Jesus, I my cross have taken
Summary: Although probably better known for Abide with me, Lyte's hymn Jesus, I my cross have taken is no less powerful in its message; why then is it less well known? Unfortunately, it may be due to the lack of a familiar melody. For this reason, a new tune has been composed especially for these words, in the hope that this song will find its way back into the church repertoire.
 
Written in: 2006
Written for: inclusion on the Restoration album
Biblical references:
No direct influences
Audio sample: taken from Restoration - track 4

Lyrics:
Jesus, I my cross have taken,
All to leave and follow Thee;
Destitute, despised, forsaken,
Thou, from hence, my all shall be.
Perish every fond ambition,
All I’ve sought or hoped or known;
Yet how rich is my condition:
God and heaven are still my own!

Take my soul, Thy full salvation;
Rise o'er sin and fear and care;
Joy, to find in every station
Something still to do or bear.
Think what Spirit dwells within thee,
What a Father's smile is thine,
What a Saviour died to win Thee:
Child of Heaven, shouldst thou repine?

Haste then on from grace to glory,
Armed by faith and winged by prayer;
Heaven’s eternal day’s before thee,
God’s own hand shall guide thee there.
Soon shall close thy earthly mission;
Swift shall pass thy pilgrim days;
Hope shall change to glad fruition,
Faith to sight, and prayer to praise.

Lyrics by Henry Francis Lyte (1793–1847)
Music ©2006 Nathan Surgenor