Before The Throne Of God Above

"In an age of individualism and an emphasis on personal experiences with God, hymns remind us that we don’t ever worship God in isolation. By their very nature, hymns connect us to that “communion of saints” from every nation, culture, and time, which will one day unite to glorify God around His throne. We are honored... to join our voices and hearts with hymn writers from previous centuries who looked upward and were moved to worship our great God and glorious Savior. Our prayer is that you will do the same."
—Bob Kauflin

In an age of individualism and an emphasis on personal experiences with God, hymns remind us that we don’t ever worship God in isolation. By their very nature, hymns connect us to that “communion of saints” from every nation, culture, and time who will one day unite to glorify God around His throne. We are honored on this project to join our voices and hearts with hymn writers from previous centuries who looked upward and were moved to worship our great God and glorious Savior. Our prayer is that you will do the same.
—Bob Kaufli

The lyrics to the hymn "Before the Throne” were written in 1863 under the title “The Advocate” by Charitie Lees Smith.  Born in 1841 in the vicinity of Dublin, Ireland, she was the daughter of a minister of the Church of Ireland. Not much is known about her life, but it appears that she was widowed twice: although she married Arthur Bancroft in 1869, she died under the name Charitie de Cheney in California in 1923. A number of her collected works were eventually published as "Within the Veil" in 1867. 

The words are put to the music of Vikki Cook, who has been serving local churches and writing worship songs for over 20 years with her husband. Through the years their songs have been published by Integrity Music, Maranatha Music, Word Music, and Sovereign Grace Ministries.

Here are the lyrics and some audio to help you get started memorizing:

  • Listen

    Verse 1

    Before the throne of God above
    I have a strong and perfect plea
    A great High Priest whose name is Love
    Who ever lives and pleads for me

    My name is graven on His hands
    My name is written on His heart
    I know that while in heav'n He stands
    No tongue can bid me thence depart

    Verse 2

    When Satan tempts me to despair
    And tells me of the guilt within
    Upward I look and see Him there
    Who made an end of all my sin

    Because the sinless Savior died
    My sinful soul is counted free
    For God the Just is satisfied
    To look on Him and pardon me

    Verse 3

    Behold Him there the Risen Lamb
    My perfect spotless Righteousness
    The great unchangeable I Am
    The King of Glory and of grace

    One with Himself I cannot die
    My soul is purchased by His blood
    My life is hid with Christ on high
    With Christ my Savior and my God

    © 1997 Sovereign Grace Worship
    (Admin. by Integrity's Hosanna! Music)
    Charitie Lees Bancroft | Vikki Cook