Words: Fanny J Crosby (1820-1915)

Music: William H. Doane )1932-1915)

“Let us draw Near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith…” (Hebrews 10:22)

This gospel song is often called “consecration song.” This hymn was born in Cincinnati, Ohio at the residence of William Doane. Doane was an outstanding musician. He and the poet, Fanny Crosby, collaborated on several of her 8.000 hymns. In 1875, while visiting with the Doane family and enjoying conversation about the joy of the nearness of God, Fanny Crosby felt moved to dictate the words as we have them today. She recited the four verses and then the chorus. The next morning Doane wrote the music and named the tune, “Draw Me Nearer.”

Prayer Focus: Draw me nearer, blessed Lord, to Thy precious bleeding side.

From ‘A Hymn a Day’

Graham McKay lives in Spring Hill, TN