When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - Traditional

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?

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.

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross lyrics were written by Isaac Watts and are considered one of the finest hymns in the English language. The song reflects on the prince of glory dying on the cross and counts all worldly gain as loss in comparison to His sacrifice. It highlights the sorrow and love that flow from the Savior and concludes with the realization that such amazing love demands ones soul life and all. By singing the When I Survey the Wondrous Cross lyrics the faithful enter into a deep contemplative state acknowledging the gravity of the Passion and the transformative power of the cross in the life of every Christian.