Welcome!
(If you've been here before, skip right on down to the music for this weekend! If you're new, here's a little introduction!)
Here you will find music for at-home musical worship during this ongoing season when so many of us are at home so much of the time. You can listen to a piano prelude that will help you to enter into a spirit of worship. And then . . . the singing begins!
You'll find simple piano accompaniments for each hymn that will help you to sing with joy. (Each hymn has been transposed down a step or two so that you don't have to fear the highest notes!). You'll also find Bible verses that thematically relate to the hymn lyrics (or, in many cases, directly inspired them), as well as historical background about the text author and musical composer. Some songs may be new to you, so the printed music may be helpful (if you're a music reader): if not, you'll find links to recordings of the hymns with singing so that you can get a feel of what the hymn will sound like (or you can listen to the piano accompaniment once, and then join in the second time). At the end of each week's post, you'll hear a piano postlude intended to send you forth with a refreshed and renewed spirit!
The lyrics and Scripture are beautiful to meditate upon all on their own. Most historical hymns were written first as poems, and it can be meaningful to read or speak the lyrics as well as singing them. I've provided the lyrics for the prelude and postlude selections so that you can read them while you listen to the solo piano arrangements.
If you would like to hear any of your favorite hymns from past "Notes of Glory" posts again, here is an alphabetical list, with each hymn linked to the post where it first appeared (dating back to the very first post on March 22, 2020).
Complete "Notes of Glory" Song List
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
(to help you prepare to worship)
Almighty Love
("Now Shall My Inward Joys Arise")
Words by Isaac Watts, Music by William Billings, piano solo arrangement by Tracey Craig McKibben
Isaiah 49:13-16
Shout for joy, you heavens;
rejoice, you earth;
burst into song, you mountains!
For the Lord comforts his people
and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.
But Zion said, “The Lord has forsaken me,
the Lord has forgotten me.”
the Lord has forgotten me.”
“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast
and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are ever before me.
Isaiah 55:12
For you shall go out with joy,
And be led out with peace;
The mountains and the hills
Shall break forth into singing before you,
And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
______________________________
Isaac Watts (1674-1748), known as the "Father of English Hymnody," has been featured previously on "Notes of Glory" here, here and here. His hymn "Now Shall My Inward Joys Arise" was published in 1707 in Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Book 1, No. 39. Like other Watts hymns, this one "jumped over the pond" and its lyrics were used by America's first choral composer William Billings (1746-1800) as a match for his tune "Africa." Billings often named his melodies after locations that had no relation to the actual tune or its origins: he similarly named other tunes "Asia" and "America."
Interestingly, the combination of the English hymn writer's text with the colonial American composer's tune was first published in Billings' book The Singing Master's Assistant in 1778 during the height of the Revolutionary War...a time when anti-English sentiment might have prompted Billings to choose a different text. (This is an example of how great hymns transcend politics!) This arrangement by Tracey Craig McKibben retains the early American sound (robust, open, straightforward) of Billings' tune, which complements Watts' descriptive, uplifting lyrics. As always, feel free to read the lyrics as you listen to the piano prelude!
Now shall my inward joys arise,
And burst into a song,
Almighty love inspires my heart
And pleasure tunes my tongue.
Oh shine on this benighted heart,
With beams of mercy shine,
And let the healing voice impart
A taste of joys divine.
Oh for this love let rocks and hills
Their lasting silence break,
And all harmonious human tongues
The Savior's praises speak.
Angels assist our mighty joys,
Strike all your harps of gold,
And when you raise your highest notes,
This love shall e'er be told.
The generous fruits that never fail
On trees immortal grow;
There rocks and hills and brooks and vales
With milk and honey flow.
HYMNS FOR YOU TO SING AT HOME
(with simple piano accompaniments)
O For a Thousand Tongues To Sing
Words by Charles Wesley, Music by Carl G. Gläser, adapted by Lowell Mason
Psalm 145:10-12
All your works praise you, Lord;
your faithful people extol you.
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
______________________________
and have no compassion on the child she has borne?
Though she may forget,
I will not forget you!
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;
your walls are ever before me.
Isaiah 55:12
For you shall go out with joy,
And be led out with peace;
The mountains and the hills
Shall break forth into singing before you,
And all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
______________________________
Isaac Watts (1674-1748), known as the "Father of English Hymnody," has been featured previously on "Notes of Glory" here, here and here. His hymn "Now Shall My Inward Joys Arise" was published in 1707 in Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Book 1, No. 39. Like other Watts hymns, this one "jumped over the pond" and its lyrics were used by America's first choral composer William Billings (1746-1800) as a match for his tune "Africa." Billings often named his melodies after locations that had no relation to the actual tune or its origins: he similarly named other tunes "Asia" and "America."
Interestingly, the combination of the English hymn writer's text with the colonial American composer's tune was first published in Billings' book The Singing Master's Assistant in 1778 during the height of the Revolutionary War...a time when anti-English sentiment might have prompted Billings to choose a different text. (This is an example of how great hymns transcend politics!) This arrangement by Tracey Craig McKibben retains the early American sound (robust, open, straightforward) of Billings' tune, which complements Watts' descriptive, uplifting lyrics. As always, feel free to read the lyrics as you listen to the piano prelude!
Now shall my inward joys arise,
And burst into a song,
Almighty love inspires my heart
And pleasure tunes my tongue.
Oh shine on this benighted heart,
With beams of mercy shine,
And let the healing voice impart
A taste of joys divine.
Oh for this love let rocks and hills
Their lasting silence break,
And all harmonious human tongues
The Savior's praises speak.
Angels assist our mighty joys,
Strike all your harps of gold,
And when you raise your highest notes,
This love shall e'er be told.
The generous fruits that never fail
On trees immortal grow;
There rocks and hills and brooks and vales
With milk and honey flow.
HYMNS FOR YOU TO SING AT HOME
(with simple piano accompaniments)
O For a Thousand Tongues To Sing
Words by Charles Wesley, Music by Carl G. Gläser, adapted by Lowell Mason
Psalm 145:10-12
All your works praise you, Lord;
your faithful people extol you.
They tell of the glory of your kingdom
and speak of your might,
so that all people may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
and speak of your might,
so that all people may know of your mighty acts
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Luke 4:18-19
The Spirit of the Lord is on me,because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
______________________________
Anniversaries often are accompanied by gifts or celebrations to mark the occasion: a fancy meal, flowers, or even a special trip. When celebrated British hymn writer Charles Wesley (1707-1788) was commemorating the one-year anniversary of his Christian conversion/re-awakening in 1739, he chose to write a hymn. The resulting hymn (which is, incidentally, the fervent prayer of choir directors everywhere) is one of 6,000 penned by Wesley—we've featured some of his other hymns here and here—and originally contained 18 stanzas. The verse that begins our modern, streamlined version of "Oh For a Thousand Tongues to Sing" was actually the seventh verse in the original hymn and may have been inspired by Moravian missionary Peter Boehler (1712-1755), who is believed to have stated, "had I a thousand tongues I would praise Him with them all." The tune, "Azmon" that is typically matched with Wesley's text in American hymnals was created by German composer Carl G. Gläser (1724-1829) and adapted/harmonized by Lowell Mason (1792-1872).
Here is a link to a fascinating discussion hosted by Ligon Duncan about the history of "Oh For a Thousand Tongues to Sing" (you can listen or read the transcript). If you'd like to hear a British congregation robustly singing "Oh For a Thousand Tongues to Sing" using a different hymn tune, "Lyngham," click here.
O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer's praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace.
My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread thro' all the earth abroad
the honors of thy name.
Jesus, the name that charms our fears,
that bids our sorrows cease;
'tis music in the sinner's ears,
'tis life and health and peace.
He breaks the pow'r of reigning sin,
he sets the pris'ner free;
his blood can make the foulest clean,
his blood availed for me.
He speaks, and list'ning to his voice,
new life the dead receive;
the mournful, broken hearts rejoice;
the humble poor believe.
for my hope is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
If this hymn is new to you, you can hear a recording of it sung by the King's College Choir here. You might also enjoy this version by renowned American gospel singer Mahalia Jackson.
Be still, my soul the Lord is on thy side!
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide
In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul thy best, thy heav’nly friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Words by William Reed Newell, Music by Daniel Towner
1 Timothy 1:12-16
African-American Spiritual, arranged for solo piano by Paul Taylor
Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
_____________________________________
This inspiring African-American spiritual of commitment was composed by an unknown author but has been included in published song and hymn collections for close to 100 years. It has also been recorded by numerous artists, including pioneering guitarist and gospel singer Sister Rosetta Sharpe in the early 1940s.
I'm gonna live so (live so) God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime! (anytime!)
I'm gonna live so (live so) God can use me anywhere,
Lord, anytime! (anytime!)
I'm gonna work so (work so) God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime! (anytime!)
I'm gonna work so (work so)God can use me anywhere,
Lord, anytime! (anytime!)
I'm gonna pray so (pray so) God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime! (anytime!)
God can use me anywhere,
Lord, anytime! (anytime!)
I'm gonna sing so (sing so) God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime! (anytime!)
I'm gonna sing so (sing so) God can use me anywhere,
Lord, anytime! (anytime!)
Here is a link to a fascinating discussion hosted by Ligon Duncan about the history of "Oh For a Thousand Tongues to Sing" (you can listen or read the transcript). If you'd like to hear a British congregation robustly singing "Oh For a Thousand Tongues to Sing" using a different hymn tune, "Lyngham," click here.
 |
| Public Domain. Courtesy Hymnary.org |
O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer's praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace.
My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread thro' all the earth abroad
the honors of thy name.
Jesus, the name that charms our fears,
that bids our sorrows cease;
'tis music in the sinner's ears,
'tis life and health and peace.
He breaks the pow'r of reigning sin,
he sets the pris'ner free;
his blood can make the foulest clean,
his blood availed for me.
He speaks, and list'ning to his voice,
new life the dead receive;
the mournful, broken hearts rejoice;
the humble poor believe.
Hear him, ye deaf; his praise, ye dumb,
your loosen'd tongues employ;
ye blind, behold your Savior come;
and leap, ye lame, for joy.
To God all glory, praise, and love
be now and ever giv'n;
by saints below and saints above,
the church in earth and heav'n.
Be Still My Soul
Words by Katharina von Schlegel, translated by Jane Borthwick. Music by Jean Sibelius
Exodus 14:14
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still
Psalm 37:7
Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
Psalm 46:10
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
your loosen'd tongues employ;
ye blind, behold your Savior come;
and leap, ye lame, for joy.
To God all glory, praise, and love
be now and ever giv'n;
by saints below and saints above,
the church in earth and heav'n.
Be Still My Soul
Words by Katharina von Schlegel, translated by Jane Borthwick. Music by Jean Sibelius
Exodus 14:14
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still
Psalm 37:7
Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
Psalm 46:10
He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 62:5-8
For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence,for my hope is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory;
my mighty rock, my refuge is God.
"Be Still My Soul" was written by a German hymn writer (possibly a Lutheran nun) and was translated to English by by a Scottish scholar. It was later matched by a Welsh organist to a melody by a Finnish composer. None of these contributors knew each other, but their combined work over nearly two centuries (and four countries) resulted in a beautiful example of international hymnody.
Little is known of the life of German hymn writer Katharina von Schlegel (1697-after 1768). She most likely came from an aristocratic family, and for a time, she lived in a Damenstift, a residential endowment for unmarried Protestant women. Her hymn "Stille, mein Wille; dein Jesus hilft siegen" (now titled "Be Still My Soul") was first published in A New Collection of Spiritual Songs in 1752, but is known to us today due to the 1855 translation work of Jane Borthwick (1813-1897), who, like Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878) labored extensively to make German hymns of this period accessible in English. (Borthwick's Hymns from the Land of Luther, containing "Be Still, My Soul" was published in 1853).
The music for "Be Still My Soul" was written by Finland's most famous composer, Jean Sibelius (1865-1957), and is from his tone poem Finlandia, Op. 26 (1899). It was matched with Katharina von Schlegel's text in 1927 by David Evans (1872-1948) who was a Welsh organist, choral director, and professor of music at the University of Wales. Evans is also known as the arranger who matched an Irish folk song with the 8th century poem "Be Thou My Vision," also in 1927.
Little is known of the life of German hymn writer Katharina von Schlegel (1697-after 1768). She most likely came from an aristocratic family, and for a time, she lived in a Damenstift, a residential endowment for unmarried Protestant women. Her hymn "Stille, mein Wille; dein Jesus hilft siegen" (now titled "Be Still My Soul") was first published in A New Collection of Spiritual Songs in 1752, but is known to us today due to the 1855 translation work of Jane Borthwick (1813-1897), who, like Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878) labored extensively to make German hymns of this period accessible in English. (Borthwick's Hymns from the Land of Luther, containing "Be Still, My Soul" was published in 1853).
The music for "Be Still My Soul" was written by Finland's most famous composer, Jean Sibelius (1865-1957), and is from his tone poem Finlandia, Op. 26 (1899). It was matched with Katharina von Schlegel's text in 1927 by David Evans (1872-1948) who was a Welsh organist, choral director, and professor of music at the University of Wales. Evans is also known as the arranger who matched an Irish folk song with the 8th century poem "Be Thou My Vision," also in 1927.
If this hymn is new to you, you can hear a recording of it sung by the King's College Choir here. You might also enjoy this version by renowned American gospel singer Mahalia Jackson.
 |
| Public domain. Courtesy of PDHymns.com |
Be still, my soul the Lord is on thy side!
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide
In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul thy best, thy heav’nly friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as he has the past;
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.
Be still, my soul the hour is hast’ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
To guide the future as he has the past;
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.
Be still, my soul the hour is hast’ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.
At Calvary
Words by William Reed Newell, Music by Daniel Towner
I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.
_______________________________
_______________________________
Unlike "Be Still My Soul," "At Calvary" involves just two collaborators (text author and composer) who knew each other: William R. Newell, and Daniel Towner, both faculty members at the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. The story of how this hymn came to be involves a struggling pastor's son, a caring college president, a conversion experience, and poetic inspiration. You can read the complete history of this song here. If this song is new to you, you can hear a powerful recording by gospel singer Lynda Randle here.
Years I spent in vanity and pride,
caring not my Lord was crucified,
knowing not it was for me He died
on Calvary.
Refrain:
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
pardon there was multiplied to me;
there my burdened soul found liberty
at Calvary.
By God's Word at last my sin I learned;
then I trembled at the law I'd spurned,
till my guilty soul imploring turned
to Calvary. [Refrain]
Now I've given to Jesus everything,
now I gladly own Him as my King,
now my raptured soul can only sing
of Calvary. [Refrain]
Oh, the love that drew salvation's plan!
Oh, the grace that brought it down to man!
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span
at Calvary. [Refrain]
Years I spent in vanity and pride,
caring not my Lord was crucified,
knowing not it was for me He died
on Calvary.
Refrain:
Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
pardon there was multiplied to me;
there my burdened soul found liberty
at Calvary.
By God's Word at last my sin I learned;
then I trembled at the law I'd spurned,
till my guilty soul imploring turned
to Calvary. [Refrain]
Now I've given to Jesus everything,
now I gladly own Him as my King,
now my raptured soul can only sing
of Calvary. [Refrain]
Oh, the love that drew salvation's plan!
Oh, the grace that brought it down to man!
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span
at Calvary. [Refrain]
POSTLUDE
(to send you forth with joy!)
I'm Gonna Live so God Can Use Me
African-American Spiritual, arranged for solo piano by Paul Taylor
Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”
And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
_____________________________________
This inspiring African-American spiritual of commitment was composed by an unknown author but has been included in published song and hymn collections for close to 100 years. It has also been recorded by numerous artists, including pioneering guitarist and gospel singer Sister Rosetta Sharpe in the early 1940s.
I'm gonna live so (live so) God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime! (anytime!)
I'm gonna live so (live so) God can use me anywhere,
Lord, anytime! (anytime!)
I'm gonna work so (work so) God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime! (anytime!)
I'm gonna work so (work so)God can use me anywhere,
Lord, anytime! (anytime!)
I'm gonna pray so (pray so) God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime! (anytime!)
God can use me anywhere,
Lord, anytime! (anytime!)
I'm gonna sing so (sing so) God can use me
anywhere, Lord, anytime! (anytime!)
I'm gonna sing so (sing so) God can use me anywhere,
Lord, anytime! (anytime!)
