African American Heritage Hymnal ‎#392

392. I'd Rather Have Jesus

1 I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold,
I'd rather be His than have riches untold;
I'd rather have Jesus than houses or lands,
I'd rather be led by His nail-pierced hand.

Refrain:
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin's dread sway;
I'd rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

2 I'd rather have Jesus than your applause,
I'd rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I'd rather have Jesus than worldwide fame.
I'd rather be true to His holy name. [Refrain]

3 He's fairer than lilies of rarest bloom,
He's sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He's all that my hungering spirit needs,
I'd rather have Jesus and let Him lead. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: I'd rather have Jesus than silver or gold
• Title: I'd Rather Have Jesus
• Author: Rhea Miller, 1894-1966
• Refrain First Line: Than to be the king of a vast domain
• Meter: 11 11 11 10 with refrain
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2001
• Scripture:
  Philippians 3:8
• Topic: Faithfulness: of the believer; Fellowship: with God; God: His Faithfulness; God: Love and Mercy; Jesus Christ: His Love and Mercy; Jesus Christ: Our Love For Jesus
• Copyright: © 1922, renewed 1960, Word Music Inc.
• Notes: Now Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: I'D RATHER HAVE JESUS
• Composer: George Beverly Shea, b. 1909
• Meter: 11 11 11 10 with refrain
• Key: D♭ Major
• Copyright: © 1939, renewed 1966, Word Music, Inc. (ASCAP)