"He is Risen!" "He is Risen, Indeed!"
Today we are celebrating Christ's victory over the grave, recognizing His majesty, and praising His holy name! We'll also be reflecting on the comfort and assurance Christ gives us in difficult times.
Here are hymns for you to sing at home as well as a prelude (to help usher you into a time of worship) and a postlude (to send you into your day with joy!).
BONUS: today we'll also explore a classic hymn that is very relevant to the season in which we now find ourselves. It may be new to you, or it may be a familiar friend, but please sing along either way!
For the best sound, turn up your volume and/or use external speakers.
IF YOU ARE LISTENING/VIEWING ON A MOBILE DEVICE/TABLET:
If given an option on your mobile device, click "LISTEN IN BROWSER" (rather than "Play on SoundCloud") on the audio player windows so that you stay on this page and can sing along using the printed lyrics.
PRELUDE
(prepare your heart for worship)
Jesus Shall Reign
Words by Isaac Watts, Music by John Hatton, arranged for solo piano by Victor Labenske
Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
does its successive journeys run,
his kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
till moons shall wax and wane no more.
To him shall endless prayer be made,
and praises throng to crown his head.
His name like sweet perfume shall rise
with every morning sacrifice.
People and realms of every tongue
dwell on his love with sweetest song,
and infant voices shall proclaim
their early blessings on his name.
Blessings abound where'er he reigns:
the prisoners leap to lose their chains,
the weary find eternal rest,
and all who suffer want are blest.
Let every creature rise and bring
the highest honors to our King,
angels descend with songs again,
and earth repeat the loud amen.
HYMNS FOR YOU TO SING AT HOME
All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name
Words by Edward Perronet, Music by Oliver Holden
Scripture Reference: Philippians 2:9-11
Therefore 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, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.The story behind this classic hymn can be found here.
All hail the power of Jesus' name!
Let angels prostrate fall.
Bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown him Lord of all.
Bring forth the royal diadem,
and crown him Lord of all!
O seed of Israel's chosen race
now ransomed from the fall,
hail him who saves you by his grace,
and crown him Lord of all.
Hail him who saves you by his grace,
and crown him Lord of all!
Let every tongue and every tribe
responsive to his call,
to him all majesty ascribe,
and crown him Lord of all.
To him all majesty ascribe,
and crown him Lord of all!
Oh, that with all the sacred throng
we at his feet may fall!
We'll join the everlasting song
and crown him Lord of all.
We'll join the everlasting song
and crown him Lord of all.
Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
Words by Anthony Showalter and Elisha A. Hoffman, Music by Anthony Showalter
Scripture reference: Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.This hymn was written in 1887 specifically to comfort several grieving friends. Here's the story behind this hymn. The words are still extremely comforting today.
If this is a new hymn to you, here is a recording that includes singing.
What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
leaning on the everlasting arms;
what a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
leaning on the everlasting arms.
Refrain:
Leaning, leaning,
safe and secure from all alarms;
leaning, leaning,
leaning on the everlasting arms.
O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
leaning on the everlasting arms;
O how bright the path grows from day to day,
leaning on the everlasting arms. [Refrain]
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
leaning on the everlasting arms. [Refrain]
Day by Day and With Each Passing Moment
Words by Carolina Sandell, Translated by A. L Skoog. Music by Oscar Ahnfelt
Lina (Carolina) Sandell (1832-1903) was a Swedish writer who penned over 650 hymns. Her faith in God sustained her after a time of tragedy: click here to learn more about Lina Sandell's life story and this hymn (Additional information can be found here).
The music was written by composer, singer, guitarist and music publisher Oscar Ahnfelt (1813-1882), who set many of Lina Sandell's hymns to music and introduced them to enthusiastic audiences as he traveled across Scandanavia, singing and playing his ten-string guitar.
If this hymn is new to you, you can hear a beautiful choral recording here.
Scripture references:
Psalm 68:19
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
strength I find to meet my trials here;
trusting in my father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He whose heart is kind beyond all measure
gives unto each day what He deems best –
lovingly, its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
Every day the Lord Himself is near
me with a special mercy for each hour;
all my cares He fain would bear,
and cheer me, He whose name is Counselor and Power.
The protection of His child and treasure
is a charge that on Himself He laid;
“As thy days, thy strength shall be in measure,”
This is the pledge to me He made.
Help me then in every tribulation
so to trust Thy promises, O Lord,
that I loose not faith’s sweet consolation
offered me within Thy holy word.
Help me Lord, when toil and trouble meeting,
E’er to take, as from a father’s hand,
one by one, the days, the moments fleeting,
'Til I reach the promised land.
Let's Learn a New (Old) Hymn Together!
God Moves in a Mysterious Way
Music by William Cowper, "Dundee" hymn tune from Scottish Psalter (1615) arranged by Thomas Ravenscroft
During this challenging season, it seems very appropriate to turn to this hymn by a British poet who was challenged in many ways during his lifetime This wonderful hymn, matched with a lyrical Scottish tune, has such depth and poignancy: here is the story of how William Cowper wrote these words in 1773. You can read more background here and watch a short one-minute reflection on this hymn here.
The tune, Dundee, from the 1615 Scottish Psalter, is melodic and easy to learn. Here is the music:
Just a note (pun intended) to those of you with perfect pitch: I'm transposing this down a minor third: thought I should mention that in case you wonder why the sheet music and recording don't match!
No worries if this hymn is completely new to you: I'll play the tune all the way through once on the recording as an introduction. After that, do chime in on the first verse!
God moves in a mysterious way
his wonders to perform;
he plants his footsteps in the sea,
and rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
of never-failing skill
he treasures up his bright designs,
and works his sov'reign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
the clouds ye so much dread
are big with mercy, and shall break
in blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
but trust him for his grace;
behind a frowning providence
he hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
unfolding ev'ry hour;
the bud may have a bitter taste,
but sweet will be the flow'r.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
and scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
and he will make it plain.
POSTLUDE
Love Lifted Me
Words by James Rowe, Music by Howard E. Smith, Arranged for solo piano by Patti Drennan
The story behind this hymn can be found here.
I was sinking deep in sin,
far from the peaceful shore,
very deeply stained within,
sinking to rise no more;
but the Master of the sea
heard my despairing cry,
from the waters lifted me;
now safe am I.
Refrain:
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
Souls in danger, look above,
Jesus completely saves;
he will lift you by his love
out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea,
billows his will obey;
he your Savior wants to be –
be saved today. [Refrain]
Music by William Cowper, "Dundee" hymn tune from Scottish Psalter (1615) arranged by Thomas Ravenscroft
During this challenging season, it seems very appropriate to turn to this hymn by a British poet who was challenged in many ways during his lifetime This wonderful hymn, matched with a lyrical Scottish tune, has such depth and poignancy: here is the story of how William Cowper wrote these words in 1773. You can read more background here and watch a short one-minute reflection on this hymn here.
The tune, Dundee, from the 1615 Scottish Psalter, is melodic and easy to learn. Here is the music:
 |
| Public domain |
Just a note (pun intended) to those of you with perfect pitch: I'm transposing this down a minor third: thought I should mention that in case you wonder why the sheet music and recording don't match!
No worries if this hymn is completely new to you: I'll play the tune all the way through once on the recording as an introduction. After that, do chime in on the first verse!
God moves in a mysterious way
his wonders to perform;
he plants his footsteps in the sea,
and rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
of never-failing skill
he treasures up his bright designs,
and works his sov'reign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
the clouds ye so much dread
are big with mercy, and shall break
in blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
but trust him for his grace;
behind a frowning providence
he hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
unfolding ev'ry hour;
the bud may have a bitter taste,
but sweet will be the flow'r.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
and scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
and he will make it plain.
POSTLUDE
Love Lifted Me
Words by James Rowe, Music by Howard E. Smith, Arranged for solo piano by Patti Drennan
But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
I was sinking deep in sin,
far from the peaceful shore,
very deeply stained within,
sinking to rise no more;
but the Master of the sea
heard my despairing cry,
from the waters lifted me;
now safe am I.
Refrain:
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
Souls in danger, look above,
Jesus completely saves;
he will lift you by his love
out of the angry waves.
He’s the Master of the sea,
billows his will obey;
he your Savior wants to be –
be saved today. [Refrain]
No comments:
Post a Comment