I would draw nearer to Jesus, In His sweet presence abide,

Constantly trying to serve Him, Safe and secure at His side.

I would draw nearer to Jesus, I would draw nearer to Him;

Fully surrendered each moment, I would draw nearer to Him.

I would draw nearer to Jesus, Nothing withholding from Him,

Knowing He loves to be gracious, I would draw nearer to Him.

I would draw nearer to Jesus, I would draw nearer to Him;

Fully surrendered each moment, I would draw nearer to Him.

I would draw nearer to Jesus, Seeking Hi strength to be true,

Willing to tell of His goodness, Gladly His blest will to do.

I would draw nearer to Jesus, I would draw nearer to Him;

Fully surrendered each moment, I would draw nearer to Him.

     Robert Harkness, the writer of both words and music, was born in Australia, the son of a local preacher and town mayor. He composed his first hymn at the age of 8. During his lifetime, he composed about 2,000 hymns and gospel songs. In 1959, two years before his death, he was living in Pasadena, California, and was a guest on a special program of the Voice of Prophecy that featured some of his best-known songs.