Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior

Jonathan Anderson • September 22, 2025

“Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior” is a hymn of deep humility. It’s a cry for mercy — not demanding, but full of trust. There’s nothing casual about it. This hymn is the voice of someone who knows they need the Savior’s touch, and who dares to call out, believing He will not turn away.

The Story Behind the Hymn

This moving hymn was written by Fanny J. Crosby in 1868, during one of her many visits to a prison where she regularly ministered to inmates. After one of her talks, a man reportedly cried out, “Good Lord, do not pass me by!” That moment stirred something in her heart, and it became the foundation of this hymn.


The melody, composed by William H. Doane, is gentle and emotional, matching the tone of the lyrics. It became widely used in revival meetings, altar calls, and times of personal reflection, reminding believers that it’s okay — even necessary — to bring their need directly to Jesus.


What Makes It Powerful

This hymn is powerful because it’s honest. It doesn’t try to cover up weakness — it brings it straight to the Lord. And it doesn’t just beg for attention; it trusts that Jesus is near, listening, and willing to respond.


A verse that mirrors this message is Hebrews 4:16 (NIV):

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

The hymn doesn’t come in pride, but it does come in faith — knowing Jesus hears those who cry out to Him.


My Violin Cover

When I arranged “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior” for violin, I kept it soft and emotional. The melody gently rises and falls, like a prayer in musical form. I wanted the listener to feel the yearning and the hope in each note — the plea of someone looking to Christ alone.

With Violin Hymns, I try to let the arrangement carry the same emotion as the words. In this one, that meant quiet desperation met with grace.



Listen and Reflect

The video is below. As you listen, take a moment to be honest with God about your needs. He’s not far. He’s not too busy. He’s near. Let this hymn remind you that when you cry out, Jesus hears you. Savior, Savior — hear my humble cry. While on others Thou art calling, do not pass me by.

Lyrics


Pass me not, O gentle Savior,

Hear my humble cry,

While on others Thou art calling,

Do not pass me by.


Savior, Savior,

Hear my humble cry;

While on others Thou art calling,

Do not pass me by.


Let me at a throne of mercy

Find a sweet relief;

Kneeling there in deep contrition,

Help my unbelief. 


Trusting only in Thy merit,

Would I seek Thy face;

Heal my wounded, broken spirit,

Save me by Thy grace. 


Thou the Spring of all my comfort,

More than life to me,

Whom have I on earth beside Thee?

Whom in heav'n but Thee?

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