Worship Planning: At the Cross

“At the Cross” marries the profound theological depth of Isaac Watts’ classic hymn with Ralph Hudson’s soaring gospel chorus. This perfect blend of confession and celebration captures the entire Christian journey – from the weight of sin to the freedom of forgiveness. When your congregation sings this powerful anthem, they’ll experience both the solemnity of Christ’s sacrifice and the joy of salvation in a single, moving piece.

Hymn History: Crown Him with Many Crowns

Isaac Watts, often called the “Father of English Hymnody,” revolutionized church music in the early 1700s when traditional worship relied primarily on singing psalms. Growing up, young Watts complained to his father about the dull psalm singing in their church. His father’s response? “Give us something better!” This challenge launched Watts into crafting hymns that would transform Christian worship forever.

In 1707, Watts published “Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed” in his groundbreaking collection “Hymns and Spiritual Songs.” The original hymn contained six verses of deep theological reflection on Christ’s sacrifice. For over 150 years, congregations sang these contemplative verses, meditating on the profound cost of salvation.

Then in 1885, Ralph E. Hudson, an American evangelist and music publisher, added new music for the verse and the now-famous chorus beginning with “At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light.” Hudson’s addition transformed Watts’ solemn meditation into a testimony of personal conversion, creating the perfect marriage between theological depth and experiential faith. The addition of this jubilant chorus gave the hymn new life, allowing worshippers to move from reflection on Christ’s suffering to celebration of their own redemption.

Today, this powerful combination continues to resonate across denominations and generations, reminding us all of the central truth of our faith – that at the cross, everything changed.

Call to Worship

Need help finding the right words to introduce a hymn? Use this sample “Call to Worship” as a starting point, or let it inspire you to create your a heartfelt invitation to praise in your own words!

At the cross of Christ, each of us stands on level ground – sinners in need of grace, debtors unable to pay our own way. The hymn we’re about to sing reminds us that no matter who we are or what we’ve done, the cross is where our story changes.

Hundreds of years ago Isaac Watts pondered, “Was it for crimes that I had done, He groaned upon the tree?” The honest answer is yes. And yet, in that same moment of recognizing our guilt, we find unimaginable freedom. As we worship today, let’s return to the cross – that holy ground where our burdens rolled away and where we first saw the light of God’s amazing grace.

Lead with Confidence

As you introduce “At the Cross” to your congregation, remember you’re not just leading a song – you’re guiding people to the very heart of the gospel. The power of this hymn lies in its journey from solemn reflection to unbridled joy. Don’t rush through the verses – that’s why I save the chorus until after the second verse! Let your congregation feel the weight of each line as they contemplate what Christ endured. Then, when you burst into that chorus, let the energy build as you celebrate the transformation that happens at the cross.

Blending Suggestions

Try using At the Cross in your worship set with these songs that fit thematically:

• Reckless Love by Cory Asbury: Both songs highlight God’s overwhelming love that pursues us despite our unworthiness. The line “Amazing pity, grace unknown, and love beyond degree” pairs beautifully with Asbury’s portrayal of God’s “overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love.” Create a powerful moment by segueing from the chorus of “At the Cross” directly into “Reckless Love,” keeping the theme of God’s pursuit of sinners front and center.

• Nothing But the Blood by Matt Redman: This pairing creates a powerful focus on Christ’s sacrifice. Both songs emphasize that only Jesus’ blood can cleanse us from sin. Try transitioning from “At the Cross” into the chorus of “Nothing But the Blood” with the line “What can wash away our sins?  What can make us whole again?” to create a seamless thematic connection about the cleansing power of Christ’s sacrifice.

• O Praise the Name (Anastasis) by Hillsong Worship: This modern hymn complements “At the Cross” by continuing the story. Where “At the Cross” focuses on Christ’s death and our salvation, “O Praise the Name” carries us through to His resurrection. Create a narrative arc in your worship set by moving from the cross to the empty tomb, from salvation to victory.

• What a Beautiful Name by Hillsong Worship: After reflecting on what Christ did at the cross, this song turns our focus to who He is. The themes of Christ’s glory and power make for a natural progression from meditating on His sacrifice to celebrating His majesty. Try building a bridge between the songs by speaking briefly about how the cross reveals both Christ’s love and His power to save.

By thoughtfully weaving “At the Cross” with these contemporary songs, you’ll create a worship experience that honors the timeless message of Christ’s sacrifice while speaking the musical language of today’s worshippers.