Text: Fanny Crosby
Tune: George C. Stebbins
Genre: Hymn
Language: English
Scripture Reference: 2 Peter 3:9
Liturgical Uses/Seasons: Lord’s Supper, Repentance
Themes: Forgiveness
Hymnal Reference: #337 Hymnal for Worship and Celebration

“Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior,” a hymn by Fanny J. Crosby, captures the deep longing for divine mercy and the sense of vulnerability that comes with seeking God’s presence. The repeated plea, “Pass me not,” conveys an urgent desire for God’s attention and intervention, echoing the biblical cry of the psalmist in Psalm 27:9, where the psalmist asks, “Do not hide your face from me; do not turn your servant away in anger.” This heartfelt request reflects an understanding of God’s grace and compassion, inviting believers into a personal relationship with Christ, who is portrayed as a gentle Savior willing to listen and respond to the cries of the humble.

The hymn emphasizes the importance of faith in approaching God with a sense of assurance, as reflected in Hebrews 4:16, which encourages believers to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.” Crosby’s invocation for mercy reminds us that God’s grace is accessible to all who seek it. The hymn also aligns with the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:4-7, where the shepherd’s relentless pursuit of the one lost sheep exemplifies God’s unwavering love and desire for reconciliation. Thus, “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior” serves as both a plea for mercy and a declaration of faith in the boundless compassion of Christ, encouraging believers to continually seek His presence and grace in their lives.

The hymn is used usually as a Choir Piece. The hymn is used for Altar calls during Sunday worship. The hymn is used during outreach programs. The hymn is used during the Lord’s Supper, emphasizing Christ’s Death for mankind’s redemption. The hymn is used in hymn interpretation sermons.

Lyrics

1. Pass me not, O gentle Savior
Hear my humble cry
While on others Thou art calling
Do not pass me by

Refrain
Savior, Savior
Hear my humble cry
While on others Thou art calling
Do not pass me by

2. Let me at Thy 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 Heav’n but Thee?

Sources:
Broughton, L. The Lives of the Hymn Writers. Grand Rapids, MI: Christian Classics, 1986.
McIntyre, Charles. Fanny J. Crosby: Queen of Gospel Songs. Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 2001.
Sankey, Ira D My Life and the Story of the Gospel Hymns. New York, NY: The Gospel Publishing House, 1906.
Vanderbilt, John Hymnody in America: A Historical Introduction. New York, NY: Church Publishing Incorporated, 2007.

Contributed by Joshua Yero Kwasau.