Cross-centered Worship Songs: “Jesus Died For Me”
I have been responsible for leading corporate singing in the church for years. 
I know how frustrating it can be to find songs that are worth singing. Many of the newer songs never mention the most important aspect of Christianity: The message of The Cross! To be sure, there are songs out there, but it takes time to find them. I often sift through 40 songs, just to find one new song. (Worship team members have affectionately, and some times derogatorily, nick-named me “The Lyric Police”. Call me old school if you like, but I think the songs we sing to our Savior should be worthy of Him!
This column, “Cross-Centered Worship Songs”, was started as a way to serve my many worship leading friends. I hope to introduce some of the lesser known songs out there that you may not have heard. We will be posting songs from different genres: hymns, a capella, contemporary rock, etc. We will post the lyrics as well as the Mp3 along with a chord chart when possible. I hope you find it helpful. If you do, please let us know! This weeks selection “Jesus died For Me” is a relatively obscure hymn that was redone by Steve and Vikki Cook. Even if you are not fond of hymns, I think you will like this one. Let me know what you think.
Jesus Died For Me
My God when I approach Your throne
And all Your glory see
This is my stay and this alone
That Jesus died for me
How can a soul condemned to die
Escape the just decree
A vile, unworthy wretch am I
But Jesus died for me
What glorious love, redeeming love
That bore my shame on Calvary
I will forever sing His praise
Because I owe Him everything
Weighed down by sin’s oppressive chain
Oh how can I get free
No peace can all my efforts gain
But Jesus died for me
What glorious love, redeeming love
That bore my shame on Calvary
I will forever sing His praise
Because I owe Him everything
One day I’ll look upon your face
And this will be my plea
Save me by Your almighty grace
For Jesus died for me
By William Hiley Bathurst, 1831. Additional lyrics by Steve and Vikki Cook, 2006.
Get the Free Chord Chart Here and the free Lead sheet here.
Listen to other songs in this series:
Cross-Centered Worship Songs: “Oh What Grace”
Cross-Centered Worship: “The Gospel Song”
Cross-Centered Worship “All I Have Is Christ”
Cross-Centered Worship: “The Prodigal”
Posted on January 30, 2011, in Christianity and tagged christianity, cross-centered worship, Jesus, Jesus Died For Me, music, prayer, Sovereign Grace Ministries, Steve and Vikki Cook, worship, Worship Leading. Bookmark the permalink. 3 Comments.
Not For Itching Ears 
My family and I are very frustrated with the I, me, my in the new worship songs of today. Worship songs should be sung to God and lift Him in praise. “He inhabits the praise of His people”. How can we worship Him when we are singing about ourselves. We long and crave to praise Him in songs that have the message of the cross that is in so many of the old Gospel hymns, unfortunately this message is not found in the new worship music.
LikeLike
I love the song “Jesus Died for Me.” I can’t find an mp3 anywhere other than the one you posted here. Do you know where I can find it for purchase? Many thanks!
LikeLike
HI Gary,
The whole CD is great! Steve and Vikki Cook use to sell it on their website, but I can’t find it. Sovereign Grace Ministries also sold the whole CD “Before the Throne” on their website. Try there. I don’t think they have it availalbe as a single.
LikeLike