Compiled for you once again this weekend: simple piano hymn accompaniments (transposed to slightly lower keys to facilitate comfortable singing), prelude music to calm the spirit, and postlude music to uplift and encourage! Each song tells a wonderful story, and links that tell the story of each song are also included to enrich your experience. You will be blessed by learning more about how these hymns were created as you get a glimpse into the lives of the authors of these inspiring lyrics and melodies.
We're heading into another week of social distancing while drawing near to God, as He draws near to us each new day! May this music help you to turn your eyes upon Christ, our solid rock.
PRELUDE
Rock of Ages
Words by August Toplady, Music by Thomas Hastings, solo piano arrangement by John Turner
The story behind this beloved, classic hymn can be found here.
Exodus 33:20-23
"But,” He said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”
Then the Lord said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”
"But,” He said, “you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”
Then the Lord said, “There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen.”
Isaiah 26:1-4
In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah:
We have a strong city;
God makes salvation
its walls and ramparts.
Open the gates
that the righteous nation may enter,
the nation that keeps faith.
You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation;
praise God, my soul, for in him are your health and salvation;
come all who hear,
into his presence draw near,
joining in glad adoration.
Praise to the Lord, who in all things is wondrously reigning,
shields you from harm and is gently yet firmly sustaining.
Have you not seen
how your heart's wishes have been
granted by God's wise ordaining?
Praise to the Lord, who with blessing and power will defend you;
surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend you;
ponder anew
what the Almighty can do:
God will for ever befriend you.
Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him!
Words by Adelaide A. Pollard, Music by George C. Stebbins
Isaiah 64:8
Yet you, Lord, are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
As always, 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.
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.
POSTLUDE
We have heard the Joyful Sound (Jesus Saves!)
Words by Priscilla Owens, Music by William Kirkpatrick, arrangement for solo piano by Mark Hayes
Matthew 1:21
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
Psalm 89:15
Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance.
The story of hymnwriter Priscilla Owens and her creation of this lyric with its bold refrain, "Jesus Saves!" can be found here.
We have heard the joyful sound:
Jesus saves!
Spread the tidings all around:
Jesus saves!
Bear the news to every land,
climb the steeps and cross the waves;
onward! ’tis our Lord’s command:
Jesus saves!
Sing above the battle strife:
Jesus saves!
By His death and endless life,
Jesus saves!
Sing it softly through the gloom,
when the heart for mercy craves;
sing in triumph o’er the tomb:
Jesus saves!
Give the winds a mighty voice:
Jesus saves!
Let the nations now rejoice:
Jesus saves!
Shout salvation full and free;
highest hills and deepest caves;
this our song of victory:
Jesus saves!
We have a strong city;
God makes salvation
its walls and ramparts.
Open the gates
that the righteous nation may enter,
the nation that keeps faith.
You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood,
from thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure;
save from wrath and make me pure.
Not the labors of my hands
can fulfill thy law's demands;
could my zeal no respite know,
could my tears forever flow,
all for sin could not atone;
thou must save, and thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring,
simply to the cross I cling;
naked, come to thee for dress;
helpless, look to thee for grace;
foul, I to the fountain fly;
wash me, Savior, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
when mine eyes shall close in death,
when I soar to worlds unknown,
see thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee.
HYMNS FOR YOU TO SING AT HOME
Praise to the Lord the Almighty
Words by Joachim Neander, translated by Catherine Winkworth, "Lobe Den Herren" hymn tune (anonymous composer)
Here is a wonderful podcast (a written transcription is available on the same page) that discusses this majestic hymn and its history.
Psalm 103:1
Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Psalm 150:1-6
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with timbrel and dancing,
praise him with the strings and pipe,
praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
let me hide myself in thee;
let the water and the blood,
from thy wounded side which flowed,
be of sin the double cure;
save from wrath and make me pure.
Not the labors of my hands
can fulfill thy law's demands;
could my zeal no respite know,
could my tears forever flow,
all for sin could not atone;
thou must save, and thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring,
simply to the cross I cling;
naked, come to thee for dress;
helpless, look to thee for grace;
foul, I to the fountain fly;
wash me, Savior, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
when mine eyes shall close in death,
when I soar to worlds unknown,
see thee on thy judgment throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
let me hide myself in thee.
HYMNS FOR YOU TO SING AT HOME
Praise to the Lord the Almighty
Words by Joachim Neander, translated by Catherine Winkworth, "Lobe Den Herren" hymn tune (anonymous composer)
Here is a wonderful podcast (a written transcription is available on the same page) that discusses this majestic hymn and its history.
Psalm 103:1
Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Psalm 150:1-6
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with timbrel and dancing,
praise him with the strings and pipe,
praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord.
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation;
praise God, my soul, for in him are your health and salvation;
come all who hear,
into his presence draw near,
joining in glad adoration.
Praise to the Lord, who in all things is wondrously reigning,
shields you from harm and is gently yet firmly sustaining.
Have you not seen
how your heart's wishes have been
granted by God's wise ordaining?
Praise to the Lord, who with blessing and power will defend you;
surely his goodness and mercy shall daily attend you;
ponder anew
what the Almighty can do:
God will for ever befriend you.
Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore him!
All that has life and breath, come now with praises before him!
Let the Amen
sound from God's people again:
gladly for ever adore him.
Words by Ray Palmer, Music by Lowell Mason
Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
sound from God's people again:
gladly for ever adore him.
Words by Ray Palmer, Music by Lowell Mason
Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
This is a rare hymn in which lyric and tune writer actually collaborated: the story behind the creation of "My Faith Looks Up to Thee" can be found here.
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou, Lamb of Calvary.
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away.
O let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!
My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou, Lamb of Calvary.
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray,
Take all my guilt away.
O let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!
May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire;
As Thou hast died for me,
O may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be
A living fire!
While life's dark maze I tread,
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire;
As Thou hast died for me,
O may my love to Thee
Pure, warm, and changeless be
A living fire!
While life's dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread,
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow's tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.
When ends life's transient dream,
When death's cold, sullen stream
Shall o'er me roll,
Blest Savior, then, in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
O bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!
Be Thou my guide;
Bid darkness turn to day,
Wipe sorrow's tears away,
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside.
When ends life's transient dream,
When death's cold, sullen stream
Shall o'er me roll,
Blest Savior, then, in love,
Fear and distrust remove;
O bear me safe above,
A ransomed soul!
Have Thine Own Way, Lord
Words by Adelaide A. Pollard, Music by George C. Stebbins
Jeremiah 18:3-6
So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him. Then the word of the Lord came to me. He said, “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.Isaiah 64:8
Yet you, Lord, are our Father.
We are the clay, you are the potter;
we are all the work of your hand.
This hymn was created after a prayer meeting in which an elderly woman stated, "It really doesn't matter what you do with us, Lord: just have your way with our lives." Hymn writer and missionary Adelaide Pollard was also in attendance that evening: the story of how she created "Have Thine Own Way" as a result is available here.
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after thy will,
while I am waiting, yielded and still.
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Search me and try me, Savior today!
Wash me just now, Lord, wash me just now,
as in thy presence humbly I bow.
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me I pray!
Power, all power, surely is thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Hold o'er my being absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!
BONUS: Let's learn a "New" (Old) Hymn Together!
Sometimes a Light Surprises
Words by William Cowper, Music by John P. Hullah
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," in last week's edition of 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). Yet Cowper's poetry is astonishingly beautiful and reflects a heart turned toward Christ, 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 eight weeks have a unique relevance to this challenging season: this one seems to strike a special, very poignant chord.
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,
Thou art the potter, I am the clay.
Mold me and make me after thy will,
while I am waiting, yielded and still.
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Search me and try me, Savior today!
Wash me just now, Lord, wash me just now,
as in thy presence humbly I bow.
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Wounded and weary, help me I pray!
Power, all power, surely is thine!
Touch me and heal me, Savior divine!
Have thine own way, Lord! Have thine own way!
Hold o'er my being absolute sway.
Fill with thy Spirit till all shall see
Christ only, always, living in me!
BONUS: Let's learn a "New" (Old) Hymn Together!
Sometimes a Light Surprises
Words by William Cowper, Music by John P. Hullah
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," in last week's edition of 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). Yet Cowper's poetry is astonishingly beautiful and reflects a heart turned toward Christ, 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 eight weeks have a unique relevance to this challenging season: this one seems to strike a special, very poignant chord.
Habakkuk 3:17-18
Though the fig tree does not budand 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.
I will be joyful in God my Savior.
As always, 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.
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.
POSTLUDE
We have heard the Joyful Sound (Jesus Saves!)
Words by Priscilla Owens, Music by William Kirkpatrick, arrangement for solo piano by Mark Hayes
Matthew 1:21
She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
Psalm 89:15
Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance.
The story of hymnwriter Priscilla Owens and her creation of this lyric with its bold refrain, "Jesus Saves!" can be found here.
We have heard the joyful sound:
Jesus saves!
Spread the tidings all around:
Jesus saves!
Bear the news to every land,
climb the steeps and cross the waves;
onward! ’tis our Lord’s command:
Jesus saves!
Sing above the battle strife:
Jesus saves!
By His death and endless life,
Jesus saves!
Sing it softly through the gloom,
when the heart for mercy craves;
sing in triumph o’er the tomb:
Jesus saves!
Give the winds a mighty voice:
Jesus saves!
Let the nations now rejoice:
Jesus saves!
Shout salvation full and free;
highest hills and deepest caves;
this our song of victory:
Jesus saves!
