Moravian Book of Worship ‎#758

758. "Take Up Your Cross," the Savior Said

1 "Take up your cross," the Savior said,
"if you would my disciple be;
take up your cross with willing heart,
and humbly follow after me."

2 Take up your cross, let not its weight
fill your weak spirit with alarm;
his strength shall bear your spirit up,
and brace your heart, and nerve your arm.

3 Take up your cross, nor heed the shame,
and let your foolish heart be still;
the Lord for you accepted death,
upon a cross, on Calvary's hill.

4 Take up your cross, then, in his strength,
and calmly ev'ry danger brave:
it guides you to abundant life
and leads to victory o'er the grave.

5 Take up your cross, and follow Christ,
nor think till death to lay it down;
for only those who bear the cross
may hope to wear the glorious crown.

Text Information

• First Line: "Take up your cross," the Savior said
• Title: "Take Up Your Cross," the Savior Said
• Author: Charles W. Everest (1833, alt.)
• Meter: L.M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Scripture:
  Matthew 10
  ;
  Matthew 16:24-26
  ;
  Mark 8:31-38
  ;
  Luke 9:22-26
  ;
  Luke 14:26-32
  ;
  John 12:26
  ;
  2 Corinthians 12:9-10
  ;
  Hebrews 12:1-3
• Topic: Temptation and Conflict; Christ--Invitation of; Conflict; Discipleship; Following Christ

Tune Information

• Name: BRESLAU
• Meter: L.M.
• Key: A Major
• Source: As Hymnodus Sacer, Leipzig (1625), alt.