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The United Methodist Hymnal · No. 418 · Words: African American Spiritual (Traditional) · Tune: JACOB'S LADDER
We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder
Create PowerPoint slides from this hymn →A traditional African American spiritual that draws on the biblical image of Jacob's ladder (Genesis 28) as a metaphor for the soul's step-by-step ascent toward God. It became widely known in 19th-century revival and abolitionist circles.
Verse 1
We are climbing
Jacob’s ladder; (yes, Lord)
we are climbing
Jacob’s ladder; (yes, Lord)
we are climbing
Jacob’s ladder;
soldiers of the cross.
Verse 2
Every round goes
higher, higher; (yes, Lord)
every round goes
higher, higher; (yes, Lord)
every round goes
higher, higher;
soldiers of the cross.
Verse 3
Sinner, do you
love my Jesus? (yes, Lord)
Sinner, do you
love my Jesus? (yes, Lord)
Sinner, do you
love my Jesus?
Soldiers of the cross.
Verse 4
If you love him, why
not serve him? (yes, Lord)
If you love him, why
not serve him? (yes, Lord)
If you love him, why
not serve him?
Soldiers of the cross.
Verse 5
We are climbing
higher, higher; (yes, Lord)
we are climbing
higher, higher; (yes, Lord)
we are climbing
higher, higher;
soldiers of the cross.
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