Fanny Crosby's hymn text, "Near the Cross," is a meaningful, devotional prayer that is especially useful for the Lenten season or a communion service. In this adaptation for 3-5 octaves handbells and 3 octaves of optional handchimes, the constant eighth note pattern in the upper bells creates an ethereal feeling in all but the brief fortissimo section in 3/4.  The addition of strings, or a synthesized string part makes this an enthralling musical experience.