Be Near Me As I Now Depart
This past week I sat in a hymn-writing session with Stuart Townend, author of such greats as In Christ Alone and How Deep the Father's Love. Among his fine points, he raised the issue of so few new hymns on pressing topics for Christians. Certainly, many of the praise, love, and mercy songs are wonderful, but too few exist about justice issues, anxiety, compassion, or narrative theology.
I, certainly, could expand my range. I did think, however, about this song, Be Near Me As I Now Depart. It is intended for the real anxiety Christians feel when they leave the safe environment of worship. I wrote it with a close of service function in mind during penitential seasons or perhaps as a funeral hymn. I hope you enjoy it.