Pass Me Not

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 1868


“Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior” has a really touching backstory—both historically and emotionally.


📜 Origins of the Hymn


Lyricist: Fanny J. Crosby


Composer: William H. Doane


Year written: 1868


Place: United States


Fanny J. Crosby, one of the most prolific hymn writers in history, wrote this hymn during the height of the 19th-century evangelical revival movement in America.


✝️ What Inspired It


The hymn was inspired by a prayer spoken during a revival meeting. Someone prayed something like:


“Lord, pass me not.”


That phrase struck Crosby deeply. She later explained that it reflected a personal cry for mercy and inclusion—a fear of being overlooked spiritually while others received God’s grace.


This became the heart of the hymn.


👩‍🦯 Fanny J. Crosby’s Personal Context


Crosby was blind from infancy due to a medical error


Despite this, she wrote over 8,000 hymns and gospel songs


Her hymns often emphasize:


Personal faith


Humility


Dependence on Christ


Assurance of God’s mercy


Many scholars and worshippers believe “Pass Me Not” reflects Crosby’s deep sense of spiritual humility, not physical blindness—she often said she never felt God had “passed her by.”


🎼 Music and Structure


The melody was composed by William H. Doane, a frequent collaborator of Crosby


The repeating chorus (“Savior, Savior, hear my humble cry…”) made it especially effective for:


Revival meetings


Altar calls


Congregational singing


Its emotional repetition helped people pray the song rather than just sing it.


🌍 Impact and Legacy


Became one of the most popular gospel hymns of the 19th century


Widely used in:


Methodist, Baptist, and Holiness churches


Revival and evangelistic services


Still sung today across denominations and cultures


The hymn’s central message—“While on others Thou art calling, do not pass me by”—has made it timeless for anyone seeking grace, forgiveness, or reassurance.


💡 Core Theme


At its heart, Pass Me Not is about:


God’s nearness


Human dependence


The belief that no one is too small or unworthy to be heard


It’s not a song of despair—it’s a song of hopeful persistence.

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