When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood

See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.

To Christ, who won for sinners grace
By bitter grief and anguish sore,
Be praise from all the ransomed race
Forever and forevermore.

~  Sing this song with me as our prayer and worship today.  ~

Songwriter: Isaac Watts/ Performed by Vineyard’s Kathryn Scott* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *What a wonderfully written hymn!  This is one is so God-breathed.  As the Holy Spirit led, Isaac Watts wrote.  It is interesting, while reading the biography of Watts, how he was a Nonconformist.  He did not go by the traditional teachings of his era, he was always outspoken.  He had a natural gift for rhyming and was punished for using it.

As we begin to think about Easter and what Christ’s death on the Cross means for each of us, I would ask that you think about keeping a journal.  Write down prayers, thoughts, praises, or anything that you believe would help you celebrate Easter with a new viewpoint in the years to come.

* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

Father, I ask that You watch over each of us during the Lent season.  Help us to see and learn more about what the Cross means for us.  Help us to see our salvation in a new way.  We love You and want to know You more.  We want a more intimate relationship with You.  Thank You, Lord!  In Jesus’ Name, we pray.  Amen.