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!)
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Here you will find music for at-home musical worship. You can listen to a piano prelude that will help you to enter into a spirit of worship. And then . . . it's time to sing!
Simple piano accompaniments for each hymn are posted that will help you to sing with joy. Each hymn has been transposed downward: no need to fear the high notes!
To listen to the music (and sing along!): click on the "play" arrow in the SoundCloud window found below the printed music, and above the lyrics.
You'll also find Bible verses that thematically relate to (or directly inspired) the lyrics as well as historical background about each hymn. Some songs may be new to you, so the printed music might be helpful: you'll also find links to recordings of the hymns with singing so that you can get a feel for the melody. 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. I've also provided the lyrics for the hymn-based prelude and postlude selections so that you can read them while you listen to the solo piano arrangements.
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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
TIP (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)
Meditation on "Land of Rest"
Piano solo by Anthony Giamanco, based on a traditional American folk melody
Matthew 11:28-30
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Jerusalem, my happy home,
when shall I come to thee?
When shall my sorrows have an end?
Thy joys, when shall I see?
O happy harbor of the saints,
O sweet and pleasant soil!
In thee no sorrow may be found,
no grief, no care, no toil.
Thy saints are crowned with glory great;
they see God face to face;
they triumph still, they still rejoice:
most happy is their case.
Jerusalem, Jerusalem,
God grant that I may see
thine endless joy, and of the same
partaker ever be!
HYMNS TO SING AT HOME
Our Great Savior (Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners)
Words by J. Wilbur Chapman. Hyfrydol hymn tune composed by Rowland Hugh Prichard
Luke 5:29-32
And Levi made him a great feast in his house, and there was a large company of tax collectors and others reclining at table with them. And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” And Jesus answered them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.”
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
If you are familiar with the Advent carol "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus" you will feel right at home with "Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners" as both songs use the same tune. The former expresses hope for the coming Savior, the latter extols Jesus as "helper, guide, keeper, friend, and a strength in weakness."
The text for this hymn was written in 1910 by Presbyterian evangelist John Wilbur Chapman (1859-1918), the year after Chapman teamed up with singer Charles McCollon Alexander for a six-month international evangelism tour (following in the footsteps of famed evangelist Dwight Moody, and preceding later American evangelists like Billy Graham). The tune for this hymn, titled "Hyfrydol" was composed by Welsh musician Rowland Pritchard (1811-1887). "Hyfrydol" means "cheerful" in Welsh and this beloved, cheerful tune was composed by Pritchard before he was 20 years old. It is also matched with other hymn texts including "Alleluia, Sing to Jesus," "I Will Sing the Wondrous Story," and "I Will Sing of My Redeemer."
If this hymn is new to you, you can hear a fantastic rendition of it by the Gaither Vocal Band here. You may also enjoy this solo version by Christian singer Michael Card. For further reference on the theme of the hymn, you might like to read this post by Kevin De Young, "Jesus Friend of Sinners: But How?"
Jesus! what a Friend for sinners!
Jesus! lover of my soul;
friends may fail me, foes assail me,
he, my Savior, makes me whole.
Refrain:
Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah, what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
he is with me to the end.
Jesus! what a strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in him;
tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,
he, my strength, my vict'ry wins. [Refrain]
Jesus! what a help in sorrow!
While the billows o'er me roll,
even when my heart is breaking,
he, my comfort, helps my soul. [Refrain]
Jesus! what a guide and keeper!
While the tempest still is high,
storms about me, night o'ertakes me,
he, my pilot, hears my cry. [Refrain]
Jesus! I do now receive him,
more than all in him I find;
he hath granted me forgiveness,
I am his, and he is mine. [Refrain]
Words by Frank Graeff, Music by J. Lincoln Hall
1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Philippians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.If you are familiar with the Advent carol "Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus" you will feel right at home with "Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners" as both songs use the same tune. The former expresses hope for the coming Savior, the latter extols Jesus as "helper, guide, keeper, friend, and a strength in weakness."
The text for this hymn was written in 1910 by Presbyterian evangelist John Wilbur Chapman (1859-1918), the year after Chapman teamed up with singer Charles McCollon Alexander for a six-month international evangelism tour (following in the footsteps of famed evangelist Dwight Moody, and preceding later American evangelists like Billy Graham). The tune for this hymn, titled "Hyfrydol" was composed by Welsh musician Rowland Pritchard (1811-1887). "Hyfrydol" means "cheerful" in Welsh and this beloved, cheerful tune was composed by Pritchard before he was 20 years old. It is also matched with other hymn texts including "Alleluia, Sing to Jesus," "I Will Sing the Wondrous Story," and "I Will Sing of My Redeemer."
If this hymn is new to you, you can hear a fantastic rendition of it by the Gaither Vocal Band here. You may also enjoy this solo version by Christian singer Michael Card. For further reference on the theme of the hymn, you might like to read this post by Kevin De Young, "Jesus Friend of Sinners: But How?"
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| Public Domain. Courtesy of PDHymns.com |
Jesus! what a Friend for sinners!
Jesus! lover of my soul;
friends may fail me, foes assail me,
he, my Savior, makes me whole.
Refrain:
Hallelujah! what a Savior!
Hallelujah, what a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
he is with me to the end.
Jesus! what a strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in him;
tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,
he, my strength, my vict'ry wins. [Refrain]
Jesus! what a help in sorrow!
While the billows o'er me roll,
even when my heart is breaking,
he, my comfort, helps my soul. [Refrain]
Jesus! what a guide and keeper!
While the tempest still is high,
storms about me, night o'ertakes me,
he, my pilot, hears my cry. [Refrain]
Jesus! I do now receive him,
more than all in him I find;
he hath granted me forgiveness,
I am his, and he is mine. [Refrain]
Does Jesus Care?
Words by Frank Graeff, Music by J. Lincoln Hall
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Psalm 55:22
Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.Frank Graeff (1860-1919) was a Methodist minister living in Pennsylvania, known for his cheerful disposition. According to Robert Morgan in his book Then Sings My Soul, Graeff "was dubbed the 'Sunshine Minister' because of his radiant personality. He had a special way with children, who were drawn to his simple faith and perpetual smile."
At some point in his ministry, Graeff suffered what Morgan describes as "a series of heartbreaks" which left him in "the unfamiliar valley of deep depression and despondency." He found himself comforted by the words of Joseph Scriven's hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus":
What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer
Graeff also found comfort in 1 Peter 5:7, "casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you" and wrote "Does Jesus Care?" in which he answers the title's question with a resounding yes, and expands on the many ways that Jesus cares for us.
The hymn tune was written by J. Lincoln Hall (1866-1930), a singer, music theorist, organist, and teacher. He also was co-founder of the Hall-Mack Publishing Company of Philadelphia, later sold to the Rodeheaver Publishing Company (which was at one time the largest publisher of gospel music in the world).
If "Does Jesus Care"" is new to you, here is an a capella version by the Discovery Singers, and here is a recording by Christian singer Sandi Patty.
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?
Refrain:
Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Does Jesus care when my way is darkThe hymn tune was written by J. Lincoln Hall (1866-1930), a singer, music theorist, organist, and teacher. He also was co-founder of the Hall-Mack Publishing Company of Philadelphia, later sold to the Rodeheaver Publishing Company (which was at one time the largest publisher of gospel music in the world).
If "Does Jesus Care"" is new to you, here is an a capella version by the Discovery Singers, and here is a recording by Christian singer Sandi Patty.
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress,
And the way grows weary and long?
Refrain:
Oh, yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?
Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?
Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks—
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
Marvelous Grace of Our Loving Lord
Words by Julia H. Johnston, Music by Daniel B. Towner
Romans 5:18-21 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Julia H. Johnston (1849-1919) was born in Ohio but moved to Peoria, Illinois* at the age of six and lived there for the rest of her life. (her father was minister of the First Presbyterian Church in Peoria). Julia's mother was a poet who also founded the Presbyterian Missionary Society of Peoria, which Julia later presided over as president for 20 years. While in high school, Julia began writing poetry and eventually wrote nearly 500 hymns: you can see many of their titles here. She also was the author of published Sunday School lessons and a number of books, including a biography of missionary Adoniram Judson.
"Grace Greater than Our Sin" ("Marvelous Grace of our Loving Lord") is Johnston's best-known hymn. It was written in 1910, the same year that J. Wilbur Chapman wrote "Jesus, What a Friend to Sinners," featured above. It is based on Paul's teaching on the concept of justification by faith in Romans chapter 5. Johnston's text was matched with a tune by Daniel B. Towner (1850-1919) titled "Moody" (Towner was director of music at Moody Bible Institute from 1893-1919) and was first published as a complete hymn in Towner's 1911 collection Hymns Tried and True. Daniel Towner also wrote the music for "Trust and Obey" and "At Calvary."
If this hymn is new to you, you can hear a recording of it with congregational singing (and organ) here. You may also enjoy this version by Christian singer Mark Lowry, here.
*editorial note: I am a bit ashamed to admit that I grew up in Peoria, Illinois and even attended Peoria High School (Julia H. Johnston's alma mater) but only learned many years later (after moving away) about this distinguished hymn writer who also served so faithfully as a teacher and supporter of missions in my own hometown.
grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt,
yonder on Calvary's mount outpoured,
there where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
Refrain:
Grace, grace, God's grace,
grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
grace, grace, God's grace,
grace that is greater than all our sin.
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross. [Refrain]
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide,
what can avail to wash it away!
Look! there is flowing a crimson tide;
whiter than snow you may be today. [Refrain]
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
freely bestowed on all who believe:
you that are longing to see his face,
will you this moment his grace receive? [Refrain]
POSTLUDE
(to send you forth with joy!)
My Cup Runneth Over
Piano Solo by Lani Smith
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
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