The hymn "Nearer My God to Thee" may be rarely sung in many churches today, but it's message is just as timeless as ever.  It's message of consecration is powerful.  Sarah Fuller Flower wrote the words in 1841 and based the text on Jacob's dream at Bethel from Genesis 28:10-22.  Sarah Flower was born in Essex, England in 1805, the daughter of journalist and politician Benjamin Fowler.  Sarah performed as a Shakespearean actress until poor health cut her career short.  She turned to writing hymn lyrics and articles of encouragement for Christians.  Her most famous hymn is "Nearer My God to Thee" which has comforted so many.

Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee!  E'en though it be a cross That raiseth me; Still all my song shall be, Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to thee.

Though like the wanderer, The sun gone down, Darkness be over me, My rest a stone; Yet in my dreams I'd be Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee.

There let the way appear Steps unto Heav'n; All that Thou sendest me In mercy giv'n; Angels to beckon me Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee.

Then, with my waking thoughts Bright with Thy praise, Out of my stony griefs, Bethel I'll raise; So by my woes to be Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer, my God, to thee, Nearer to Thee.

Or if on joyful wing, Cleaving the sky, Sun, moon,  and stars forgot,   Upward I fly, Still all my song shall be Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee.

The physician of President William McKinley reported that among the President's last words were, "Nearer my God