Because I am in England currently I wanted to post an English hymn writers song…
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Isaac Watts (1707)
Isaac Watts was one of the most prolific of all English hymn writers. Today, he is referred to as the “Father of English Hymnody.” Out of his nearly 800 hymn texts “When I Survey” is considered to be his best and most poignant. Watts wrote the song to help Christians be “prepared for the Holy Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper.” The song brings the believer from personal reflection, to bold testimony, to total surrender. “Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.”
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
His dying crimson, like a robe,
Spreads o’er His body on the tree;
Then I am dead to all the globe,
And all the globe is dead to me.
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b. 
I did not know that this hymn was written to be sung prior to communion, but it makes it all the more meaningful knowing. I love poor Issac’s story. He was such an interesting character.
Isaac Watts wrote such deep, rich words. Beautiful song, beautiful lyrics.