Title: Pass Me Not O Gentle Saviour
Hymn Number: SS&S 488 (Sacred songs and solo)
1. Pass me not, O gentle Saviour,
Hear my humble cry ;
While on others Thou art calling,
Do not pass me by.
Saviour, Saviour, hear my humble cry
And while others Thou art calling, do
not pass me by !
2 Let me at a throne of mercy
Find a sweet relief;
Kneeling there in deep contrition,
Help my unbelief.
3 Trusting only in Thy merit,
Would I seek Thy face ;
Heal my wounded, broken spirit,
Save me by Thy grace.
4 Thou the spring of all my comfort,
More than life to me ;
Whom have I on earth beside Thee ?
Whom in heaven but Thee ?
About The Hymn
Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour” (Sacred Songs and Solos, Hymn 488) is one of the most heartfelt and well-loved Christian hymns, penned by Fanny J. Crosby in 1868. It is a prayerful cry for divine attention and mercy, expressing the soul’s deep longing for God’s presence, grace, and salvation. The hymn reflects themes of humility, repentance, and a deep trust in Jesus’ compassion and willingness to save all who call upon Him.
Verse 1: A Plea for God’s Attention
The hymn opens with the poignant plea:
“Pass me not, O gentle Saviour, hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling, do not pass me by.”
This verse portrays the worshipper as a humble seeker of God’s grace, earnestly calling out to Jesus, the “gentle Saviour.” The descriptor “gentle” emphasizes Christ’s compassion, kindness, and readiness to hear those who come to Him in faith. The phrase “do not pass me by” reflects a sense of urgency and personal need, acknowledging the worshipper’s complete dependence on God’s mercy.
The line “while on others Thou art calling” conveys both hope and a subtle fear of being overlooked. It reflects the awareness of God’s ongoing work in the lives of others and the deep desire to experience the same transformative grace. It is a reminder of the inclusiveness of God’s salvation, yet it expresses a personal yearning to be part of His redemptive work.
Verse 2: Seeking Refuge in God’s Mercy
The second verse continues the heartfelt plea:
“Let me at Thy throne of mercy find a sweet relief;
Kneeling there in deep contrition, help my unbelief.”
Here, the worshipper envisions coming before God’s throne of mercy, a sacred place where grace and forgiveness are freely given. The mention of “sweet relief” reflects the hope and assurance that comes from laying burdens at Jesus’ feet, trusting in His ability to grant peace and healing.
The act of kneeling “in deep contrition” signifies repentance and humility, acknowledging the need for forgiveness and restoration. The phrase “help my unbelief” echoes the cry of the father in Mark 9:24, who said to Jesus, “Lord, I believe; help Thou mine unbelief.” It reflects an honest recognition of human frailty and the need for divine assistance to strengthen faith.
Verse 3: Assurance of Jesus’ Compassion
The third verse highlights the worshipper’s confidence in Jesus’ love and mercy:
“Trusting only in Thy merit, would I seek Thy face;
Heal my wounded, broken spirit, save me by Thy grace.”
This verse shifts the focus to the basis of the worshipper’s trust—Christ’s merit alone. It emphasizes that salvation and healing come not from human effort but from Jesus’ sacrificial work on the cross. By “seeking His face,” the worshipper expresses a desire for intimacy with God, longing for His presence and favor.
The petition to “heal my wounded, broken spirit” underscores the restorative power of Jesus’ grace. It acknowledges the deep emotional and spiritual pain that only God can mend. The cry for salvation through grace reaffirms the Christian belief that redemption is a gift from God, freely given to those who come to Him in faith.freely given to those who come to Him in faith.
Verse 4: Joyful Confidence in God’s Promises
The final verse is a triumphant expression of trust in God’s ability to save and satisfy the soul:
“Thou the spring of all my comfort, more than life to me;
Whom have I on earth beside Thee? Whom in heaven but Thee?”
In this verse, Jesus is described as the “spring of all my comfort,” a metaphor for a constant, life-giving source of peace, joy, and strength. This imagery evokes the idea of a never-ending fountain, reflecting the sufficiency of Christ’s love and grace to meet every need.
The lines “Whom have I on earth beside Thee? Whom in heaven but Thee?” echo Psalm 73:25, which states, “Whom have I in heaven but Thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee.” This sentiment reflects the worshipper’s complete dependence on God as the ultimate source of comfort, hope, and eternal life.
Overall Message and Significance
“Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour” is a deeply personal and emotional hymn that resonates with anyone who has ever felt the need for God’s mercy and presence. Its simple, repetitive structure mirrors the urgency of a heartfelt prayer, while its rich theological underpinnings remind worshippers of God’s compassion, grace, and power to save.
The hymn expresses:
- Humility and Contrition: Acknowledging human frailty and the need for God’s mercy.
- Faith and Dependence: Trusting fully in Christ’s merit and grace for salvation and healing.
- Longing for God’s Presence: A heartfelt desire to be close to God and to experience His transformative power.
- Confidence in God’s Love: An assurance that Jesus will hear and respond to the cry of the broken-hearted.
Because of its universal themes and emotional depth, this hymn is often sung in times of personal reflection, during altar calls, or as an invitation for prayer. It serves as a reminder that no one who sincerely seeks God’s mercy will be passed by, as Jesus Himself said in John 6:37, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.”