"In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications,
with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him
from death...Although he was a Son, he learned
obedience through what he suffered..."
(Hebrews 5:7-8, the Bible, RSV)
 

(Introduction)
 

(Verse 1)
In the Garden of Gethsemane I ponder,
With a sorrow unto death, to You I cry.
Though my calling leads me onward
To the suff'ring of the cross,
I pray this cup would pass me by.
 

(Verse 2)
I'm alone for all my friends have grown too weary,
In the darkness of the hour, I am undone.
Yet again, I plead and pray,
Dear Father, take this cup away,
And spare the suff'ring of Your Son.
 

(Chorus 1)
Must I lay down my life in agony,
Must I bear all the sin and shame?
Must You soon turn Your face away from me,
As the people mock my Name?
There is nothing that You cannot do,
So once again, I cry:
My Father, let this cup now pass me by,
My Father, let this cup now pass me by!
 

(Bridge)
Abba, Father!  I cry,
Must I be crucified?
Must I shed my blood upon the ground?
Must I be led to wear a thorny crown?
Must I face the coldness of the tomb?
Please, Father must I die?
 

(Peal of Thunder)
 

(Verse 3)
I awaken those who close their eyes in slumber,
Now the hour has come; betrayal drawing near.
Soon the soldiers will descend,
And all the suff'ring will begin,
And my disciples flee in fear.
 

(Verse 4)
For this moment I was born; I cannot falter.
As the Lamb I come to give my life for all.
Since before the world began,
My death was in our master plan,
And I must answer to the call:
 

(Chorus 2)
If the shadow of death must pass this way,
As the wages of sin are borne,
Though the wrath and judgement I must bear
Leave me battered, bruised, and torn,
If the bearing of the cross must come,
I yield my life to You; I lay it down.
I yield my life to You; I lay it down!
 

(Short Orchestra solo)
 

(Ending)
Though I dread the torture, death and grave,
Though I pray my life somehow be saved,
If the bearing of the cross must come
Before I wear the crown,
I yield my life to You; I lay it down,
I yield my life to You; I lay it down!
 

 Song  "I Lay It Down"
 (Copyright © 1998 by Elton Smith and Larry Holder)
 

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