Jesus, keep me near the cross,

For there I’m assured of my pardon.

And thank you for going at your life’s loss,

Though you prayed, “Not my will,” in the garden!

For we all were bound in sin’s slavery,

Not a soul could claim exemption.

The Cross was not tragic in History,

But was vital to our redemption !

Jesus, keep me near the Cross,

There the Spirit’s blessed release!

Where you came at such tremendous cost,

There my soul finds sweetest peace!

Jesus, keep me ever there,

Where I keep a right perspective,

Of the world around, with all its care,

Keep me ever there to Thee receptive!

Jesus, oh, may I ever kneel,

Where I keep a right perception,

Of the world and the Devil, so very real,

Freed, by Thee, of his deception!

There near the Cross may I ever be,

For it’s there I determine my path.

Content in this life may I never be,

With the things that THIS world hath!

Near the Cross, near the Cross, may I ever walk,

With the One Who hung there, my King.

Ever guarding my actions, my life, talk,

And content not with THIS world’s things!

Danielle E Patenaude

Acts 17:28

From, Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross, by Brother Rick Sowell, Victory Baptist Church, Millbrook, Alabama. March 29th, 2009