Sarah Flower Adams: The Woman Who Wrote “Nearer, My God, to Thee”

God's Peculiar People: Learning How to Live the Christian Life from Heroes of the Faith · Sep 17, 2026 · 5m

Discover the fascinating story of Sarah Flower Adams, the English poet and hymnwriter who gave the church one of its most beloved hymns, “Nearer, My God, to Thee.”Sarah Flower Adams was born in Harlow, Essex, England, in 1805. She grew up in a literary household and showed a remarkable gift for writing. She initially dreamed of becoming an actress and even received praise for her performance as Lady Macbeth in 1837. But poor health eventually brought her acting career to an end, and she turned her attention more fully to poetry and hymnwriting.The hymn's message is one of drawing nearer to…