Friday, April 9, 2021

Music for Anywhere Worship: Sunday, April 11, 2021 (Season Finale)



Welcome to a special Notes of Glory "season finale" in which we will remember God's faithfulness to us over the past year and praise Him for his infinite wisdom, power, and love. 

We've experienced how God's Word has ministered to us and how songs inspired by scripture have facilitated our praise and touched our hearts with comfort and assurance. We've revisited many of our favorite songs/hymns of the faith and also learned or become re-acquainted with some new or lesser-known ones.  As we've learned of the stories behind the creation of this poetry set to music, we've seen how God has transformed the lives of hymn writers and composers. 






This site was created as an extension of the music ministry of University Covenant Church in Davis, California.  After the county and state shelter-in-place orders were issued on March 18 and 19, 2020, the first Notes of Glory post appeared on Sunday, March 22, 2020, for the purpose of glorifying God and edifying/encouraging believers to continue singing together in spirit even while physically distanced.

As many of us have been recalling over the past month, it seemed at first as if we would only be separated for a short season: perhaps a few weeks, or through the beginning of summertime. Weeks turned into months, and as virus case counts rose and fell and then rose again, the prospect of praising God together in one physical space seemed to loom ever more distantly in the future.

Our church (University Covenant Church in Davis, CA) is planning to resume weekly services on Sunday, April 18, which means we can joyfully worship together and sing to the Lord as part of an actual congregation. We will be meeting for outdoor worship on our church patio, physically distanced and masked out of abundant love, concern, and respect for one another. Our 8:00 service will feature powerful teaching by our pastoral team and congregational singing accompanied by the grand piano, just as it always has. We hope and pray that we can soon return to our original indoor venue, and will make adjustments as local and state guidelines are updated. 





This week, as a way of celebrating the eternal glory, power, love and mercy of God, we will revisit some special music featured here during the past year. 

Because there were so many months in which we were unable to meet for in-person worship, there were also many songs/hymns that could be featured over time (hundreds, in fact!).  A weekly pattern quickly emerged: each post consisted of a short song service that included an solo piano prelude, an opening praise-focused hymn/song, two additional hymns/songs with various themes, followed by a benedictory piano postlude. The goal was to provide a sense of worshipful, musical continuity for those who had previously attended our 8:00 a.m. service as well as for anyone else who missed congregational singing.  To help enable at-home singing, recorded piano accompaniments, hymn/song sheet music and lyrics, along with scripture that inspired these songs (as well as the compelling and inspiring stories behind them) were shared each week.

After working through many of the best-known, greatly beloved hymns in the first 5-6 months of posts, it became apparent that there is a tremendous wealth of hymns/songs that appear less often in modern worship services, but are so very rich in both theology and beauty that they merit revisiting. So many of these songs are like precious gems: treasures hidden in the pages of our hymnals, radiant with gospel truth and full of resonance for our everyday lives. Thus, today we will specially highlight some of these very unique songs, including some that particularly blessed my own soul over the past year.





May everything shared here on Notes of Glory today (and over the past year) be prayerfully encompassed in this passage from Colossians 3:16-17. 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.





PRELUDE
(to help you prepare to worship)

Morning Prayer



Piano Solo By Richard Blake


Psalm 30:5
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.

Psalm 5:3
In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

Lamentations 3:22-24
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
“The Lord is my portion,” says my soul,
“therefore I will hope in him.”

This short piano work by composer Richard Blake features a peaceful, calming melody, which brings to mind the simple loveliness of a fresh new morning. Each sunrise is a miracle, graciously provided by our Creator, and each new day offers another opportunity to draw near to God in prayer. I've shared this serene piano solo previously as a prelude at our church and always feel comforted after playing it: I pray you are blessed by hearing it. 

(Originally shared on April 26, 2020)



Other favorite preludes (favorites of mine, that is!) featured this past year on Notes of Glory: Creator of the Stars at NightThe Lord's Prayer, Deep River, Wexford Carol, O Thou, in Whose Presence, People Need the Lord, and There is a Balm in Gilead

HYMNS FOR ANYWHERE WORSHIP
(transposed to easily singable keys!)

Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above



Words by Charles Wesley, 
"Amsterdam" hymn tune, attributed to James Nares/Johann Georg Hille

Psalm 150
Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens!
Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!

Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!
________________________________________

Remember earlier this year when the hymn "Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above" was introduced as a piano postlude, along with the promise that it would make a return appearance as a hymn for you to sing, after having the melody subtly "planted" in your ears?  Here's the link to that post in case you'd like to refresh your memory.  

Today we'll be singing this great hymn, a poetic paraphrase of Psalm 150, composed by British hymn writer and preacher Charles Wesley (1707-1788). "Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above" was first published in 1743, five years after Charles Wesley's 1738 conversion experience (which inspired him to write the hymn "Where Shall My Wondering Soul Begin?"). Wesley wrote "Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above" during a period when he and his brother John Wesley were busily criss-crossing England, preaching in the open air to thousands. Charles was then 36 years old, writing hymns for every occasion in nearly 100 different poetic meters, including iambic, trochaic, dactylic, anapests, and couplets; and many variations of these. Wesley wrote at least 6500 hymn texts during his lifetime, averaging an estimated ten lines of verse every day (or two hymns a week) over the course of 50 years. 

In 1743, the second edition of John and Charles Wesley's Collection of Psalms and Hymns was published. Charles Wesley's hymn "Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above" appeared in this volume with 37 other psalm-inspired hymns he composed, along with hymns by Isaac Watts, Nahum Tate/Nicholas Brady, and Joseph Addison. The worshipful spirit of "Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above," paraphrasing Psalm 150, is also evident in the following Wesley hymns included in the same book, of which the first verses are shown below. (You can see the full version of these Charles Wesley hymns and many more from the 1743 Collection of Psalms and Hymns in this modern transcription.

My heart is full of Christ, and longs
this glorious matter to declare!
Of him I make my loftier songs,
I cannot from his praise forbear;
my ready tongue makes haste to sing
the glories of my heavenly King. (Psalm 45)

Clap your hands, ye people all,
Praise the God on whom ye call;
Lift your voice, and shout His praise,
Triumph in His sovereign grace! (Psalm 47)

In "Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above," Wesley powerfully adapted Psalm 150 as rhymed verse. The first stanza evokes God's majesty, love, noble deeds, matchless power, goodness, greatness, and also points out that God is the source of all good things. The second stanza calls for musical praise, noting the distinctive timbres of loud and soft instruments which can harmoniously "agree" by praising the Lord together with "the music of the heart." The final stanza summons "everything that has breath" (as in the final verse of Psalm 150) to praise God, giving glory to their maker, and homage to their King. 

The tune "Amsterdam" used with this hymn is attributed to British organist and composer James Nares (1715-1783) although other sources cite German composer and organist Johann Georg Hille as the source for this tune. "Amsterdam" first appeared in print in the Foundery Collection ("A Collection of Tunes Sung at the Foundery") published by John Wesley in 1742. The "Foundery" was the first location where brass cannon were cast for the British Board of Ordinance in north London: this building later served as a meeting place during the early years of John and Charles Wesley's ministry. 

You may enjoy reading this wonderful exploration of the hymns of Charles Wesley in this article, "Why Wesley still dominates our Hymn book."   If you would like to hear an instrumental introduction to "Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above," here's a piano arrangement by Lloyd Larson (featured previously on Notes of Glory).  Here's a recording with voices, featuring the Washington Choral Arts Society.  Finally, without further ado, come back here to "praise the Lord in ev'ry breath, let all things praise the Lord!"

(Originally shared on January 24, 2021)



Praise the Lord who reigns above
and keeps His courts below;
praise the holy God of love,
and all His greatness show.
Praise Him for His noble deeds,
praise Him for His matchless pow'r
Him from whom all good proceeds
let earth and heaven adore.

Celebrate th'eternal God
with harp and psaltery;
timbrels soft and cymbals loud
in His high praise agree.
Praise Him, ev'ry tuneful string;
all the reach of heav'nly art,
all the pow'rs of music bring,
the music of the heart.

Him, in whom they move and live,
let ev'ry creature sing,
glory to their Maker give,
and homage to their King.
Hallowed be His name beneath,
as in heav'n, on earth adored;
praise the Lord in ev'ry breath,
let all things praise the Lord!



Sometimes a Light Surprises








Words by William Cowper, Music by John P. Hullah

Habakkuk 3:17-18
Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Matthew 6:27-34
And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.

Philippians 4:5-7
Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 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.
__________________________________

Sometimes a hymn surprises with its resonance and relevance, with its poetic beauty and theological depth. Such is the case with "Sometimes a Light Surprises," another gem from The Olney Hymns (1779), a collection of original hymns by John Newton (1725-1807) and poet William Cowper (1731-1800). (We explored Newton's hymn from this same collection, "How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds," previously here on Notes of Glory: here's the link).


William Cowper, who wrote "Sometimes a Light Surprises" along with 68 other hymns during the period he lived in Olney, was also the author of "God Moves in a Mysterious Way" (featured in this post). His life was marked by extended periods of depression, written about in depth by John Piper here, and by Paxson Jeancake in this article, "Sometimes a Light Surprises: The Treasured Gift of a Troubled Soul."  (More information on Cowper and his legacy can be found here). Cowper's poetry is astonishingly beautiful and reflects a heart oriented Christ-ward, even while his struggles with depression raged. 

You may want to simply read through the lyrics of "Sometimes a Light Surprises" before listening to the lovely musical setting by John Hullah (1812-1884).  The artistic excellence of the verses, the pictures that are painted in words, the assurance of God's presence even should earthly calamity befall us . . . all these make Cowper's hymn worth meditating on and singing with feeling and understanding.  So many hymns featured here in the past year have had a unique relevance to this challenging pandemic season: this one seems to strike a special, very poignant chord. 

In this recording of the piano accompaniment, I will play all the way through the hymn once as an introduction so that you can become familiar with the tune.  If you would like to hear a recording of "Sometimes a Light Surprises" that features a congregation singing with organ accompaniment, click here.

(Originally shared on May 17, 2020)



 

Sometimes a light surprises
the Christian while he sings;
it is the Lord, who rises
with healing in his wings:
when comforts are declining,
he grants the soul again
a season of clear shining,
to cheer it after rain.

In holy contemplation
we sweetly then pursue
the theme of God’s salvation,
and find it ever new;
set free from present sorrow,
we cheerfully can say,
“Let the unknown tomorrow
bring with it what it may.”

It can bring with it nothing
but he will bear us through;
who gives the lilies clothing
will clothe his people too:
beneath the spreading heavens
no creature but is fed;
and he who feeds the ravens
will give his children bread.

Though vine nor fig tree neither
their wonted fruit should bear,
though all the field should wither,
nor flocks nor herds be there;
yet God the same abideth,
his praise shall tune my voice,
for, while in him confiding,
I cannot but rejoice.

Here is Love, Vast as the Ocean


Words by William Rees, Translated by William Edwards.  "Dim Ond Iesu" hymn tune by Robert Lowry


John 1:16-18

For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God,who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.
1 John 4:10-16
In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us
By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.
_____________________________________

Our next hymn, a celebration of God's wondrous love, was composed by William Rees (1802-1883), also known by his Welsh name, Gwilym Hiraethog. Rees was a poet and author who became a major literary figure in 19th century Wales: he was also a Nonconformist minister and was considered a polymath with interests in astronomy and political science. His poem "Dyma gariad fel y moroedd," ("Here is Love, Vast as the Ocean") was first published in 1847. The poem was translated from Welsh into English in 1900 by William Edwards (1848-1829), a New Testament scholar and Baptist college principal. In 1951, two more verses (stanzas 3 and 4) of unknown authorship were added to this hymn which was included in a collection of 800 evangelical hymns published in London and titled The Redemption Hymnal.
"Here is Love, Vast as the Ocean" played a significant role in the 1904-5 "Welsh Revival," in which dynamic preachers like Joseph Jenkins (1859-1929) and Evan Roberts (1878-1951) traveled from town to town, speaking to large, enthusiastic gatherings that included singing and prayer. Hymnology Archive's Chris Fenner cites a description of "Here is Love, Vast as the Ocean" in the context of one particular revival meeting, as found in H. Elvet Lewis's book, With Christ Among the Miners: Incidents and Impressions of the Welsh Revival (London: Hodder & Stoughton, 1907).

It was on Friday evening, at the closing service of the mission here, that the voice of a young girl of eighteen, Miss Annie Davies of Maesteg, came into the history of the revival. Professing Christ from childhood, trained in her home to serve Him with her vocal gifts, it was as the coming of Sister Clara to Francis. She sang, with tears on her face and victory in her voice, the mighty love-song of the revival—the hymn of Dr. William Rees (Hiraethog): “Dyma gariad fel y moroedd.” The song is of the marvel of Divine Love, flowing as vast oceans of tender mercies in never-ebbing floodtide; of the very Prince of Life dying, dying to redeem our forfeit life.
 
"Here is Love, Vast as the Ocean," which came to be known in Wales as "The Love Song of the Revival," has been set to many tunes, and is now commonly sung with a melody by American composer Robert Lowry (1826-1899) titled "Jesus Only," which was originally written for the hymn "What tho’ clouds are hov’ring o’er me” by Hattie M. Conrey. In Welsh hymnals the tune is titled ""DIM OND IESU" which translates to "Jesus Only."

If this beautiful Welsh hymn is new to you and you'd like to hear a recording with singing, here is a moving performance by singer Huw Priday (whose voice is also featured in the video linked below).  Here's a lovely version by the Scottish Festival Singers.  As you'll notice, Lowry's tune is very beautiful and is also easy to sing, so do come back here after you've enjoyed these recorded versions, and give this meaningful hymn a go with your own voice!

You might enjoy this short (less than five minutes) video that explores the overwhelmingly positive impact of these Welsh revival meetings on the local communities in which they occurred.

  



(Originally shared on February 14, 2021)




Here is love, vast as the ocean,
Lovingkindness as the flood,
When the Prince of Life, our Ransom,
Shed for us His precious blood.
Who His love will not remember?
Who can cease to sing His praise?
He can never be forgotten,
Throughout Heav’n’s eternal days.

On the mount of crucifixion,
Fountains opened deep and wide;
Through the floodgates of God’s mercy
Flowed a vast and gracious tide.
Grace and love, like mighty rivers,
Poured incessant from above,
And Heav’n’s peace and perfect justice
Kissed a guilty world in love.

Let me all Thy love accepting,
Love Thee, ever all my days;
Let me seek Thy kingdom only
And my life be to Thy praise;
Thou alone shalt be my glory,
Nothing in the world I see.
Thou hast cleansed and sanctified me,
Thou Thyself hast set me free.

In Thy truth Thou dost direct me
By Thy Spirit through Thy Word;
And Thy grace my need is meeting,
As I trust in Thee, my Lord.
Of Thy fullness Thou art pouring
Thy great love and power on me,
Without measure, full and boundless,
Drawing out my heart to Thee.

May the Mind of Christ, My Savior


Words by Kate Barclay Wilkinson. "St. Leonards" hymn tune by Arthur Cyril Barham-Gould


Philippians 2:5-7
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.

Colossians 3:1-2
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.

Colossians 3:15-16
And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
_________________________________

Very little is known about Kate Barclay Wilkinson (1859-1928), the author of "May the Mind of Christ My Savior." She was born in Cheshire, England (her father was a mechanical engineer) and married Frederick Wilkinson, a cashier/clerk in London in 1891. Sources describe her as having some kind of notable ministry among women/girls in London. Wilkinson's poem "May the Mind of Christ My Savior" inspired composer Arthur Cyril Barham-Gould (1891-1953) to write a tune specifically for it (titled "St. Leonards, as Barham-Gould was living at St. Leonards-by-the-Sea in England at the time), and the two were published together in the London children's hymn book Golden Bells in 1925. If this hymn is new to you and you'd like to hear a recording of it with congregational singing, click here.

Public domain. Courtesy of Hymnary.org



*I will first play the entire hymn through once on the recording to give you a feel for the melody before starting with the verses.

(Originally shared on July 19, 2020)



May the mind of Christ, my Savior,
live in me from day to day,
by his love and pow'r controlling
all I do and say.

May the Word of God dwell richly
in my heart from hour to hour,
so that all may see I triumph
only through his pow'r.

May the peace of God my Father
rule my life in ev'rything,
that I may be calm to comfort
sick and sorrowing.

May the love of Jesus fill me
as the waters fill the sea;
him exalting, self abasing:
this is victory.

May I run the race before me,
strong and brave to face the foe,
looking only unto Jesus
as I onward go.

(Some hymnals include this lovely additional verse: I've included it in the recording)

May His beauty rest upon me
as I seek the lost to win,
and may they forget the channel,
seeing only Him.
__________________________

There are so many other exquisite hymns and songs that we sang together this past year that were particular favorites (of mine) including: Loved with Everlasting Love (I am His and He Is Mine); When All Thy Mercies, O My God; Depth of Mercy, Can There Be; O Word of God Incarnate; Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne; In Heavenly Love Abiding; Make Me A BlessingAll Your Anxiety (Is there a Heart O'er bound with Sorrow?) . . . . and numerous others!

POSTLUDE
(to send you forth with joy!)

Doxology (Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow)



Words by Thomas Ken. "Old Hundredth" hymn tune from Genevan Psalter (1551), attributed to Louis Bourgeois. Arranged for solo piano by Mark Hayes

Psalm 148:1-4
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his hosts!

Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!

Ephesians 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
________________________________

A doxology, comprised of the Greek words doxa (glory, splendor, grandeur) and logos (word, speaking), is an expression of praise to God: there are many doxologies, including the "Greater Doxology" from Luke 2:14, "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, goodwill among men."

The text commonly referred to today as "The Doxology" or "The Common Doxology" was originally a stanza attached to each of three hymns in a 1695 devotional book for morning and evening worship by cleric and influential hymn writer Thomas Ken (1637-1711), written for students of Winchester College.  One of these hymns, "Awake My Soul, and With The Sun" was featured here on Notes of Glory on January 10, 2021.  Ken had attended Winchester College himself, and wanted to impart the idea to the students there of God's daily presence and help,  as noted in Ken's prayer manual instructions:
As soon as ever you awake in the morning, . . . strive as much as you can to keep all worldly thoughts out of your mind, till you have presented the first-fruits of the day to God, which will be an excellent preparative, to make you spend the rest of it better, and therefore be sure to sing the morning and evening hymn in your chamber devoutly, remembering that the Psalmist, upon happy experience, assures you that it is a good thing to tell of the loving kindness of the Lord early in the morning, and of his truth in the night season.
The doxology section that Ken added to the end of his morning and evening hymns was later set to the  "Old 100th" hymn tune. This melody is generally attributed to French composer Louis Bourgeois (1510-1560) and first appeared in the second edition of the Genevan Psalter. Initially Bourgeois' tune was used as a setting for a version of Psalm 134 in the Psalter, but it was later matched with William Kethe's setting of Psalm 100, "All People Whom On Earth Do Dwell." (In case that title sounds familiar, we sang "All People That On Earth Do Dwell" here on Notes of Glory on September 27, 2020). The tune "Old 100th" was first published along with Ken's doxology, "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow" in The Federal Harmony, Part 2, in 1790. 

This exuberant piano solo arrangement of "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow" by pianist, composer, and arranger Mark Hayes conveys the uplifting and worshipful spirit of Ken's lyrics and the strength and solidity of  Bourgeois' "Old 100th" tune.

(Originally shared on June 14, 2020)

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.


Other piano solo postludes that have been a particular joy to prepare and share this year: Amen!When in Our Music God is Glorified, Jesus Loves Me, My Tribute (To God Be The Glory), Jesus! Jesus! Oh, what a Wonderful Child!, Sing Your Praise to the Lord, and How Brightly Shines the Morning Star

Here is a playlist with all the music featured in today's post:


Thank you for singing along each week and lending your voice to this unique gathering of worshipping believers over the past 13 months!  This post is labeled as our "season finale" due to my return to the piano bench at church next weekend,  but the site will definitely remain as a resource and fresh material may even be added from time to time, as the Lord leads.

Here is a chronological list of the music shared here each week in case you might be interested in revisiting any of your favorite songs/hymns.  Links are included: just click on the date to view any of the music featured in that week's post. You can also visit the complete alphabetical list of Notes of Glory musical selections here

Notes of Glory Weekly Music List

March 22, 2020

Prelude: Crown Him with Many Crowns

How Can I Keep From Singing

The King of Love My Shepherd Is

My Hope is Built on Nothing Less 

Postlude: He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands


March 29, 2020

Prelude: Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

Great Is Thy Faithfulness

I Will Wait for You (Psalm 130)

It is Well With My Soul

Postlude: O God, Our Help in Ages Past


April 5, 2020 (Palm Sunday)

Prelude: I Need Thee Every Hour

All Glory, Laud and Honor

Hosanna, Loud Hosanna

God Will Take Care of You

He Will Hold Me Fast

Postlude: Rejoice, the Lord is King


April 10, 2020 (Good Friday)

Prelude: Ah, Holy Jesus

Beneath the Cross of Jesus

Go to Dark Gethsemane

Man of Sorrows, What a Name!

Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed!

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

Were You There?

Postlude: How Deep the Father’s Love for Us


April 12, 2020 (Easter Sunday)

Prelude: Thine Be the Glory

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

Low in the Grave He Lay (Up from the Grave He Arose)

He Lives! (I Serve a Risen Savior)

Because He Lives

Postlude: Nothing But the Blood of Jesus


April 19, 2020

Prelude: Jesus Shall Reign

All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms

Day by Day, and With Each Passing Moment

God Moves in a Mysterious Way

Postlude: Love Lifted Me


April 26, 2020

Prelude: Morning Prayer (Blake)

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise

He Leadeth Me

My Faith Has Found a Resting Place

What God Has Promised

Postlude: Glory Be to the Father (Gloria Patri)


May 3, 2020

Prelude: Come, Christians, Join to Sing

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty

How Firm a Foundation

Like a River Glorious

If You but Trust in God to Guide You

Postlude: Jesus Loves Me


May 10, 2020

Prelude: There is a Balm in Gilead

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine

How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds

Postlude: All Things Bright and Beautiful


May 17, 2020

Prelude: Rock of Ages

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

My Faith Looks Up to Thee

Have Thine Own Way, Lord

Sometimes a Light Surprises

Postlude: We Have Heard the Joyful Sound (Jesus Saves!)


May 24, 2020

Prelude: Morning Has Broken

Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven

Be Thou My Vision

His Eye is On the Sparrow

When All Thy Mercies, O My God

Postlude: My Savior’s Love (I Stand Amazed)


May 31, 2020 (Pentecost Sunday)

Prelude: Revive Us Again

Sweet, Sweet Spirit

Breathe on Me, Breath of God

Spirit of God, Descend Upon My Heart

Postlude: I’m Gonna Sing when the Spirit Says Sing


June 7, 2020

Prelude: Deep River

Precious Lord, Take My Hand

Stand By Me

Lord, I Want to Be a Christian In My Heart

Postlude: My Tribute (To God Be the Glory)


June 14, 2020

Prelude: In Christ There is No East or West

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing

I Surrender All

There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy

Postlude: Doxology (Praise God in Whom All Blessings Flow)


June 21, 2020

Prelude: When I Consider How the Father Loves

To God Be the Glory

This is My Father’s World

Dear Lord and Father of Mankind

Postlude: Amen!


June 28, 2020

Prelude: Lord, Keep Us Steadfast In Thy Word

Guide Me, Oh Thou Great Jehovah

Trust and Obey

Make Me A Blessing

Postlude: Benediction Medley (Blest Be the Tie that Binds/God Be With You ‘Til We Meet Again)


July 5. 2020

Prelude: My Jesus, I Love Thee

When Morning Gilds The Skies

Take My Life, and Let It Be

Is There a Heart O’er Bound With Sorrow (All Your Anxiety)

Postlude: I’ve Got Peace Like a River


July 12, 2020

Prelude: Open My Eyes, That I May See

I Sing the Mighty Power of God

Beautiful Savior/Fairest Lord Jesus

I Am His, and He Is Mine (Loved with Everlasting Love)

Postlude: At the Name of Jesus


July 19, 2020

Prelude: O Thou, In Whose Presence

Come, Thou Almighty King

May The Mind of Christ My Savior

Higher Ground

Postlude: Just a Closer Walk With Thee


July 26, 2020

Prelude: I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say

Praise the Lord! Ye Heavens Adore Him

O Love, that Will Not Let Me Go

Take the World, But Give Me Jesus

Postlude: And Can It Be?


August 2, 2020

Prelude: Almighty Love (Now Shall My Inward Joys Arise)

O For a Thousand Tongues To Sing

Be Still My Soul

At Calvary

Postlude: I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me


August 9, 2020

Prelude: Morning Prayer (Schinske)

O Worship the King

Just As I Am

I Love to Tell the Story

Postlude: Rejoice! He is Lord of All!


August 16, 2020

Prelude: Upward Reflection

All Creatures of Our God and King

I Know Not Why God’s Wondrous Grace

All the Way, My Savior Leads Me

Postlude: The Zeal of the Lord


August 23, 2020

Prelude: Beside Still Waters

Come, We Who Love the Lord

Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord

Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us

Postlude: Praise God in His Sanctuary


August 30, 2020

Prelude: My Peace I Give to You

How Great Thou Art

He Hideth My Soul

Take Time to Be Holy

Postlude: O Come and Sing Unto the Lord


September 6, 2020

Prelude: Meditation on “Land of Rest”

Our Great Savior (Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners)

Does Jesus Care?

Marvelous Grace of our Loving Lord

Postlude: My Cup Runneth Over


September 13, 2020

Prelude: Creator of the Stars at Night

Praise Him! Praise Him!

O Word of God Incarnate

Jesus Paid It All

Postlude: Joyful Hymn of Praise


September 20, 2020

Prelude: Grateful Praise

For the Beauty of the Earth

The Light of the World is Jesus

Oh, How I Love Jesus

Postlude: Our God, How Great


September 27, 2020

Prelude: Come Down, O Love Divine

All People That on Earth Do Dwell

Lead Me, Lord

Amazing Grace

Postlude: To Delight in the Lord


October 4, 2020

Prelude: Close to Thee

Standing on the Promises

Softly and Tenderly

Praise the Savior, Ye Who Know Him

Postlude: When in our Music God is Glorified


October 11, 2020

Prelude: Channels Only

Blessed Be the Name (All Praise to God Who Reigns Above)

Wonderful Words of Lord

I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord Forever/What a Mighty God We Serve

Postlude: With Joyful Hearts


October 18, 2020

Prelude: Blessed Hope

Rejoice, the Lord is King!

The Church’s One Foundation

Revive Us Again

Postlude: Sing for Joy


October 25, 2020

Prelude: Blessed Jesus, At Your Word

A Mighty Fortress is Our God

Sing Praise to God Who Reigns Above

Jesus, Priceless Treasure

Postlude: In Thee Is Gladness


November 1, 2020

Prelude: Come My Soul, Thou Must Be Waking

For All the Saints

Shall We Gather At the River

Let Saints on Earth in Concert Sing

Postlude: Look Ye Saints, the Sight is Glorious


November 8, 2020

Prelude: After the Harvest

Sing to the Lord of Harvest

We Plow the Fields and Scatter

Thanks to God for My Redeemer

Postlude: Bringing in the Sheaves


November 15, 2020

Prelude: Thanks for the Blessings You Give

Count Your Blessings

Give Thanks

Let All Things Now Living

Postlude: Grateful


November 22, 2020

Prelude: Chorale Prelude on “Now Thank We All Our God”

Now Thank We All Our God

Come, Ye Thankful People, Come

We Gather Together

Postlude; Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing


November 29, 2020 (First Sunday of Advent)

Prelude: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus

Of the Father’s Love Begotten

Postlude: On this Day, Earth Shall Sing


December 6, 2020 (Second Sunday of Advent)

Prelude: I Wonder as I Wander (Appalachian Yuletide)

Angels from the Realms of Glory

O Little Town of Bethlehem

While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks at Night

Postlude: Noël Nouvelet  (Sing We Now of Christmas)


December 13, 2020 (Third Sunday of Advent)

Prelude: The Wexford Carol

Angels We Have Heard on High

What Child Is This?

O Come, All Ye Faithful

Postlude: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice!


December 20, 2020 (Fourth Sunday of Advent)

Prelude: Ding Dong, Merrily on High

Joy to the World

Hark, the Herald Angels Sing

Silent Night

Postlude: The Sussex Carol


December 27, 2020

Prelude: What is this Lovely Fragrance? (Quelle est cette odeur agréable?)

Go, Tell It On the Mountain

Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne

There’s a Song in the Air

Postlude: Jesus, Jesus! Oh, What a Wonderful Child


January 3, 2021

Prelude: Amazing Grace

Another Year is Dawning

Great God, We Sing that Mighty Hand

As with Gladness, Men of Old

Postlude: How Brightly Shines the Morning Star


January 10, 2021

Prelude: Our Hope is in the Lord

Alleluia! Sing to Jesus!

Blest Be the Dear Uniting Love

Awake My Soul, and with the Sun

Postlude: Redeemed, How I Love to Proclaim It


January 17, 2021

Prelude: People Need the Lord

Jesus Shall Reign

Trusting Jesus

Nearer, Still Nearer

Postlude: Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above


January 24, 2021

Prelude: Near to the Heart of God

Praise the Lord Who Reigns Above

More Love to Thee

He Lifted Me

Postlude: Hark, Ten Thousand Harps and Voices


January 31, 2021

Prelude: I’ll Live for Him

Christ is Made the Sure Foundation

O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee

Wonderful Grace of Jesus

Postlude: Sing Your Praise to the Lord


February 7, 2021

Prelude: Will You Come and Follow Me?

I Will Sing the Wondrous Story

Come, Ye Disconsolate

Forth, In thy Name, O Lord, I Go

Postlude: Blessing and Honor and Glory and Power


February 14, 2021

Prelude: Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

The Love of God

Here is Love, Vast as the Ocean

In Heavenly Love Abiding

Postlude: Jesus Loves Me (Courtney)


February 21, 2021

Prelude: Jesus is All the World to Me

Join All the Glorious Names

I Cannot Tell

Through the Love of God Our Savior

Postlude: Come, Sound His Praise Abroad


February 28, 2021

Prelude: O, Could I Speak the Matchless Worth

I’ll Praise My Maker While I’ve Breath

Give Me Jesus

Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me

Postlude: O Zion, Haste!


March 7, 2021

Prelude: The Lord’s Prayer

Praise Ye the Triune God

O to Be Like Thee

O, for a Closer Walk with God

Postlude: Praise Ye the Triune God (solo)


March 14, 2021

Prelude: Alleluia/The Majesty and Glory of Your Name

Give to Our God Immortal Praise

God Leads Us Along

Lord, Dismiss Us with Your Blessing

Postlude: Standing on the Promises


March 21, 2021

Prelude: Come Ye Sinners, Poor and Needy

Oh, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus

Depth of Mercy, Can There Be

Lord, Who Throughout These Forty Days

Postlude: One There Is, Above All Others


March 28, 2021 (Palm Sunday)

Prelude: The Palms

All Glory, Laud and Honor

Hosanna, Loud Hosanna,

Ride On! Ride On in Majesty

Postlude: Along the King’s Highway


April 4, 2021 (Easter Sunday)

Prelude: Thine Be the Glory

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

Low in the Grave He Lay (Up from the Grave He Arose)

He Lives! (I Serve a Risen Savior)

Because He Lives

Postlude: Nothing But the Blood of Jesus






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