Category Archives for Lyrics
Three Hymns for Pentecost
Christians throughout the world sing Pentecost hymns in celebration of Pentecost Sunday, the seventh Sunday after Easter. This celebration commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles following the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.The Pentecost, by El Greco (1541-1614) WikiArt.orgNew Testament Eyewitness AccountsEyewitness accounts from the New Testament book of Acts, […]
Continue reading
The Blessing that Binds
Sunday, June 14, members of my local church shared a special blessing that binds us together—in person worship! After a three-month break because of the COVID-19 pandemic we gathered in the sanctuary for our traditional liturgy. But this was no ordinary service. Observed Social Distancing GuidelinesWe observed “social distancing” guidelines regarding seating. There was no choir. […]
Continue reading
Contemporary and Traditional
This post is the first of a new series considering traditional hymns in contemporary worship. Each week we will consider a traditional hymn and connect it with a contemporary worship song. The connection may be through lyrics, scriptural references, historical or current cultural, political, and religious conflict, performing artists or musical performances.All Worship is ContemporaryAll […]
Continue reading
Lift High the Cross Lyrics
Notes on Lift High the Cross LyricsFor over 2,000 years the cross has been a powerful symbol in western culture. Many nations feature the cross in their national flag; a red cross signifies medical or humanitarian relief. Examples from literature and the arts include the stories of Count Dracula and Faust. In these stories the […]
Continue reading
O Sacred Head Now Wounded Lyrics
Notes on O Sacred Head Now Wounded Lyrics12-century, French cleric and saint, Bernard of Clairvaux is the author of “O Sacred Head Now Wounded.” The original poem consisted of seven sections of verse. Each was a meditation on a particular part of Christ’s body–feet, knees, hands, sides, breast, heart and face. American Presbyterian teacher and […]
Continue reading
It is Well with My Soul Lyrics
Notes on the HymnHoratio G. Spafford (1828-1888) Source: Wikipedia.orgThe early 1870s were difficult for Horatio G. Spafford, successful Chicago lawyer and businessman. First, his only son died in 1870. Then he suffered significant real estate losses in the great Chicago fire of 1871. Refusing to despair, he threw himself with renewed vigor into his legal […]
Continue reading
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling Lyrics
Notes on the Hymn”Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” lyrics first appeared in a 1747, London collection of hymns for congregational singing. The title was “Hymns for Those that Seek and Those that Have Redemption in the Blood of Jesus Christ.” Charles Wesley wrote these hymns in support of the idea of God as love, a […]
Continue reading
All People that on Earth Do Dwell Lyrics
Notes on the Hymn”All People that on Earth Do Dwell” is one of 25 metrical Psalm settings William Kethe wrote for publication in 1561. A metrical setting of Psalm 100, it appeared that year in Geneva in an expanded edition of the “Anglo-Genevan Psalter.” Many English religious exiles took refuge in Geneva, where Psalm settings […]
Continue reading
Come, We That Love the Lord Lyrics
Notes on the HymnThe “Come, We that Love the Lord” lyrics results from a collaboration of authors living about 150 years apart. Isaac Watts, known as the “Father of English Hymnody,” wrote the ten verses. Robert Lowry, perhaps, best known for “Shall We Gather at the River,” https://faithmusicconnection.com/shall-we-gather-at-the-river-lyrics/ wrote the refrain. Lowry also composed a […]
Continue reading
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee Lyrics
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee Lyricsby Henry van Dyke (1852-1933)Notes on the HymnHenry van Dyke https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_van_Dyke_Jr. wrote the Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee lyrics in 1907. At the time, he was serving as guest preacher at Williams College in the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts. Inspired by the beautiful scenery of the Berkshires, he presented the […]
Continue reading