In 1869, Fanny Crosby wrote “Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross” after hearing music written by William Doane, one of her long-time collaborators. This arrangement for SATB choir and piano is based on the music of Heinrich Werner in 1879, and was used by Erik Leidzen for a male chorus arrangement of this song.

These word are timeless, reflecting on the importance of the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Although physically blind, the author speaks “Near the cross! O lamb of God, bring its scenes before me” and “Near the cross! I’ll watch and wait, hoping, trusting ever.” When I sing these words, I long to be able to see as clearly as she could see.

Note: There is another version of this hymn that is an original composition by Gerry Shoults, published in October 2021.