As Easter approaches I was reminded of this song which I heard while serving as a children’s Sunday school teacher in a small town. The children had requested to sing it for the adults. It still brings shivers, and recalls the tears that came to the eyes of the Primary leaders when the children sang.

Here are two versions: one sung by the excellent Jenny Phillips, and the other beautifully performed by 9-year old Hannah Ford. Which is your favorite?

Lyrics

Jesus climbed the hill To the garden still His steps were heavy and slow Love and a prayer Took Him there To the place only He could go

Gethsemane Jesus loves me So He went willingly To Gethsemane

He felt all that was sad, wicked or bad All the pain we would ever know While His friends were asleep He fought to keep His promise made long ago

Gethsemane Jesus loves me So He went willingly To Gethsemane

The hardest thing That ever was done The greatest pain that ever was known The biggest battle that ever was won This was done by Jesus. The fight was won by Jesus.

Gethsemane Jesus loves me So he gave His gift to me In Gethsemane

Gethsemane Jesus loves me So he gives His gift to me From Gethsemane