Beneath the Cross of Jesus
A quiet, wondering meditation made in the shadow of the cross.
Download PDFA quiet, wondering meditation made in the shadow of the cross. Written by Elizabeth C. Clephane (1872), set to the tune "St. Christopher" by Frederick C. Maker.
Suggested pairing scripture
Isaiah 32:2
"And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land."
Read Isaiah 32:2 (KJV) aloud as a call to worship before the congregation sings "Beneath the Cross of Jesus." It anchors the hymn in the Word from which it flows.
Read in contextWhen to sing this
Sing on Good Friday, during Holy Week reflections, and at the Lord's Supper as the congregation contemplates the cross.
Lyrics
Stanza 1
Beneath the cross of Jesus I fain would take my stand — The shadow of a mighty rock Within a weary land; A home within the wilderness, A rest upon the way, From the burning of the noontide heat, And the burden of the day.
Stanza 2
Upon that cross of Jesus Mine eye at times can see The very dying form of One Who suffered there for me; And from my smitten heart with tears Two wonders I confess — The wonders of redeeming love And my own worthlessness.
Stanza 3
I take, O cross, thy shadow For my abiding place; I ask no other sunshine than The sunshine of His face; Content to let the world go by, To know no gain nor loss, My sinful self my only shame, My glory all the cross.
History & Background
Scottish poet Elizabeth Clephane (also author of 'The Ninety and Nine') wrote the verses in 1868 during her final illness; they were published posthumously in 1872. Frederick Maker composed the tune 'St. Christopher' for the words in 1881. Clephane died at 39 having spent her short life serving the poor of Melrose, Scotland.
Scripture Behind the Hymn
Isaiah 32:2
"And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land."Read in context
Galatians 6:14
"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world."Read in context
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Elizabeth Clephane?
A frail Scottish poet from Melrose who, with her sisters, gave away most of what she owned to the poor — earning the local nickname 'the sunbeam.' She also wrote 'The Ninety and Nine.' She died at 39 and most of her hymns were published only after her death.
Related Hymns
Other hymns that share themes or scripture with Beneath the Cross of Jesus.
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Beneath the Cross of Jesus
Elizabeth C. Clephane • 1872
Rock of Ages
Augustus M. Toplady • 1776
Isaiah 53:4-5 Commentary
In-depth study • Salvation
The Crucifixion of Jesus
Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19 • Atonement and Sacrifice
Good Friday Bible Verses & Devotional
Reflect on the cross with these solemn KJV scriptures about Christ's crucifixion
The Blood of the Lamb
Revelation 12:11 — the saints overcome the accuser by the blood of the Lamb. Chr
Where to go next
Enjoyed "Beneath the Cross of Jesus"? These pages pair well with it for worship planning.
- Browse the full hymnal libraryLyrics, authors and scripture pairings.Continue
- Plan this Sunday's serviceCall-to-worship verses and printable kits.Continue
- Sermon series with matching verse setsOutlines and printable packs.Continue
- Today's Bible verse (KJV)A fresh verse and short reflection each day.Continue