ROOM AT THE CROSS FOR YOU

The name of Ira Stanphill has become well-known in evangelical churches as the author and composer of so many popular gospel songs.  As Ira states about his philosophy for writing songs, “The basic reason I have written songs is that I love God and Christ has loved me.  Most of my songs are the outgrowth of real experiences with Christ.”

On his twenty-second birthday, Ira began his own preaching ministry in revival meetings in Arcadia, Kansas.  Over the years, he has served Assembly of God pastorates in Florida, Pennsylvania and Texas.  As a singing evangelist, he has preached the Gospel all over the United States and in over 40 other nations.

One of his unique practices was to request someone from the congregation in a meeting, to suggest a hymn title.  He would then write a new song during the service.  Our hymn today was one of those suggestions from a congregant.  However, he did not write it during the meeting in which it was received.  Later he became inspired by it when he saw it on a note he was emptying from his pocket. 

ROOM AT THE CROSS FOR YOU, was written in 1946 and has been used in many revival meetings.  Only eternity will reveal the number of individuals who have been influenced to accept Christ through the encouragement of this gospel song.