Another hymn by a contemporary worship group – Joyful Noise. As a UK collective, their vision is to write songs from the Word, to the heart and for the church, so that God’s people might “come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him” (Psalm 95)¹. This song was born out of the conviction that the cross lies not just at the heart of Christian belief, but also of our Christian lives day by day. The cross teaches us to know God, to humble ourselves, to truly love, and to praise joyfully through all circumstances; “For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” – 1 Corinthians 2:2. This song would be a lovely addition to your church’s repertoire!

Your cross, O Lord, taught me to see
That though I fail you every day
Your steadfast love will not fail me
But gladly bears my sin away.
And there I see your holy fire
Consuming sin in mercy’s blood:
What righteousness and love require
To ransom sinners to their God.

Your cross, O Lord, taught me to weep
For there my sin led you away
And e’en the sun did bow in grief
As darkness crowned our darkest day.
And oh, to think that I once stood
Indifferent to your suffering!
And oh, to see your sweat like blood:
Such depths of sorrow borne for me!

Your cross, O Lord, taught me to love
For there I’ve tasted love divine,
It fills my heart with power enough
To make your costly service mine.
No sin too great to meet with grace,
No enemy too foul to bless.
Your love in wounds of sacrifice;
Teach me, O Lord, to love like this.

Your cross, O Lord, taught me to sing
For now my captive soul is free!
No guilt, no fear, no suffering
Can tear away your love from me!
No song can reach such heights of joy!
No tongue can tell such depths of peace!
No power, no time, can e’er destroy
The eternal praise for Calvary!

¹joyful-noise.bandcamp.com/track/your-cross-o-lord-2