Last week I talked about the first two verses of “Draw Me Nearer.” This week I’m looking at the last two verses.

Yesterday in church we were challenged to really meditate on the cross and all it means to us. Jesus died that painful, humiliating death of crucifixion for our sins. May we be continuously drawn to Him and His precious blood that He shed for our salvation.

Prayer – It’s such a huge topic, and we take so little time with it. I understand the pressures of being a busy mom. Often there are days when I’m praying in the shower, doing dishes, driving the car – just anywhere I have a few minutes alone. And I think the Lord understands.

That being said – nothing truly replaces spending time, a nice big chunk of time, praying. For me this is usually something that if it’s going to happen it has to be first thing in the day before the needs of my children start pressing into my day. For myself I know that my days go smoother when I start my day this way.

God has condescended to be my Friend. Why would I not want to spend time with Him? He knows me better than I know myself, and I can freely tell Him anything. I’ve told Him how much it hurts that His will was for Hugo to go to Heaven just twenty short years after we were married. He understands – more He cares. He gives me peace. He knows all my struggles and still loves me.

I can never sing of Heaven anymore without thinking about Hugo. He know the depths of love and heights of joy that Fanny talks about here. Sometimes I envy him that while I have to carry on living on this sinful old earth. But someday we will be at peace…with Jesus…in Heaven. Until then – Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord.

I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith
And be closer drawn to Thee.

Refrain:
Draw me nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To the cross where Thou hast died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer blessed Lord,
To Thy precious, bleeding side.

Consecrate me now to Thy service, Lord,
By the pow’r of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope,
And my will be lost in Thine. [Refrain]

Oh, the pure delight of a single hour
That before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God
I commune as friend with friend! [Refrain]

There are depths of love that I cannot know
Till I cross the narrow sea;
There are heights of joy that I may not reach
Till I rest in peace with Thee. [Refrain]
~Fanny J. Crosby