I’d Rather Have Jesus – Hearty Hymns from A to Z

This beloved hymn, widely attributed to Rhea F. Miller (1894-1966) and likely penned in the 1920s, may be familiar to scores of believers. Some sources point to Swedish Prince Oscar C.A. Bernadotte (1859-1953) as the lyricist. George Beverly Shea, the famous late soloist of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association crusades, is credited for the musical composition.

I’d rather have Jesus than silver or gold;
I’d rather be His than have riches untold;
I’d rather have Jesus than houses or lands;
I’d rather be led by His nail-pierced hand .

Refrain:
Than to be the king of a vast domain
Or be held in sin’s dread sway;
I’d rather have Jesus than anything
This world affords today.

I’d rather have Jesus than man’s applause;
I’d rather be faithful to His dear cause;
I’d rather have Jesus than worldwide fame;
I’d rather be true to His holy name.

He’s fairer than lilies of rarest bloom;
He’s sweeter than honey from out the comb;
He’s all that my hungering spirit needs;
I’d rather have Jesus and let Him lead.

Listen to George Beverly Shea’s famous rendition of “I’d Rather Have Jesus”:

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