This material is provided as a resource. Feel free to link to this page or to use this material in your church, but please credit Paul Dakin, Minister of Music.

A

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (1529)
Martin Luther, 1483-1546
Loosely based on Psalm 46:1-3, this "Battle Hymn of the Reformation" speaks of the Christian believer's victory over "mortal ills" and the powers of darkness. That timeless message still inspires us to be bold and unafraid in God's service, even though the hymn was written more than 450 years ago.

All Creatures of Our God and King (1225)
Francis of Assisi, 1182-1226
Born into a wealthy family, Francis forsook it all to pursue a life of prayer, preaching, and repairing old church buildings. It is said that he even preached to the birds and that they listened! This hymn calls upon all of God's creation to praise Him and is strikingly similar in content and construction to Psalm 148.

All Glory, Laud, and Honor (820)
Theodulph of Orleans, 750-821
Bishop Theodulph was imprisoned for allegedly conspiring against the king of France in 818. Legend has it that this hymn, originally in 78 lines, was written while he was in prison. It secured his pardon, became immediately popular, and is now probably the most well-known Palm Sunday hymn, sung in many languages in churches throughout the world.

All People that on Earth Do Dwell (1561)
William Kethe, c. 1530-1594
This paraphrase of Psalm 100 is perhaps the oldest hymn written in the English language still in current use. The tune for this hymn (100th) is most often associated with the text "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow," but in fact, the pairing of this text and tune antedate the Doxology by more than a century.

All the Way My Savior Leads Me (1875)
Fanny Crosby, 1820-1915
Although Fanny was famous during her lifetime and had many wealthy friends, she gave away most of her earnings to the poor and voluntarily lived in the tenements of Lower Manhattan. Once, when she did not have enough money to pay the rent, she prayed that God would supply her need. A little later that same day, she answered the door and a stranger pressed some money into her hand, and left without speaking a word. It was enough to pay the rent and she wrote this hymn as a thanksgiving to God.

Angels We Have Heard on High
Traditional French Carol
This French carol probably comes from the 1700's, although it was first published in 1855. As with most carols, the folk melody carries equal weight and importance for its popularity. Half the fun is singing the "Gloria in excelsis Deo" refrain!

At Calvary (1895)
William Reed Newell, 1868-1956
The author was a pastor in Chicago with a reputation for being an excellent preacher and Bible teacher. While on his way one evening to teach an interdenominational Bible class at Moody Bible Institute, he was seized with inspiration and scribbled the hymn on the back of an envelope. The last stanza bears a resemblance to romans 11:33, "O the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and His plans beyond tracing out!"

At the Name of Jesus (1878)
Caroline Maria Noel, 1817-1877
The Biblical basis for this hymn is Philippians 2:6-11. This passage is thought by most scholars to be an early Christian hymn, one of several found in the New Testament. It answers the question, "Who is Jesus?" with the astounding, audacious claim that Jesus is God.

Away in a Manger (1885)
Anonymous 19th Century American
For reasons known only to himself, the tune's composer, James Murray, added this inscription to the hymn when he first published it: "Luther's Cradle Hymn, composed by Martin Luther for his children and still sung by German mothers to their little ones." Subsequent investigation has revealed that none of that was true, but this popular Christmas carol is a model of childlike simplicity and of expression.


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B

Baptized in Water (1981)
Michael Saward, b. 1932
This hymn emphasizes that baptism is a symbol of having received God's forgiveness. We are reminded that salvation is at God's initiative - that He first loved us (I John 4:19) and that "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

Be Thou My Vision
Anonymous, 8th Century Irish
Although this is an ancient hymn, it has only recently become popular. Translated from the Gaelic in 1904, it was first published in an English hymnbook in 1919. It is a prayer to God, asking for His direction in our lives, and filled with many wonderful names and descriptions of God: "Vision," "Lord of My Heart," "My Wisdom," "My True Word," "My Great Father," "My Treasure," "My Inheritance," "High King of Heaven," "Heaven's Sun," "Heart of My Own Heart," and "Ruler of All."

Blessed Assurance, Jesus Is Mine (1873)
Fanny Crosby, 1820-1915
Legend has it that the composer of the tune, Phoebe Knapp, played the melody one afternoon in Miss Crosby's hearing and asked, "What does that music say to you?" The blind poetess replied with the precise words of the first stanza. It became immensely popular through its use in the Moody/Sankey revivals of the 19th century and the Billy Graham crusades of the 1950's.

Break Thou the Bread of Life (1877)
Mary Artemisia Lathbury, 1841-1909, Alexander Groves, 1842-1909
Due to the opening reference to "bread," many people think that this is a hymn about the Lord's Supper. It isn't - the hymn is really about the Bible. It is a prayer that we may find Christ "beyond the sacred page," revealed in the Scriptures.


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C

Christ the Lord is Risen Today (1739)
Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
This standard opening hymn for Easter Sunday is a masterpiece of great hymn writing. Notice how the arrangement of ideas build to an exciting climax in the last line - "Ours the cross, the grave, the skies." The florid notes for the "Alleluias" remind us that sometimes singing moves beyond mere words, adding a larger dimension to our praise.

Come, All Christians, Be Committed (1966)
Eva Brown Lloyd, b. 1912
This hymn of Christian discipleship was the winning entry of a hymn writing competition sponsored by the Baptist Sunday School Board. The second stanza emphasizes stewardship of our time, talents, and money. Recognizing that "they are gifts from God above," we have the responsibility to use them wisely in Christ's service.

Come, Christians, Join to Sing (1843)
Christian Henry Bateman, 1813-1889
The words "alleluia" and "amen" are both Bible words. "Alleluia" (or its variant "Hallelujah") appears frequently in Psalms, usually translated as "Praise the Lord!" It is a compound word in Hebrew. The first half of the word literally means "to celebrate" or "to rave about." The second half is "Jah," the Old Testament sacred name for the eternal God. The word "amen" means "assuredly," "truly," or "so be it."

Come, Holy Spirit, Dove Divine (1829)
Adoniram Judson, 1788-1850
The author is one of the most famous people in Baptist history. Judson was the first foreign missionary sent from the United States, serving in Burma for 36 years. During that time, he was imprisoned for his faith and labored six years before baptizing single convert. But his legacy lives on, in that his translation of the Bible into Burmese is still widely used in that country.

Come, Let Us Reason (1972)
Ken Medema, b. 1943
The words of this song are a very close paraphrase of Isaiah 1:18. The phrase translated "reason together" can also be rendered "lodge a complaint," "scold," "decide," or "vindicate." The call of God for forgiveness is extended to all who are willing and who will be obedient, as it says in the following verse (1:19).

Come, Thou Almighty King (1764)
Anonymous English
This hymn fits a standard hymn pattern of its time - one verse each in praise of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit followed by a doxology of praise to the Trinity. The phrase "Ancient of Days" is a name for God used only in Daniel 7. The term "Comforter" for the Holy Spirit comes from John 14-16.

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing (1759)
Robert Robinson, 1735-1790
Of the many Biblical allusions in this hymn, perhaps the most striking begins the second stanza. In 1 Samuel 7:12, the prophet Samuel built a stone memorial and called it "Ebenezer," meaning "stone of help." It celebrated God's help in the victory over the Philistines at nearby Mizpah. In a spiritual sense, we too recall and celebrate God's help and goodness in bringing us through the troubles of life and then to life eternal.

Come, Ye Thankful People, Come (1844, alt. 1865)
Henry Alford, 1819-1871
Although it abounds in agricultural imagery about harvest, the subject of this hymn is really the final judgment. Scriptural allusions include Jesus' Parable of the Wheat and Tares (Matthew 13:24-30) and the Parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29). Our prayer is that we will be wholesome and pure grain at the final day of testing.


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D-F

Dear Lord and Father of Mankind (1872)
John Greenleaf Whittier, 1807-1892
Whittier has been called "America's finest religious poet," and although he never wrote an actual hymn, several of his poems have been adapted for congregational singing. Scriptural allusions are plentiful in this hymn: disciples rising to follow Jesus without a word (Mark 1:20), Jesus praying in the calm hills (Matthew 14:13), and the still small voice of God speaking to Elijah on Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:12).

Fairest Lord Jesus (1677)
Anonymous German Hymn, 17th Century
Little is known about the origin of these words. A handwritten copy dating from about 1662 seems to mark its earliest appearance, though it was not published until fifteen years later. The message of the hymn is very simple - regardless of the beauty of the meadows, the flowers of spring, the sun and stars, Jesus is fairer and brighter.

Fill the Air with Music (1989)
R.G. Huff, b. 1949
The author, a Southern Baptist music minister, wrote this hymn based on Colossians 3:16, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." The theme of the hymn is the sharing of the Good News through the ministry of music.

Footsteps of Jesus (1871)
Mary Bridges Canedy Slade, 1826-82
This hymn draws much of its inspiration from the life and teachings of Jesus. The first stanza is reminiscent of the calling of the first disciples in Matthew 4. Stanza 2 refers to the Parable of the Lost Sheep in Luke 15 and the healing of a crippled man in John 9. Stanza 3 refers to Jesus' preaching in the temple and ministry among "the poor and lowly." May we all seek to walk in our Lord's steps as we follow Him.

For the Beauty of the Earth (1864)
Folliot S. Pierpoint, 1835-1917
This hymn was originally written as a Lord's Supper hymn, but later alterations and editing have made it a more general hymn of praise and thanksgiving. As we sing it, we thank God for creation, our physical senses, human love, and for every good thing God gives us.

From All that Dwell Below the Skies (1719)
Isaac Watts, 1674-1748
The scriptural basis for this hymn is Psalm 117 - the shortest chapter in the entire Bible. (It is only two verses long!) The hymn and the psalm call for all people everywhere to praise God together. The Apostle Paul quotes the first verse of the psalm in Romans 15:11 in support of God's missionary purpose among the Gentiles.


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G

Gift of Finest Wheat (You Satisfy the Hungry Heart) (1976)
Omer Westendorf, b. 1916
This Lord's Supper hymn was the winning entry in a new hymn search sponsored by the Archdiocese of Philadelphia in 1976. The biblical bases for the hymn can be found in Psalm 81:16 and Psalm 147:14, where God promises to satisfy His people with "the finest of wheat." The hymn writer has expanded on that idea to include Christ, the Bread of Life.

Glory Be to the Father (Fourth Century)
Anonymous Latin
In more liturgical traditions, these words (the "Gloria Patri") are known as the "Lesser Doxology" in contrast to the "Greater Doxology" ("Gloria in Excelsis"). The "Gloria Patri" has been used in Christian worship in its present form since the Fourth Century, although parts of it go back to the second century. The great hymn writer Isaac Watts called it "one of the noblest parts of Christian worship."

God Be with You (1880)
Jeremiah Rankin, 1828-1904
This hymn was written to be the benediction at the conclusion of services at the First Congregational Church in Washington, D.C., where Rankin served as pastor. It celebrates the original meaning of the word "good-bye" - a contraction of the phrase "God be with you."

God, Give Us Christian Homes (1949)
Baylus Benjamin McKinney, 1886-1952
This hymn was first published in May 1950 issue of Home Life, the Southern Baptist periodical for family living, as the theme song for "Christian Home Week." It became immediately popular and widely sung across the convention. It helps to remind us that Christian education begins in the home by both teaching and example.

God of Grace and God of Glory (1930)
Harry Emerson Fosdick, 1878-1969
This is one of the few hymns written by a 20th Century Baptist to have gained widespread popularity in practically every denomination. Written for the dedication of New York City's Riverside Church, Fosdick called this hymn "a very urgent personal prayer," asking God to grant us wisdom and courage as we face the challenges of being Christ's disciples.

God of Our Fathers (1876)
Daniel Crane Roberts, 1841-1907
This patriotic hymn was written for a ceremonial July 4 celebration at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Brandon, Vermont. Although it was written to commemorate American independence, this hymn of praise and prayer can be sung by people of any freedom-loving nation.

God, Our Father, We Adore Thee (1904)
George Frazer, 1830-1898, and Alfred Loiseaux, 1877-1962
This hymn follows a popular 19th Century formula, in which each of the first three stanzas deals with one person of the Godhead followed by a fourth stanza doxology. The word "Paraclete" in the third stanza means "advocate," strengthener," and "comforter," and is used in John 14-16 to describe the work of the Holy Spirit.

Grace Greater than Our Sin (1910)
Julia Harriette Johnston, 1849-1919
The author of this hymn wrote thousands of articles, Sunday School lesson materials, devotionals, books, tracts, poems and hymns, but this hymn is the only writing of hers in common use today. It is based on Romans 5:20-21, "Where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that . . . grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

Great Is the Lord (1983)
Michael W. Smith, b. 1956 and Deborah D. Smith, b. 1958
The authors are professional songwriters and performers based out of Nashville. Michael's songs have been recorded by several prominent contemporary Christian music artists including Sandi Patti, Larnelle Harris, and Amy Grant. This song first appeared on his 1983 album The Michael W. Smith Project and became an immediate hit.

Great Is Thy Faithfulness (1923)
Thomas O. Chisholm, 1866-1960
This popular hymn languished in obscurity for decades until its use in the Billy Graham crusades in the 1950's made it a world-wide favorite. It is based on Lamentations 3:22-23, "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness."

Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah (1745)
William Williams, 1717-1791
The imagery of this hymn is taken from the Biblical story of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, using it as a metaphor for the Christian life. "Bread of Heaven" is from Exodus 16:4 and is also a name that Jesus used to refer to Himself in John 6:32-33. Other scriptural references include Exodus 17:5, Exodus 13:21 and Joshua 3:14-17. Why not look these verses up to see how Williams used them in the hymn?


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H

Happy the Home When God Is There (1846)
Henry Ware, Jr., 1794-1843
The central idea of this hymn is that the home should be a place where the love of Jesus is prominent. As the hymn indicates, parents teach their children spiritual truths by their example in praying, reading the Scriptures, and demonstrating God's love in their actions.

Have Faith in God (1934)
Baylus Benjamin McKinney, 1886-1952
The author wrote this hymn during a sermon in a revival service for which he was leading the music. Prompted by the economic suffering caused by the Great Depression, it speaks of having confidence in God even when circumstances seem grim and hopeless. "Have Faith in God" is generally considered to be one of the best of McKinney's 400 or so hymns.

He Keeps Me Singing (1910)
Luther Burgess Bridgers, 1884-1948
The joyful words and cheerful tune of this hymn belie the circumstances around which it was written. It was apparently written in the aftermath of a house fire in which the author's wife and three sons perished. Stanzas one and four are perhaps reflections on that event, but the theme of the hymn is the goodness of God through all of life's joys and sorrows.

He Lives (1933)
Alfred Henry Ackley, 1887-1960
One day the author was sharing his faith in Christ with a young man who pointedly asked him, "Why should I worship a dead Jew?" Ackley replied, "He lives! I tell you, he is not dead, but lives here and now! Jesus Christ is more alive today than ever before." This encounter provided the inspiration for this hymn.

Higher Ground (1892)
Johnson Oatman, Jr., 1856-1922
Oatman was a Methodist minister who wrote more than 7,000 gospel hymn texts. This one became a favorite in holiness camp meetings in the northeastern United States during the early part of this century. One observer wrote, "Nothing can bring forth more shouts at camp meetings of ‘Glory!' and ‘Hallelujah!' than the singing of Higher Ground."

Holy, Holy, Holy (1826)
Reginald Heber, 1783-1826
The Apostle John's vision of the Lamb on the throne in glory from Revelation 4:8-11 is the Biblical basis for this hymn of praise. An unusual feature of this hymn is the rhyme scheme. Notice how every line of all four stanzas end in the same vowel sound, the "ee" vowel.

How Firm a Foundation (1787)
18th Century Anonymous
The original title of this hymn was "Exceeding Great and Precious Promises," and it is filled with the promises of God to the Christian believer. Scriptural allusions abound, though the hymn closely parallels Isaiah 43:1-5. It was a favorite of Presidents Andrew Jackson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Woodrow Wilson, and of Robert E. Lee, at whose funeral it was sung at his request.

How Great Thou Art (1886)
Carl Bobert, 1859-1940
Written in Sweden as a poem, it came to be sung to a popular Swedish melody, moved next to Germany where it was translated by an Estonian, then to Russia where it was published in 1927. Suart Hine, who settled in the Western Ukraine, brought out an English translation which contains little of the nine stanza original, but it became an all-time favorite due to its use in the Billy Graham crusades.


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I

I Am Resolved
Palmer Hartsough, 1844-1932
The tune for this hymn was written for a world wide convention of Christian Endeavor, a nondenominational organization for young people. The text was written by a Baptist who was ordained to the ministry late in life. Although he wrote more than a thousand hymns and songs, this is the only one still in general use. It is reminiscent of Philippians 3:13b-14, "Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

I Am Thine, O Lord (1874)
Fanny Crosby, 1820-1915
The scriptural basis for this hymn is Hebrews 10:22, "Let us draw closer to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith." It is a good thing to be able to talk to God "friend to friend" as the third stanza says. James 4:8 says, "Come near to God and He will come near to you."

I Have Decided to Follow Jesus (1950)
Indian Folk Hymn
This simple song comes from the Garo people, a tribe that lives in the Himalayan foothills of northeast India. While the majority of the Garo people still practice their traditional religion, a sizeable number have been converted through the work of American Baptist missionaries. In the Garo culture, becoming a Christian can mean estrangement from family, disinheritance, and loss of livelihood. For these brothers and sisters in Christ, there is "no turning back."

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day (1867)
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1807-1882
The famous poet wrote this hymn on Christmas Day in 1863 during The War Between the States. Longfellow's own son, Charley, had been wounded at the Battle of Antietam, and the poet was caring for him in his own home. One can feel the anguish in Longfellow's soul in the words of the third stanza, but the promise of God is in the fourth stanza: "God is not dead, nor doth He sleep; the wrong shall fail, the right prevail."

I Know Whom I Have Believed (1883)
"Major" Daniel Whittle, 1840-1901
The refrain quotes most of 2 Timothy 1:12 verbatim. In this passage, the Apostle Paul encourages Timothy to be faithful in spite of persecution, declaring that because we know God personally, we are confident of God's goodness to us. As Christians, our whole lives are staked on the trustworthiness of God.

I Love Thee (1801)
Anonymous American Folk Hymn
Although this hymn first appeared in an African-American hymnal in 1801, it is reckoned to be of much earlier origin. The tune I LOVE THEE also comes from the folk tradition and was published in most of the 19th century shape-note tune books like Kentucky Harmony and The Sacred Harp. In this hymn, we tell our Lord how much we love Him, but we also promise to show how much we love Him through our actions, becoming "doers of the Word, and not just hearers only." (James 1:22)

I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord (1801)
Timothy Dwight, 1752-1817
In this hymn, the words "kingdom," "house," "church," and "Zion" all refer to the same thing - God's people, the church. Stanza two uses images from Psalm 17:8 ("Keep me as the apple of Your eye") and Isaiah 49:16 ("I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.") This is the oldest American hymn which has remained in continuous use.

I Love to Tell the Story (1869)
Arabella Catherine (Kate) Hankey, 1834-1911
Many people sing this hymn but do little to go out and "tell the story" beyond the church walls. Miss Hankey spent most of her life working for the abolition of slavery, promoting foreign missions, and starting Bible classes for working girls in London. She certainly lived what she wrote!

I Stand Amazed in the Presence (1905)
Charles Hutchinson Gabriel, 1856-1932
Romans 5:10 says, "When we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son." It is truly a marvel and a wonder how God's love reached out to us in the midst of our sin and rebellion. "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!" (2 Corinthians 9:15)

I Surrender All (1896)
Judson Van DeVenter, 1855-1939
The author of this hymn was a public school art teacher and a lay preacher in the Methodist Episcopal church. In recalling how he came to write it, he said that it was written "in memory of the time when, after a long struggle, I had surrendered and dedicated my life to active Christian service." As we sing this hymn this morning, may we also surrender and dedicate our lives to Christ.

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise (1867)
Walter Chalmers Smith, 1824-1908
This hymn draws its Biblical inspiration from two passages of pure praise found in First Timothy - "Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever" (1:17), and "God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see" (6:15-16). ???It is thought by some scholars that this verse was probably part of a prayer that was regularly used in the early church's worship.

In Christ There Is No East or West (1908)
John Oxenham, 1852-1941
This hymn was written for an exhibition of missionary work in India called The Pageant of Darkness and Light, sponsored by the London Missionary Society. One of the many obvious scriptural allusions is Luke 13:29, "People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feat in the kingdom of God."

It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (1849)
Edmund Sears, 1810-1876
This has been called "the first Christmas hymn in English with a social message." Based on Luke 2:13-14, it is a call for us to respond to the song of the angels and work for "peace on earth, good will towards men." Unfortunately, 2,000 years later, we have not made much progress.


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J-K

Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love (1968)
Tom Colvin, b. 1925
Colvin, a Scottish Presbyterian missionary who served in Africa, was one of the first to collect and publish indigenous church music from the mission field. This hymn is based on a folk tune from Ghana. The text is based on John 13:3-5 (Jesus washing the disciples' feet) and Luke 10:25-28 (Jesus giving the two great commandments - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself.").

Jesus Calls Us O'er the Tumult (1852)
C.F. Alexander, 1818-1895
The biblical basis for this hymn is Matthew 4:18-20, the calling of Jesus' first disciples, Andrew and Simon Peter. He said to them, "Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Jesus still issues that challenge to everyone today - "Come, follow me."

Jesus Is Lord of All (1966)
LeRoy McClard, b. 1926
This hymn is inspired by the theme of a youth conference the author attended. That theme was "Jesus Is Lord." It is thought that the phrase "Jesus is Lord" was one of the most common confessions of faith in the early church and perhaps acted as a refrain in some of its earliest hymns.

Jesus is Tenderly Calling (1883)
Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915
Whenever the Word of God is proclaimed, those who hear are called to respond. This hymn emphasizes the call of Christ to each one of us. In the first stanza, Christ calls us to "come home." In the second stanza, Christ calls us to rest, an allusion to Matthew 11:28. The final two stanzas call us to bring our sin to Jesus and call us to follow Him.

Jesus Paid It All (1868)
Elvina Mabel Hall, 1820-1889
The author of this hymn was a long-time member of the choir of the Monument Street Methodist Church in Baltimore, Maryland. She wrote it on the flyleaf of her hymnal one Sunday morning while the pastor prayed an unusually long prayer! The organist of the church later put the words to a tune he had written earlier. It became popular through its use in the D.L. Moody revivals of the 1870's.

Jesus Shall Reign (1719)
Isaac Watts, 1674-1748
This hymn, written by "The Father of English Hymnody," is widely regarded as one of the first hymns ever written on the subject of missions. It is a "Christianized" paraphrase of Psalm 72, which sees Jesus as God's chosen King ruling over the earth in justice, mercy, and love.

Jesus! What a Friend for Sinners! (1907)
J. Wilbur Chapman, 1859-1918
Much of the text of this hymn either directly quotes or makes allusion to two of the most popular hymns of that era - Charles Wesley's "Jesus, Lover of My Soul" and Augustus Toplady's "Rock of Ages." All three hymns stress how Christ gives us guidance and strength in times of trouble. Such a Savior is indeed "a friend who sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24)

Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (1908)
Henry Van Dyke, 1852-1933
The author of this hymn was an ordained Presbyterian minister and English professor at Princeton University. Inspired by the beauty and majesty of the Berkshire Mountains in western Massachusetts, he wrote the hymn with Beethoven's tune, HYMN TO JOY, in mind. The words and music are an exceptional match, and the hymn has become one of the most popular American hymns of this century.

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L

Let All Things Now Living (1939)
Katherine K. Davis, 1892-1980
Praise issues from a grateful heart. The text of this hymn is reminiscent of several of the Psalms in calling for all of creation to praise God. Psalm 145:21 says, "My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord. Let every creature praise His holy name for ever and ever.

Let Jesus Come into Your Heart (1898)
Leila Naylor Morris, 1862-1929
It was a Sunday morning Methodist camp meeting at Mountain Lake Park, Maryland. The preacher preached with unusual power on the topic of "repentance." An elegantly dressed woman came forward during the altar call, obviously struggling within. Mrs. Morris counseled with her and whispered, "Just now, your doubtings give o'er." The song leader added, "Just now, reject Him no more." Mrs. Morris concluded, "Let Jesus come into your heart." The woman made a profession of faith and Mrs. Morris wrote the hymn later that week.

Let Others See Jesus in You (1924)
Baylus Benjamin McKinney, 1886-1952
An oft-repeated quote on evangelism is "You're the only bible some people will ever read." If that is true, then what do people "read" as they observe your life? This hymn challenges us to be faithful in our daily living and witnessing, so that others may see Jesus in us.

Lift Up Your Heads (1642)
George Weissel, 1590-1635
The first stanza of this hymn draws its inspiration from Psalm 24:7-10. It is classified by scholars as one of the "enthronement psalms," which gloriously declares the Lord as King over all the earth. It is an appropriate Palm Sunday text, as we recount our Lord Jesus' triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem as the people shouted praises to Him.

Like a River Glorious (1874)
Frances Ridley Havergal, 1836-1879
The scriptural basis for this hymn can be found in Isaiah 48:18 and 66:12. In those verses, God's peace is described as a river to those who are His people. The hymn serves to remind us that "the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:7)

Living for Jesus (1917)
Thomas Obediah Chisholm, 1866-1960
The author of this hymn was a Methodist minister who wrote over 1200 hymns, though only two are well-known today - "Living for Jesus" and "Great is Thy Faithfulness." "Living for Jesus" was originally used at youth camps and summer conferences, where it soon became very popular.

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (1747)
Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
God's love is the predominant theme of this hymn. After beginning with a prayer addressed to Christ to dwell in us, we pray that God's grace will work in us to make us more Christ-like. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation." The theological term for this is "sanctification."

Low in the Grave He Lay (1874)
Robert Lowry, 1826-1899
This gospel hymn of the resurrection draws its inspiration from Luke 24:6, "He is not here; he has risen!" Part of the popularity of this hymn is no doubt due to its rousing chorus that paints the words "Up from the grave He arose" with an ascending musical line.


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M

Majesty (1977)
Jack W. Hayford, b. 1934
While the author was vacationing one summer in the British Isles, he was impressed with the many castles he visited. As he contemplated those regal settings, he thought of how Christ is the true King of Kings, far greater than any earthly monarch, and hurriedly wrote both the words and music as he drove through the British countryside.

Make Me a Blessing (1909)
Ira Bishop Wilson, 1880-1950
Sometimes persistence pays off! Soon after this hymn was written, it was submitted to, and rejected by, a gospel music publisher as being "unsuited for our need." Undaunted, the composer had 1000 copies of the song printed at his own expense and sold them himself. Years later, it was used in the revival services of George Dibble, a well-known evangelist of the 1920's, where it became immediately popular.

More Love to Thee, O Christ (1870)
Elizabeth Payson Prentiss, 1818-1878
Like most of the author's hymns, this one is simply a prayer put to verse. This prayer hymn has only one theme: let me love Christ more than earthly pleasures, peace or rest, and in spite of sorrow, grief, pain, or even death. May that also be our prayer as we sing this hymn this morning.

Morning Has Broken (1931)
Eleanor Farjeon, 1881-1965
This hymn's popularity soared after it was recorded by English singer Cat Stevens in 1972. It was a Top 10 hit in both the United States and England. The theme of the hymn is thanksgiving to God for each new day. How marvelous it is to think that each dawn brings another day just as fresh and full of opportunities as was the first day of creation!

Must Jesus Bear the Cross Alone (1693)
Thomas Shepherd, 1665-1739
As was the custom of the time, Pastor Shepherd wrote this hymn as a conclusion to a sermon. The sermon was on the life of Simon Peter, but the hymn reflects the words of Christ, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it." (Matthew 16:24-25)

My God, How Wonderful You Are (1849)
Frederick W. Faber, 1814-1863
The original title of this hymn is "Our Heavenly Father," and in it, we express our love for God for all that He is. One stanza that is omitted here, but included in one of the hymnals in the History Room, speaks of God's tender love for His children:

No earthly father loves like Thee,
No mother half so mild
Bears and forbears, as Thou has done
With me, Thy sinful child.

My Country, 'Tis of Thee (1831)
Samuel Francis Smith, 1808-1895
The author was one of the most influential American Baptist preachers of the 19th century and he wrote this hymn when he was a 23 year-old seminary student. In the first three stanzas, we sing of our nation's natural beauty and of the freedoms that we enjoy. The final stanza is a prayer to God, who is the "Author of Liberty," for protection of our country and our freedom.


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Now Thank We All Our God (1647)
Martin Rinkart, 1586-1649
This hymn of gratitude was written in the midst of one of history's most devastating wars, the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648). In one year alone, Pastor Rinkart conducted almost 4,500 burials - victims of the plague and of war's brutality. Yet even then, he could write this hymn as a simple table grace, praising and thanking God for His goodness.

O Come, All Ye Faithful
Anonymous Latin, 18th Century
This joyful song of the adoration of the Child of Bethlehem is one of the most frequently sung songs of the season, having been translated in many languages over the past 200 years. Two unusual features of this hymn are its irregular meter and the fact that none of the lines rhyme.

O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing (1739)
Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
This hymn is arguably the greatest and most popular of the 9000+ hymns that Wesley wrote. Written on the first anniversary of his conversion, it was inspired by a remark made by a Moravian preacher, "Had I a thousand tongues, I would praise God with them all."

O God of Love, Enable Me (1988)
David B. Duncan, b. 1958
This missionary hymn is a prayer that God will use each of us as His agents to share His love, grace, and hope to those around us. The tune is the familiar ST. PETER, which is normally associated with the text, "In Christ, there is no east or west."

O God, Our Help in Ages Past (1719)
Isaac Watts, 1674-1748
Considered by many to be one of the finest hymns ever written, this hymn is a paraphrase of Psalm 90. In it, we are reminded of the transient nature of this life, contrasted with the eternal nature of God. What ultimately counts for the Christian is that our hope is in God, "our eternal home."

O Little Town of Bethlehem (1868)
Phillips Brooks, 1835-1893
The author of this much-loved carol was a nationally known Episcopalian minister considered to be one of the outstanding American preachers of the 19th century. It was inspired by his visit to the Field of the Shepherds outside of Bethlehem on Christmas Eve 1865.

O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee (1879)
Washington Gladden, 1836-1918
The author was one of the best-known American ministers of his generation. His published sermons were widely read and sometimes harshly criticized for controversially applying Christ's teachings to America's social, political, and economic life. Paraphrased in prose, this hymn might read: Lord, help me to walk with You. Teach me how to endure hard work and be responsible for others. Help me to speak clearly and in love that I may be used to win others for You.

O My Soul, Bless God the Father (1866)
Anonymous
This hymn is a metrical version of Psalm 103. Both the psalm and the hymn emphasize the unchanging love of the God who knows us, and yet accepts us as we are. He tenderly takes care of us (stanza 2), forgives us of our sin (stanza 3), and extends His love to us (stanzas 4 and 5).

O How He Loves You and Me (1975)
Kurt Kaiser, 1934-
One day in 1975, the author ran across the phrase, "O, how he loves you and me" in his reading and decided to write a melody for it. Ten minutes later, he had completed the entire song - words and music. The tune PATRICIA is named for his wife.

O Sing a Song of Bethlehem (1899)
Louis F. Benson, 1855-1930
Dr. Benson was a Presbyterian minister and one of America's premier hymnologists. He wrote this hymn as a teaching hymn about the life and ministry of Christ. It is built around four significant places in the life of our Lord - Bethlehem, Nazareth, Galilee, and Calvary - ending with His resurrection. The hymn tune KINGSFOLD is an adaptation of an English folk song by the famous composer Ralph Vaughan Williams.

O Worship the King (1833)
Sir Robert Grant, 1779-1838
This hymn is a free paraphrase of Psalm 104, celebrating the works of God in some of the most vivid imagery and elegant poetry in the hymnal. Major themes of this hymn include the majesty of God, wonder, reverence, and joyous praise building to a glorious climax in the last line, acknowledging God as "our Maker, Defender, Redeemer, and Friend."

Oh, How I Love Jesus (1855)
Frederick Whitfield, 1829-1904
The "Oh, how I love Jesus" refrain is not a part of the original hymn. Instead, it appeared in many American camp meeting songs of the late 1800's, paired with such familiar texts as "Amazing Grace" and "Alas and Did My Savior Bleed." The words of the refrain remind us of Romans 5:8, "God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

One Day (1909)
J. Wilbur Chapman 1859-1918
This hymn has been called "the Gospel in a Nutshell" because its five stanzas comprise a narrative of the life of Christ. The first stanza begins with the story of Jesus' birth, with subsequent stanzas on His death, His burial, His resurrection and ends with the promise of His return. It became popular through its use in the author's two world wide evangelistic campaigns of 1909 and 1912.


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Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow (1692)
Thomas Ken, 1637-1711
The word "doxology" is derived from two Greek words meaning "to speak praise." Therefore, a doxology is any expression which gives praise to God. It has been said that these words, "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow," are the most frequently sung words in the English-speaking world. The tune, OLD 100TH, is the oldest unaltered hymn tune in common use today.

Praise Him! Praise Him! (1869)
Fanny Crosby, 1820-1915
The appendix to Henry Blackaby's Experiencing God lists 160 names and descriptions of Jesus found in the Bible. This hymn of praise contains eight: "shepherd" in the first stanza, "rock" and "hope of eternal salvation" in the second stanza, and "savior," "prophet," "priest," and "king" int he final stanza. And every stanza calls Him "redeemer." What Christ has done for us is so wonderful that no one name could hope to say it all!

Praise the Father (1982)
Michael Arnold Perry, b. 1942
This is a new hymn written on the doctrine of the Trinity. Each of the first three stanzas describes the nature and work of one of the Persons of the Godhead, concluding with a doxology in the final stanza. This hymn pattern has ancient roots, going all the way back to the hymns of the Fourth Century Greek church.

Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above (1743)
Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
This is Wesley's paraphrase of Psalm 150, a festive hymn of praise that serves as a fitting climax to the book of Psalms. Both the hymn and the psalm celebrate God's presence in His world and among His people. The call goes out for all kinds of musical instruments and everything that breathes to praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord! Ye Heavens Adore Him (1797?)
Anonymous English Leaflet
This hymn is a paraphrase of Psalm 148, a hymn of pure praise to God. It issues a call for everyone and everything to praise the Lord for who He is and what He has done. We add our voices to all of creation, which silently witnesses to God's power, beauty, and goodness every day.

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (1680)
Joachim Neander, 1650-1680
The hymn is based on Psalm 103:1-6 and Psalm 150:6, and is one of the most exciting hymns of praise in the hymnal. A brilliant scholar and teacher, Neander wrote this hymn just a few months before he died at the age of 30. He wrote 66 other hymns and is considered to be the greatest post-Reformation German hymn writer.


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Rejoice, the Lord Is King (1744)
Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
This hymn is based on Philippians 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, rejoice!" The Bible teaches that joy is to be one of the hallmarks of the Christian life. In the midst of troubles and anxieties, the Christian can be joyful because of the presence of the Risen Christ and the hope that He gives us.

Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart (1865)
Edward Plumptre, 1821-1891
Originally written for a choral festival, this hymn has 11 stanzas in order to give all the choirs the opportunity to take part. Based on Psalm 20:5 and Philippians 4:4, it is a call for youth, the elderly, men, women - everyone! - to rejoice in God and in His goodness to us.

Revive Us Again (1863)
William Paton Mackay, 1839-1885
One scriptural basis for this hymn can be found in Psalm 85:6 - "Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?" The word "revive" means "to come back to health and vigor." All of us need to have our commitment to Christ revived from time to time.

Rise Up, O Man of God (1911)
William Pierson Merrill, 1867-1954
The author of this hymn was an outstanding Presbyterian pastor who wrote it for the Brotherhood Movement within that denomination. It is reminiscent of 1 Corinthians 16:13, "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong."


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S

Shine, Jesus, Shine (1987)
Graham Kendrick, b. 1950
This hymn was written out of a longing by the author to see a world-wide spiritual awakening. Biblical references abound as Jesus is referred to as a light (John 8:12), the Holy Spirit as a fire (Acts 2:3), and the blessings of God as rivers of living waters (John 7:38). Its missionary fervor is expressed as we sing, "Lord, send forth Your word and let there be light."

Since I Have Been Redeemed (1884)
Edwin Othello Excell, 1851-1921
The author of this hymn composed more than 2000 hymn tunes and, at one time, owned the largest gospel song publishing house in the country. In addition, he was active as a revival musician with two well-known evangelists of the day, Sam P. Jones and Gypsy Smith. His greatest claim to fame is probably his arrangement of the hymn "Amazing Grace" that popularized it to a wide audience.

Since Jesus Came into My Heart (1915)
Rufus Henry McDaniel, 150-1940
This hymn was a favorite of evangelist Billy Sunday, considered to be the greatest of the tent and tabernacle revivalists. Between 1908 and 1920, it is estimated that he preached to over 100 million people. The hymn debuted at Billy's 1915 Philadelphia crusade and became an instant success.

Stand Up and Bless the Lord (1824)
James Montgomery, 1771-1854
The first two stanzas of this hymn are based on Nehemiah 9:5-6 and the third stanza is reminiscent of the prophet Isaiah's vision in Isaiah 6. It is one thing to stand up for God in church and to proclaim God's praise on Sunday. It is entirely another thing to proclaim Him to our friends at school or in the work place. But that is what God calls us to do.

Standing on the Promises (1886)
Russell Kelso Carter, 1849-1926
This joyous, vigorous hymn was written by a man who was by turns a teacher, a sheep rancher, a Methodist minister, a physician, and the author of many books, including a best-selling novel. When we are "standing on the promises of God," we rejoice that "we have gained access by faith into God's grace in which we now stand." (Romans 5:2)

Sweet Hour of Prayer (1845)
William Walford, 1772-1850
Except during a time of extreme trouble or distress, how many of us have actually spent a solid hour in uninterrupted prayer to God? Dallas Willard in The Spirit of the Disciplines writes, "The ‘open secret' of many ‘Bible believing' churches is that a vanishingly small percentage of those talking about prayer and Bible reading are actually doing what they are talking about."


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Take the Name of Jesus with You (1870)
Lydia Baxter, 1809-1874
This hymn was written after the author's conversations with her friends about Colossians 3:17, "Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus." The final stanza is reminiscent of Philippians 2:9-10, "God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow."

Take Time to be Holy (1882)
William Dunn Longstaff, 1822-1894
The basis for this hymn is 1 Peter 1:15-16, "Just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.'" In this usage, the word "holy" does not mean sinless or perfect, but it means to be set apart and dedicated to God's service. May we all "take time to be holy" each day.

Tell It! Tell It Out with Gladness (1966)
Georgia Harkness, 1891-1974
Teacher, theologian, minister, peace activist, author, hymn writer - Georgia Harkness was one of the outstanding American religious leaders of this century. This is one of the last hymns she wrote. It celebrates how salvation is found in the message of God's Word, and urges us to fulfill the Great Commission by sharing the transforming gospel of Christ with others.

The Church of Christ, in Every Age (1969)
Fred Pratt Green, b. 1903
This is a hymn on the nature of the church, calling the church to be a servant in a world that is hurting and lost without Christ. The tune GERMANY is often associated with another hymn about the church's mission, "Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life."

The Church's One Foundation (1866)
Samuel J. Stone 1839-1900
This is one of a series of hymns by the author on the Apostles' Creed. It is based on the ninth article of the creed - "I believe in ... the holy catholic church, the communion of the saints." (In this usage, the word "catholic" means "universal.") The second stanza derives its Biblical inspiration from today's scripture reading, especially verses 4-6.

The Master Hath Come (1871)
Sarah Doudney, 1841-1926
This hymn was first published in a Sunday School songbook under the heading "Jesus and Mary of Bethany." The Biblical inspiration for the hymn is Martha's words in John 11:28, "The Master is come, and calleth for thee." Jesus calls each one of us and says, "Come, follow Me." (Matthew 4:19)

The Old Rugged Cross (1913)
George Bennard, 1873-1958
Although the author wrote over 300 hymns during his career was an evangelist, all have been forgotten except this one. Like many other "old favorites," this hymn first became popular through its use in revival meetings of famous preachers. This one was introduced in Billy Sunday's 1915 Philadelphia crusade, and it became a standard feature in his subsequent meetings.

The Way of the Cross Leads Home (1906)
Jessie Brown Pounds, 1861-1921
The author was a pastor's wife with a prodigious literary output - nine books, 50 cantata librettos, and over 400 hymn texts. Concerning this hymn, she said that its intention was "to give emphasis to the truth so constantly held up int he preaching of Christ, that genuine Christianity does not follow the line of least resistance."

There Is a Fountain (1772)
William Cowper, 1731-1800
The stark image that begins this hymn has opened it up to criticism and ridicule for being crude, harsh, and in bad taste. It is granted that the image is crude, but so is the reality. Sin is not polite and polished, and the measures which God took for our redemption are not for the squeamish. Here, in passionate symbolism, is the fundamental meaning of the cross.

There Is a Name I Love to Hear (1855)
Frederick Whitfield, 1829-1904
The author wrote this hymn while he was a college student in Dublin, Ireland. Both the tune and the chorus (which is not a part of the original hymn) are typical of the folk-like camp meeting songs of the early nineteenth century American frontier.

There Shall Be Showers of Blessing (1883)
"Major" Daniel Whittle, 1840-1901
Ezekiel 34 describes God's relationship to His people as the shepherd to His flock. The latter third of the chapter paints a picture of the kingdom of the coming Messiah. Verse 26 says, "I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill. I will send down showers in season; there will be showers of blessing."

This Is My Father's World (1901)
Maltbie D. Babcock, 1858-1901
The author was a popular Presbyterian pastor who enjoyed long early morning walks along the shores of Lake Ontario. He would often begin these walks by telling his family, "I'm going out to see my Father's world." This is one of our finest hymns on God's creation in nature.

To God Be the Glory (1875)
Fanny Crosby, 1820-1915
This hymn is among the author's best-known poems, but incredibly, it was relatively unknown in this country until its use in a Billy Graham Crusade in Nashville in 1954 - nearly 80 years after it was written! One of its many scriptural allusions is to Psalm 126:3, "The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad." The chorus, with its repeated "Praise the Lord," provides the worshiper an opportunity for exuberant praise.


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W-Z

We Are Called to be God's People (1973)
Thomas A. Jackson, b. 1931
In each stanza of this hymn, the author describes the church as "God's people," "God's servants," and "God's prophets." The modern idea of a "prophet" is one who can tell the future, but the Biblical concept of a prophet is a messenger with a contemporary word from God. Thus, all Christians are to be prophets with the message of the good news of Jesus Christ.

We Are God's People (1976)
Bryan Jeffrey Leech, b. 1931
This hymn on the nature of the church is based upon several New Testament passages including 1 Peter 2:9, "You area chosen people, ... a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." The tune SYMPHONY is an adaptation of the opening theme of the fourth movement of Brahms' Symphony #1 in C Minor.

We Three Kings of Orient Are (1857)
John Henry Hopkins, Jr., 1820-1891
This Epiphany hymn is based on the visit of the Magi recorded in Matthew 2:1-11. The word "epiphany" is derived from a Greek word meaning "showing forth" or "appearance." In more liturgical traditions, Epiphany is celebrated on January 6 and commemorates God revealing Himself to the Gentiles.

We've a Story to Tell (1896)
Henry Ernest Nichol, 1862-1926
The inspiration for this hymn was the 19th Century missionary movement and Jesus' words in Matthew 28:19, "Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations." It was adopted as the hymn of the Southern Baptists' Girls Auxiliary (the predecessor of Girls in Action and Acteens) in 1924.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus (1865)
Joseph Medlicott Scriven, 1819-1886
The Canadian author wrote this hymn to comfort his mother in a time of deep sorrow and did not admit his authorship until near the end of his life. He himself experienced great tragedy and poverty in his own life, and his hymn has given comfort to people of many languages around the world who seek the friendship of Jesus.

What If It Were Today (1912)
Leila Naylor Morris, 1862-1929
This hymn on Christ's return contains many Scriptural references. Some of the more obvious Biblical allusions include Matthew 24, Luke 21:5-36, and many passages in Revelation. The second stanza reflects I Thessalonians 4:16-17, "The Lord Himself will come down from heaven ... and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them." As the Apostle John writes, "Even so, Lord Jesus - quickly come!"

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (1707)
Isaac Watts, 1674-1748
More than one hymnologist has called this the finest hymn in the English language. Its theme is nothing more or less than the cross of Christ. In the third stanza, we see the unveiling of the heart of God, filled with sorrow and love for us in our sinful state. The final stanza confronts us with the demands of the cross - "my soul, my life, my all."

When in Our Music God Is Glorified (1972)
Fred Pratt Green, b. 1903
The author's original title for this hymn was "Let the People Sing!" It has quickly become very popular and has been included in practically every major denominational hymnal produced in the English-speaking world in the last 20 years. Probably no finer hymn has been written about the reasons for music in worship than this one.

When Morning Gilds the Skies (1828)
Anonymous 19th Century German
The focus of this hymn is praise to Jesus Christ. Any time is the right time to praise Christ - morning, evening, work, or prayer. This tune, written specifically for this text, has helped to make the hymn popular with its final rousing phrase for "May Jesus Christ be praised."

When the Church of Jesus (1968)
Fred Pratt Green, b. 1903
The author of this hymn is one of the best-known 20th century hymnists. In this - his very first hymn - a strong challenge is issued to the church to minister to those around us. The tune KING'S WESTON was written by the famous British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams in 1925. It is usually sung to the hymn "At the Name of Jesus."

Where Cross the Crowded Ways of Life (A Prayer for the Multitudes) (1903)
Frank Mason North, 1850-1935
This hymn is considered to be the first great hymn written on the subject of urban missions. Its author spent more than thirty years ministering to penniless immigrants and the down-and-out in the tenements of New York City at the turn of the century. As he wrote the hymn, Dr. North said that he kept asking himself these two questions: "What is the Lord going to do with all these people? What is the Lord going to do to us if we don't do something for them?"

Whiter than Snow (1872)
James Nicholson, 1828-1876
It is sin that separates us from God, fracturing our relationship with Him and each other. God's promise to us is that we can be remade through His Son, Jesus Christ. Isaiah 1:18 says, "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow."

Would You Bless Our Homes and Families (1974)
Walter Farquharson, b. 1936
The author, a Canadian pastor, described his purpose for writing this hymn by saying, "It attempts to celebrate real families, not some ideal family, for pressures are great on the family, whatever its configuration. The way for families is often that of ‘anxious walking.' At the same time, it celebrates family as a school of grace and place of preparation and enabling for service of the whole human family."

Ye Servants of God (1744)
Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
This hymn of praise speaks of God's sovereignty and magnifies the glories of Christ. Amid the political, economic, and social turmoil of our world, the followers of Jesus are to stand firm in their faith, giving testimony to the God of our salvation "with thanks never ceasing and infinite love."


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