking thoughts
Bright with Thy praise,
out of my stony griefs
Bethel I'll raise;
So by my woes to be
Nearer, my God, to Thee,--
Nearer to Thee!
5 Or if on joyful wing
Cleaving the sky,
Sun, moon, and stars forgot,
Upward I fly,
Still all my song shall be,--
Nearer, my God, to Thee,--
Nearer to Thee.
#hymns #hymnhistory #hymnsofthefaith

[@nunuwin44]

I am from Myanmar, formerly Burma. I learnt this hymn at a very early age. It particularly meant much to me as I went through a bitter divorce and felt alone. I love this hymn.

[@Kathy54767]

Three years ago my dear husband became very ill, very quickly and we had to move from our mountain home to a city for good medical care. During that time I was asked to do things nearly every day that I had never done before. Things like driving his truck, moving household goods and and finding a well suited apartment that we could live in. Eventually I had to find hospice care, and a funeral home. God went before us and daily sent people to help us. And God was glorified as we walked Ken to heaven’s gate. I listened to hymns constantly. I made a beautiful playlist that I listened to over and over again. And when I would wake up in the middle of the night thinking what will I do, Lord? - I would hear in my head, “Whate’re my God ordains is right.” This is a beautiful hymn that has been a great comfort and I would love to hear the history of it, if you ever run across it. There are two tunes and I’m not sure which one I sing. I have enjoyed your videos so much.

[@Nepenthe-dx9ws]

I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. May God bless you always. Love from Australia.

[@H.Sage-kl3ig]

I picked this hymn for my Aunt's memorial service. My cousins played it on their violins. Beautiful.

[@kenauto7168]

This video has helped me tremendously. My grandmother passed away and I have been asked to play my guitar and sing this hymn at her funeral, next weekend. I have played this video over and over, singing and playing along. Thank you so much for the insight into the song's deep meaning!

[@ChristianPianoMusic]

So awhile back, I was inspiring to be a singer/piano player and became discouraged. I was hurt and unable to lift up my voice in joy. I continued to praise God through my piano playing and daily journey, but avoided the singing. Singing is like expressing the happiness in your soul. Now after watching your hymn series, I find myself singing with joy once again. Thank-you so much. ♥

[@timothyolagbemiro2463]

I find this song very spiritual. I sing it anytime l feel lonely, and just need to be closed to God. Whenever l sing it, l feel the presence of God. Thanks for your exposition.

[@ESL4Workplace]

My father used to do a beautiful rendition of this song. Whenever I hear this song, I think of him

[@judyherman1249]

My mom loved knowing the stories behind these precious songs. Had I discovered your channel before she passed I certainly would have told her about you, and she'd would have been listening for sure. I love that you share this beautiful information. Thank you for all you do to continue to inspire others with such a moving experience every time.

[@HanliedeJager]

Luke, you certainly are a blessing in my life!! Thank you for this lovely piece.

[@Nepenthe-dx9ws]

As a child in Primary School we were taught a song all about the Titanic sinking and how the band on board played, "Nearer My God to Thee" and I always thought about those brave men who sacrificed right up to the very end, to play and comfort those who were perishing, knowing that they would perish, too. It has always been a very poignant and haunting song. The words, the melody and the association with the Titanic make it so, for me. Good job singing it. I have only recently come across your channel and I am enjoying some of your older videos. Thank you so much. Love to you and yours from Australia.

[@conniewright1113]

We still sing this today in church. I love how you connected this song to Jesus being our ladder between heaven and earth. He is our connection. God is so wonderful.

[@dijiola7127]

Greetings from africa More grace . God bless you

[@user-vj5kk8hq4t]

This hymn has been in the Nazarene hymnal for as long as I can remember..and I am now 75. It was sung often for many years. Love this song!!

[@abimbolaadejugbe8757]

Thanks you so much for your narrative of this glorious song.

[@mablemuzila8583]

This song I listen to it more when I have a problem like right now...when I feel betrayed. I have had two serious pain, betrayal at work. First time was in 2014 and one now. When I play the song it makes feel like though the whole world might be evil, God is loving and nearer to me. As I sit in meetings with everyone else and just feel like I'm alone with God.

[@susancoutinho2679]

Thank you so much Brother Luke. I love this song. What spoke to me from this song is what Jacob did with his pillow of stone, he made it an altar for God. May God help us to do the same. Take all our difficulties and problems to him and change it to an altar of Praise.

[@ThePyramidone]

This is such a powerful song - I have chosen it to be played/sung at my funeral. Such powerful images of "a cross that raiseth me" and "my rest a stone". I am reminded of both, the cross we bear, and the one that raised Jesus. The stone of rest reminds me of the stone of help installed between Mizpah and Shen in 1 Sam 7:12 named Ebenezer. The hymn was set to at least three tunes. The original tune was composed by her sister Eliza Flowers in 1841. "Bethany" composed by Lowell Mason in 1858 is the tune most familiar to Americans. Other tunes were "Horbury" composed by John B. Dykes in 1861, and "Propior Deo" composed by Arthur Sullivan (of Gilbert and Sullivan) in 1872, who also wrote the "St. Edmund" tune, also in 1872. There is controversy about which tune was played at the RMS Titanic sinking, and some survivors have even commented that the final tune was "Songe d'Automne", a melody that sounds very similar to either "Horbury" or "Propior Deo". Wallace Hartley, the band leader would have been familiar with "Horbury" and "Propior Deo" tunes. Wallace's father was a Methodist Choirmaster, and his family was certain that the "Propior Deo" tune would have been the one he selected. In any case, Sarah Flower Adams composed a powerful hymn to resonates even to this day.

[@melisaeslinger6247]

This was my mom’s favorite hymn. It makes me think of her and to always seek to stay close to the LORD.

[@edwardhart5466]

Yes these are wonderful words ,how we long to always feel the presence of Christ In our daily lives, in these such dark,daark days ,Thank you Luke for your work in revelling to us the stories behind these hymns

[@yvonneengelbrecht7490]

Such a special song. I think it will not easily be forgotten. My first memories of it go back more than 70 years standing next to my ‘Ouma” as she played it on the piano and all of us singing together. Still a favourite of mine.

[@mellyfromca]

And this just brought the tears flowing. Mag u Ouma in ewige vrede rus ❤

[@jamellfoster6029]

My Dad loved the Sam Cooke version of this song as Sam Cooke was his favorite singer. He's listening 🎶 to Sam sing it in Paradise now. RIP Dad, RIP Sam Cooke, RIP Mrs. Sarah.

[@beaglerescue5281]

Glad I found this channel covering the wonderful hymns that bless me greatly. I’ve set my mind to memorize as many popular hymns so that I may worship the Lord every morning during my devotions and prayer. Thank you!

[@charlesshanks3101]

Amen brother

[@vickiroe]

I am so very blessed by your history of so many precious hymns. I learned to sing hymns after I came to know the Lord. One of my many favorite hymns is Victory in Jesus

[@dont.wilson2121]

Luke, thank you so kindly for this commentary. You’re a blessing my friend. May the Father continue to mightily inspire you and bless your family.

[@BAMesquire]

My daughter when she was 13 years of age now 31 years ago had a friend her age who tells her a story that happened to her paternal grandmother when she was a little girl in 1912. In April of 1912 this large family had booked a voyage trip to go on a maiden voyage of a ship called the Titanic! It was a voyage and ship that God could never sink! But when it came time for the family to leave their home with all their bags packed the family was heartbroken 😢as they could not go on board the ship as their daughter, the paternal grandmother had the measles. The family had to cancel their trip. Did they have travel insurance, I don't no 😅 but they were all feeling pretty glum! The next day the family heard this startling news: The Titanic on its maiden voyage had sunk and hundreds of souls had perished in the cold icy waters. The family were in utter amazement for many of their family were young men and boys and they all knew many of their family too would have perished in those chilling waters! And so the family began to rejoice in thankful praise to God thanking him that what appeared to be a big disappointment was actually an event of joyful,Thanksgiving that their precious daughter now getting better had the measles! Verse five makes great sense to me as it applys significantly to the mercies of God! ""Or if on joyful wing cleaving the sky, Sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I fly, Still all my song shall be, Nearer, my God to thee, Nearer, my God to thee, Nearer to thee!! Like the Aposlre Paul and the ship wrecked crew they were all joyfully brought Nearer my God to thee!

[@alanwilby9927]

....Jesus saves...a marvellous story of how GOD works...they would not have survived....BUT praise God they were stopped...

[@vikkismith7497]

Those words don't come easily. I believe God was talking to Sarah and she wrote this amazing spiritual song.

[@adolfariverayloscompasdeti7321]

Very special to me! Thank you so much.

[@elinorsmalberger8883]

One of my all time favourites childhood hymns. Sadly Churches don t sing these reverant hymns anymore😢

[@SaffyFoo]

Praise Jesus ✝️❤️🙏 that was beautiful ❤ Thank you 😊

[@vikkismith7497]

It's a well written song by Sarah. She never lived to hear it comes to life but it's here and forevermore. It's one of my childhood days songs from home and church.

[@evahays7583]

Jesus said it; I believe it!

[@umuhozaevangeline5276]

Ohhhhh,Amen!!!

[@mellyfromca]

Thank you Luke. This is one of the hymns that got me through the pandemic and my gran's sudden passing in 2021. Whilst I had always associated it with death and dying prior to 2020 (probably because I only heard it at funerals and it reminds me of the Titanic movie), but it has really become one of my guiding lights. It surely reminds me of God's unconditional love, mercy, grace and comfort. God bless you and keep you, all the days of your life.

[@rosemariedelacruz2594]

Never here this song, but I thank you that I hear it in your channel gb

[@louisebrislane6607]

Thank you Luke for the back story s now the words all make sense. I have sung the first verse & the last chorus repeatedly in the dark watches of the night when my depression was at its worst & it brought & brings a lot of comfort to my soul. It is also a very popular song placed by the bands in Australia for Anzac Day or Remembrance day or at other serious times & when I was younger the audience would have the word or know them & sing along solemnly so maybe the story of the titanic isn't far from the truth. It is a beautiful haunting melody that truly brings one closer to God. Also there are hymns to the Father as well as hymns to the Son & I have sung songs to the Spirit as well. I think it is good to acknowledge that the Father, Son & Holy Spirit are three persons in One. I have a song that you may not have heard of & that is: The Love of God, which is a beautiful hymn sung by quite a number of people but not all of them use the original words. I like Eli Eli's version but then I have Irish in my blood. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYO8l4Zndt5kn7c

[@leannelengerich6812]

Understand why you are compelled to believe this way, just no counsel from Christ to address anyone other than the Father in prayer or praise. Every doctrine must be birthed from God's word but so many doctrines evolved through human perception trinity I believe easily uncovered as error. Start with John 17

[@louisebrislane6607]

I am not sure that I quite understand what you are saying but if you are implying that the trinity is an error, then I am sorry but I do not agree with you at all. I read my bible daily over & over each year & the more I read, the more I understand that the Father, Son & Holy Spirit are three persons yet one Godhead. Seeing that God is infinite & we mortals only have a finite mind, then I am not about to argue with my Creator but to believe what He has had men write down in the Scriptures under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. End of story!!

[@tillabezuidenhout6460]

What would we do without the Holy Spirit to guide us and Jesus whose death freed us from ous sins.

[@stevencohn922]

Our early service plays hymns and I’m glad but the international service music is so bad I wait until the worship is over before I go into the service! Church music is so bad nowadays I only worship the lord with my inspirational music collection at home!

[@RhondaCope-rk3ez]

Luke Daily when saying my prayers I try to Visualize When praying Our Father I image Jacob's Ladder because of how busy God is Within Heaven /Earth Then pull your site for this song Jacob s ladder Blessed Thank You For All You Do to Educate our Minds Hearts and Soul Enduring Ending 2023 With your Spreading Good News Nearer we need to Be

[@rafaelcastrejon2210]

All I can say is simply thank you and God bless you for sharing this hymn.

[@vikkismith7497]

God abideth in me and I'm in him.

[@tessaviljoen6320]

God inspires you always. Praise God alleluYah amen

[@wendykemp4031]

Thank you for your music & explanations on the back ground of the dongs and who wrote it. I am a Sslvationist. I have always loved music with such deep words

[@sherryburleson67]

Loved this one too!

[@ludwichpretorius9596]

Dear Luke. Maybe also do "Immortal, invisible, God only wise"

[@alphonsotate2982]

Beautiful

[@fredhall5038]

What a beautiful explanation and a lovely inspiration.

[@Subarna-pr9dh]

Melodies,this song is a perpetual source of inspiration to all.

[@rubywedderburn9487]

I love this song ❤️ Thanks for sharing the story with us. YAH bless you 🙏🏿

[@sherryburleson67]

Mr. Powell, I'm using your Hymn history this month on a Lady's page I run called Love In Action. I enjoy watching them. Thanks for all your work on them

[@LukePowellMinistries]

Wonderful!

[@BonnieKetterman-qw8vd]

What a beautiful story love that pretty hymn

[@SHoag-wk7in]

Thank you for sharing this hymn. Have you thought about doing How Firm a Foundation?

[@BloodOnWood]

Thank you for this awesome channel. I can watch this channel all day 🙏 Praise the Lord!

[@cecilanderson6454]

Beautiful Performance. Thanks for posting, Luke.

[@julieellis6793]

I haven heard this hymn in a long time but it was a comforting song . Thank you. Luke, would you see if you can do "He was there all the time"?That is one of my favorites.

[@RhondaCope-rk3ez]

Could you one day soon Tell story and sing Her song He sendeth sun He sendeth showers Thank You

[@prabnids]

Dear Luke, I had been bingeing on my favorite hymns for a couple of days and came across this video, thank you for a lovely explanation. Delighted to check out your other expositions. I was going through some important transitions in 2013 and happened to love this song since then. I turn to this one whenever I want to reach out to God and don't have the right words or emotions to express, and this song always opens my heart up to the Lord. Thanks again and I look forward to more of your videos.

[@doreencoymiller3085]

Luke, God bless you brother. This is the second video that I’ve watched. I am praying with you and look forward to learning about other treasures the God is guiding you to uncover!❤

[@jaelanderson6263]

Thanks

[@desseriegouws9311]

I am an organist and have several hymn books of different denominations. This hymn is in all of them. Please find the stories behind: Yield not to temptation; I know of a dear little chapel; Majesty; Breathe on me Breath of God; In the garden; and Here am I, Lord. Thanks. You have a wonderful program. I love it.

[@LukePowellMinistries]

I've done Breathe on Me Breath of God and In the Garden already! You can find them here: Friday Classic Hymns: kzbin.info/aero/PLOzc9nsPonlijc77DVnISvCs4ul_4peW3 Thanks for the other suggestions, will look into those!

[@lnpena]

Love your “Story Behind The Song” series! Have you considered Annie Johnson Flint hymns …”He Giveth More Grace” or “God Hath Not Promised Skies Always Blue”?

[@hrhqueene]

This is the second time this week I’ve encountered someone talking about her & her songs…wow…

[@stephenparker4083]

The first version of this hymn is preserved in the American shape note tradition (Cooper edition). There it is sung very slowly which gives it a devastating emotional impact. (See Darlene Dalton leading this hymn on KZbin.)

[@stephenparker4083]

Referring to the arrangement by Lowell Mason.

[@bagayagavin1006]

I'm being blessed with your chanel.God bless you

[@user-nf9fm6eh7c]

Thank you for sharing full details loving it all.... Subscribed

[@AdrianWingfield]

A beautiful message - God Bless You Luke 🙏

[@barbarakidd430]

This song is so precious and special. Thank you for the work that you do. It really touches my Heart. Will you please consider doing a program on the Hymn called Just As I Am please? Thank you.

[@LukePowellMinistries]

Done it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6fXimeIfdKGgrM

[@yhwh4ps374]

There’s a lot of old Christmas songs, have you thought about doing any? I truly love your channel. 🙏✝️

[@LukePowellMinistries]

Thank you! Yes I have done a few, and have a few coming up this December: kzbin.info/aero/PLOzc9nsPonlhb5MkMvVgPILqTeeeqMuAK&si=AIb5bRwl_OemCwCT

[@diannedarby7436]

I really enjoyed your channel. Thank you

[@RHStephanus]

Luke - thank you for the history of this hymn! Scott & Deb from Minneapolis, Minnesota USA (where it is still Thanksgiving; Thurs 11/23, 10 pm CST)

[@akindefisayo3267]

please can you give us a background on the hyms; heaven came down and glory filled my soul, my sins are washed away, my saviour made me whole

[@TheDhammond]

Oh, how I needed this Word today!

[@Martin-kn6id]

This is where I want to be with my lord and god ❤

[@philiphumphrey1548]

I like the other tune (Horbury) which is used in the film A Night to Remember, and have used it in the past. But both tunes work well. I wanted to play this hymn on Remembrance Sunday mass, but sadly it's not in our hymnbooks.

[@joycek4929]

🙏🙏🙏Thank you so so much for allowing God to use you and turn our minds and souls to Him. Can you do A mighty “Fortress is our God by Martin Luther?”🙏🙏🙏

[@titichondoro2516]

🙏🙏🎶

[@michaelbaughman8524]

When you were talking about the history and controversy over this being considered by some a Unitarian hymn you mentioned that Jesus is not mentioned, and it is true that He is not named; but surely the line in the first verse, "e'en though it be a cross that raiseth me" refers to Christ's suffering on the cross?

[@michaelbaughman8524]

I stopped the video playback to make that comment and then restarted it and you discussed that very point!

[@michaelbaughman8524]

OK one more comment, I loved your rendition.

[@democafe4864]

Thanks a lot for the information. I sang this touching hymn in my grandma's funeral.

[@alanwilby9927]

...WHAT IS IN THE KJV BIBLE IS TRUE....THERE IS THREE PERSONS....THE BIBLE SAID SO....THEN YOU SHOULD BELIVE....