Lucy Larcom

Nearer to Christ

DRAW Thou my soul, O Christ,
Closer to Thine!
Breathe into every wish
Thy will divine!
Raised my low self above,
Won by Thy deathless love,
Ever, O Christ, through mine
Let Thy life shine!
Lead forth my soul, O Christ,
One with Thine own;
Joyful to follow Thee
Through paths unknown!
In Thee my strength renew;
Give me Thy work to do!
Through me Thy truth be shown,
Thy love made known!
Not for myself alone
May my prayer be: —
Lift Thou Thy world, O Christ,
Closer to Thee!
Cleanse it from guilt and wrong;
Teach it salvation's song!
Make it alive in Thee, —
Perfect in Thee!
Nearer to Thee, O Christ,
Nearer to Thee!
Till we in Thy dear face
God's glory see!
Heavenward our hopes ascend,
Saviour and Lord and Friend!
Oh, draw us all to Thee,
Nearer to Thee!