“Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross” (ELW 335)
1 Jesus, keep me near the cross,
there’s a precious fountain;
free to all, a healing stream
flows from Calv’ry’s mountain.
Refrain
In the cross, in the cross
be my glory ever;
till my ransomed soul shall find
rest beyond the river.
2 Near the cross, a trembling soul,
love and mercy found me;
there the bright and morning star
sheds its beams around me. Refrain
3 Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
bring its scenes before me;
help me walk from day to day
with its shadow o’er me. Refrain
4 Near the cross I’ll watch and wait,
hoping, trusting ever,
till I reach the golden strand
just beyond the river. Refrain
Devotion
Gravity demands that water on the mountain will always flow down into the valley. In the desert of Jerusalem, this water is grace made visible by the vibrant wildflowers that come to life at this time of year.
So too is the way of Jesus’ grace: It flows from heaven to the manger, from his cross into our lives, is planted and blooms where it will, where there is need. Grace comes to us where we are, as we are, a free gift, a healing flow. From this gift we have hope and beauty in the depths and valleys of our lives.
Prayer
God of grace, you have turned the cross into a place of healing, streaming Jesus’ precious grace into the world. Keep us mindful that you are ever near to us, that we are found where you have planted us. Amen.