Music for At-Home Worship: Sunday, May 24

Psalm 59:16
But I will sing of your strength,
in the morning I will sing of your love;
for you are my fortress,
my refuge in times of trouble.

Today we will sing together of God's strength and love!

We will glorify Him and remember "His grace and favor to His people in distress," turn our eyes to Him as "our best thought, by day or by night," marvel at His providence for us, and find ourselves "lost in wonder, love and praise" as we consider His mercies.

May the music, lyrics, Scripture, images, and hymn stories found here be a blessing to you this weekend as you worship at home (or wherever you may be!).

PRELUDE
Morning Has Broken

Words by Eleanor Farjeon, "Bunessan" traditional Gaelic hymn tune, arranged for solo piano by Larry Shackley

Genesis 1:3-5

And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.  God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.

Morning has broken
Like the first morning,
Blackbird has spoken
Like the first bird.
Praise for the singing!
Praise for the morning!
Praise for them, springing
Fresh from the Word!

Sweet the rain’s new fall
Sunlit from Heaven,
Like the first dewfall
On the first grass.
Praise for the sweetness
Of the wet garden,
Sprung in completeness
Where His feet pass.

Mine is the sunlight,
Mine is the morning,
Born of the one light
Eden saw play.
Praise with elation,
Praise every morning,
God’s re-creation
Of the new day!

HYMNS FOR YOU TO SING AT HOME

Praise, My Soul, The King of Heaven

Words by Henry Francis Lyte, Music by John Goss

Henry Lyte (1793-1847) was a Scottish-born, Irish-educated poet and pastor who wrote nearly 300 hymn texts including "Abide With Me."  John Goss (1800-1880) was a British composer, organist and teacher: two of his best known hymn tune compositions are "Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven" (also known as "Lauda Anima") and  "See, Amid the Winter's Snow."

You can read more about this hymn here.  Here is a recording of this majestic hymn sung by the choir of London's Westminster Abbey (Henry Lyte is memorialized in Westminster Abbey by a plaque in the south choir aisle).

Psalm 103: 1-5
Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits—
who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion,
who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
to his feet your tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
evermore his praises sing.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King!

Praise him for his grace and favor
to his people in distress.
Praise him, still the same as ever,
slow to chide, and swift to bless.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Glorious in his faithfulness!

Father-like he tends and spares us;
well our feeble frame he knows.
In his hand he gently bears us,
rescues us from all our foes.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Widely yet his mercy flows!

Angels, help us to adore him;
you behold him face to face.
Sun and moon, bow down before him,
dwellers all in time and space.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise with us the God of grace!

Be Thou My Vision

8th C. Irish hymn (anonymous), translated by Mary Elizabeth Byrne, Versified by Eleanor Hull.  Music: "Slane" traditional Irish tune

This beloved hymn dates to the early medieval Christian era: you can read more about the original text and its early 20th century translation and versification here.

Psalm 26:3
For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, And I have walked in Your truth.

Psalm 139:17-18

How precious to me are your thoughts,God!
How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand –
when I awake, I am still with you.

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.

Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art:
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, and Thou my true Word;
I ever with Thee and Thou with me, Lord:
Thou my great Father, I Thy true son,
Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.

Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always:
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art.

High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven's joys, O bright heav'n's Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.

His Eye is On the Sparrow

Words by Civilla D. Martin, Music by Charles H. Gabriel

Canadian-American writer Civilla Martin (1866-1848) composed many hymns including "God Will Take Care of You," written in 1904 (her husband Walter wrote the music: this hymn and its background was featured previously here on "Notes of Glory," ). The following year, Civilla visited some friends whose faith inspired her to write one of her most famous hymns.

Early in the spring of 1905, my husband and I were sojourning in Elmira, New York. We contracted a deep friendship for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle—true saints of God. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for nigh twenty years. Her husband was an incurable cripple who had to propel himself to and from his business in a wheelchair. Despite their afflictions, they lived happy Christian lives, bringing inspiration and comfort to all who knew them. One day while we were visiting with the Doolittles, my husband commented on their bright hopefulness and asked them for the secret of it. Mrs. Doolittle’s response was simple: ‘His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.’ The beauty of this simple expression of boundless faith gripped the hearts and fired the imagination of Dr. Martin and me. The hymn ‘His Eye Is on the Sparrow’ was the outcome of that experience. 

Martin later mailed the lyrics to Charles Gabriel, a well-known gospel song composer, who created the lilting tune now associated with the hymn. 

Luke 12:6-7
Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Matthew 6:25-26

Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Why should I feel discouraged?
Why should the shadows come?
Why should my heart be lonely
and long for heaven and home,
when Jesus is my portion?
My constant friend is he:
his eye is on the sparrow,
and I know he watches me;
his eye is on the sparrow,
and I know he watches me.

Refrain:
I sing because I’m happy, (I’m happy)
I sing because I’m free, (I’m free)
for his eye is on the sparrow,
and I know he watches me.

“Let not your heart be troubled,”
his tender word I hear,
and resting on his goodness,
I lose my doubts and fears;
though by the path he leadeth
but one step I may see:
his eye is on the sparrow,
and I know he watches me;
his eye is on the sparrow,
and I know he watches me. [Refrain]

Whenever I am tempted,
whenever clouds arise,
when song gives place to sighing,
when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to him;
from care he sets me free:
his eye is on the sparrow,
and I know he watches me;
his eye is on the sparrow,
and I know he watches me. [Refrain]

BONUS: LET'S LEARN A "NEW" (OLD) HYMN TOGETHER

When All Thy Mercies, O My God

Words by Joseph Addison, Music by William Gardiner

Oh, what treasures lie in our hymnals!  There are so many poignant, profoundly meaningful works of poetic beauty and theological richness there for us to rediscover and enjoy.

Here's a glorious hymn written by Joseph Addison (1672-1719), who was a British writer, poet, playwright and politician.  He co-founded the British magazine The Spectator (originally this was a daily publication: today it is printed weekly). In 1712, he authored an essay on gratitude which was published in The Spectator.

There is not a more pleasing exercise of mind than gratitude. It is accompanied by such inward satisfaction, that duty is sufficiently rewarded by the performance. If gratitude is due from man to man, how much more from man to his Maker? The Supreme Being does not only shower upon us those bounties which proceed more immediately from His hand, but even those benefits which are conveyed to us by others. Every blessing we enjoy, by what means soever it may be derived upon us is the gift of Him Who is the great Author of good, and the Father of mercies.

At the conclusion of this essay, Addison's poem "When All Thy Mercies, O My God" appeared.  It has been matched to many tunes in subsequent centuries: the melody used here was first published in British composer William Gardiner's (1770-1853) first volume of Sacred Melodies in 1812, exactly one hundred years after Addison's poem first appeared in print. Set in 3/4 time, the tune has a tender, sweet quality that beautifully complements Addison's verses.

"When All Thy Mercies" is loosely based on the following passages of Scripture:

Isaiah 63:7

I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord
And the praises of the Lord,
According to all that the Lord has bestowed on us,
And the great goodness toward the house of Israel,
Which He has bestowed on them according to His mercies,
According to the multitude of His lovingkindnesses.

Psalm 139:13-18

For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You.

Psalm 23:6

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

Forever.

As always, I will play through the entire hymn once so that you can get acquainted with the tune (also, I continue to transpose all hymns to slightly lower keys for singing comfort). You'll notice that the sheet music here lists only five verses, but on the recording I included the triumphant sixth verse listed below that is very reminiscent of the final verse of  Newton's "Amazing Grace" with its theme of eternal praise.  (The original poem had 13 verses).

If you would like to hear a recording of this hymn with singing, here's a lovely rendition by Fernando Ortega. 

When all your mercies, O my God,
my rising soul surveys,
transported with the view, I'm lost
in wonder, love, and praise.

Unnumbered comforts to my soul
your tender care bestowed,
before my infant heart conceived
from whom those comforts flowed.

When worn with sickness, oft have you
with health renewed my face;
and when in sins and sorrows sunk,
revived my soul with grace.

Ten thousand thousand precious gifts
my daily thanks employ;
nor is the least a cheerful heart
that tastes those gifts with joy.

Through ev'ry period of my life
your goodness I'll pursue;
and after death, in distant worlds,
the glorious theme renew.

Through all eternity to you
a joyful song I'll raise;
for oh, eternity's too short
to utter all your praise.

POSTLUDE

My Savior's Love (I Stand Amazed)

Words and Music by Charles Gabriel, arranged for solo piano by Melody Bober

Luke 22:41-42

He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed,  “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.

Ephesians 5:1-2

Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

This is the second appearance of Charles Gabriel (1856-1932) in this post: he was the composer of the music for "His Eye is on the Sparrow," listed above.  Like Fanny Crosby and Charles Wesley, Gabriel was a member of an elite club, having written over 7,000 hymns and gospel songs.  Born in rural Iowa, Gabriel worked for several years as church music director in San Francisco, returned to the Midwest to work for Homer Rodeheaver's publishing company in Chicago, and headed west once more at the end of his life (he died in Hollywood, CA).  He was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1982.

You can see this hymn as originally printed in 1905 and read the story behind its creation in this post at Hymnology Archive.  Here are two excerpts from short biographies of Gabriel written while he was still active as a composer. 

I stand amazed in the presence
of Jesus, the Nazarene,
and wonder how he could love me,
a sinner, condemned, unclean.

Refrain:
How marvelous, how wonderful!
And my song shall ever be:
How marvelous, how wonderful
is my Savior’s love for me!

He took my sins and my sorrows;
he made them his very own;
he bore the burden to Calvary
and suffered and died alone. [Refrain]

When with the ransomed in glory
his face I at last shall see,
’twill be my joy through the ages
to sing of his love for me. [Refrain]

Music for At-Home Worship: Sunday, May 17

Welcome!  

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.”

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.

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 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.

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!

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,

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!

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. 

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.

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!

Music for At-Home Worship: Sunday, May 10

Welcome!

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 (Isaiah 49:13)

Today and every day we can shout for joy . . . our God is compassionate and loving!  Here are hymns for you to sing at home this weekend that are bursting with themes of praise, supplication, comfort, and (blessed) assurance!  You can also learn a beautiful "new" (old) hymn by the author of "Amazing Grace." The prelude will help you enter into a time of worship, and the postlude will send you joyfully on your way.

For the best sound, turn up your volume and/or use external speakers.

IF YOU ARE LISTENING/VIEWING ON A MOBILE DEVICE/TABLET:

If given an option on your mobile device, click "LISTEN IN BROWSER" (rather than "Play on SoundCloud") on the audio player windows so that you stay on this page and can sing along using the printed lyrics.

PRELUDE

There is a Balm in Gilead

Traditional African-American Spiritual, arranged for solo piano by Mary Sallee

Since my people are crushed, I am crushed;
I mourn, and horror grips me.
Is there no balm in Gilead?
Is there no physician there?
Why then is there no healing
for the wound of my people? (Jeremiah 8:21-22)

The story of this profoundly beautiful African-American spiritual, which takes the prophet Jeremiah's question and gives it a resounding answer, "there IS a balm in Gilead," can be found here.  

There is a balm in Gilead
to make the wounded whole,
there is a balm in Gilead
to heal the sin-sick soul.

Sometimes I feel discouraged
and think my work's in vain,
but then the Holy Spirit
revives my soul again. (Refrain)

If you cannot preach like Peter,
if you cannot pray like Paul,
you can tell the love of Jesus
and say, "He died for all." (Refrain)

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Words by Charles Wesley, Music by John Zundel

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. (1 John 4:16) 

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:18)

The author of over 6,000 hymns (plus an additional 3,000 poems with spiritual themes), Charles Wesley (1707-1788) was the youngest of 19 children (10 of whom survived to adulthood) born to Samuel and Susannah Wesley. His early years were filled with Susannah's dynamic home-schooling: she taught her children for six hours each day, educating them in diverse subjects including Latin and Greek.  After receiving his master's degree from Oxford University, Charles spent many years traveling on horseback and preaching with his brother John, often in open air settings. Although already a professing Christian he experienced a deep spiritual renewal in 1738: it was immediately following this period that he began to prolifically write hymns, including "Jesus, Lover of My Soul," "Christ the Lord is Risen Today," "Hark the Herald Angels Sing," and "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing." Scholars calculate that Wesley produced, on average, 10 lines of poetic verse a day for 50 years.

"Love Divine, All Loves Excelling" was included in Wesley's 1747 collection, Hymns for Those that Seek, and Those that Have, Redemption in the Blood of Christ. The tune that is now commonly matched with Wesley's text in American hymnals was composed in 1870 by John Zundel, a German organist and composer who emigrated to America and was hired by famed preacher Henry Ward Beecher to be organist and music director at Brooklyn's Plymouth Church.

Love divine, all loves excelling,

Joy of heav'n to earth come down:
fix in us thy humble dwelling,
all thy faithful mercies crown:
Jesus, thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation,
enter ev'ry trembling heart.

Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit
into ev'ry troubled breast;
let us all in thee inherit,
let us find the promised rest:
take away the love of sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
End of faith, as its Beginning,
set our hearts at liberty.

Come, Almighty to deliver,
let us all thy life receive;
suddenly return, and never,
nevermore thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray and praise thee without ceasing,
glory in thy perfect love.

Finish, then, thy new creation;
pure and spotless let us be:
let us see thy great salvation
perfectly restored in thee;
changed from glory into glory,
'til in heav'n we take our place,
'til we cast our crowns before thee,
lost in wonder, love, and praise.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Words by Joseph Scriven, Music by Charles C. Converse

Joseph M. Scriven (1819-1886) was an Irish-born poet and preacher who emigrated to Canada in 1844.  He wrote "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" in 1855 as a message of comfort to his mother in Ireland who was seriously ill. Scriven had already faced severe trials and discouragement in his own life: here is a short documentary on Scriven and his most famous hymn.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)

What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer!

Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge--
take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.

Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine

Words by Fanny Crosby, Music by Phoebe Knapp

Francis Jane "Fanny" Crosby (1820-1925) wrote over 8,000 hymns, including "All the Way My Savior Leads Me," "To God Be the Glory," "Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior," "Safe in the Arms of Jesus," "Rescue the Perishing," and "Jesus Keep Me Near the Cross."  Blinded at the age of six weeks by a sham doctor who applied hot mustard poultices to her eyes as a medical treatment, she did not consider her lack of vision to be an impairment and began writing poetry at the age of 8.

Fanny Crosby collaborated with a number of talented composers (she herself was also musically gifted). Often she wrote lyrics that matched pre-existing tunes, and this was the case with "Blessed Assurance," one of Fanny's best-known hymns.  Composer Phoebe Knapp (1839-1908) played a tune for Fanny, asking, "what does that melody say to you?"  Fanny immediately replied, "Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine!" and then spontaneously recited her newly composed lyrics for the entire first stanza.

Fanny Crosby's inspiring life story is related in this documentary:

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.  Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:22-23) 

My tongue will proclaim your righteousness,
your praises all day long. (Psalm 35:28)

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior, all the day long;
this is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
angels descending, bring from above
echoes of mercy, whispers of love. [Refrain]

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with his goodness, lost in his love. [Refrain]

Let's Learn a "New" (Old) Hymn Together

How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds

Words by John Newton, Music by Alexander Reinagle

You may recognize the name of John Newton: he was the author of "Amazing Grace," which is widely considered to be the most recognizable hymn in the English language.  If you are not familiar with Newton's dramatic life journey and his crisis of conscience and subsequent reformation after a career as a slave trader, you can read about him here

After his conversion, Newton became the curate of a small parish in Olney, England, and wanted to create hymns that would promote "the faith and comfort of sincere Christians." "How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds" is one of many hymns by John Newton that appeared in Olney Hymns, a collection co-written by Newton and poet William Cowper in 1779.

Here is a post that provides further background information on Newton and "How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds." In addition, this post from Hymnology Archive discusses each verse in detail and includes a photograph showing the hymn's original appearance  The entire collection of Olney Hymns is available for online viewing here.

I've transposed this into a more comfortable singing key and will also play the entire hymn once through before playing the first verse. If you would like to hear a recording of this "How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds" with singing, here is a solo version and here is a version featuring organ and congregational singing.

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
in a believer's ear!
It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds,
and drives away our fear.

It makes the wounded spirit whole
and calms the troubled breast;
'tis manna to the hungry soul,
and to the weary, rest.

O Jesus, shepherd, guardian, friend,
my Prophet, Priest, and King,
my Lord, my Life, my Way, my End,
accept the praise I bring.

How weak the effort of my heart,
how cold my warmest thought;
but when I see you as you are,
I'll praise you as I ought.

Till then I would your love proclaim
with every fleeting breath;
and may the music of your name
refresh my soul in death.

All Things Bright And Beautiful

Words by Cecil Frances Alexander, "Royal Oak" traditional English melody, arranged for solo piano by Roger Summers

This hymn was originally included in Mrs. Cecil Frances Alexander's 1848 publication, Hymns for Little Children. The same collection also featured "Once in Royal David's City," which has become a much-loved Christmas carol. "Fanny" Alexander, as she was known to her friends, was devoted to helping those struggling with poverty and disease, and donated the proceeds from the sale of Hymns to Children to a charity improving the lives of hearing- and speech-impaired children.

You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you. (Nehemiah 9:6)

All things bright and beautiful,

all creatures great and small,
all things wise and wonderful,
the Lord God made them all.

Each little flow'r that opens,
each little bird that sings,
he made their glowing colors,
he made their tiny wings. [Refrain]

The purple-headed mountain,
the river running by,
the sunset, and the morning
that brightens up the sky. [Refrain]

The cold wind in the winter,
the pleasant summer sun,
the ripe fruits in the garden,
he made them, ev'ry one. [Refrain]

The tall trees in the greenwood,
the meadows where we play,
the flowers by the water
we gather ev'ry day. [Refrain]

He gave us eyes to see them,
and lips that we might tell
how great is God Almighty,
who has made all things well. [Refrain]

Music for At-Home Worship: Sunday, May 3

Welcome, all!

Let's raise the rafters with thanksgiving for another week of safety and praise the Lord for his great faithfulness!

Are you ready to worship, but worried about the quality of your singing voice?

Listen with your heart to the words of Thomas Tuller, a 17th-century English theologian:

Hadst Thou given me a better voice, I would have praised Thee with a better voice, now what my music wants in sweetness let it have in sense--singing praises with my understanding.  Yea, Lord, create in me a new heart, therein to make melody, and I will be contented with my old voice until in Thy due time, being admitted unto the choir of heaven, I have another, more harmonious, bestowed upon me. 

On that note, it's time to warm up and get to the music!  Today, as always, we have the privilege of enjoying songs of adoration and assurance, as well learning a new "old" hymn together. The prelude beckons you to worship "with heart and voice," and the postlude will send you forth with a smiling soul and a spring in your step!

For the best sound, turn up your volume and/or use external speakers.

IF YOU ARE LISTENING/VIEWING ON A MOBILE DEVICE/TABLET:

If given an option on your mobile device, click "LISTEN IN BROWSER" (rather than "Play on SoundCloud") on the audio player windows so that you stay on this page and can sing along using the printed lyrics.

PRELUDE
(prepare your heart, mind, and soul to worship)

Words by Christian H. Bateman, "Madrid" hymn tune (Spanish Traditional Melody), arranged for solo piano by Roger Summers

J Olvera · Come, Christians, Join To Sing.MP3

Come, Christians, join to sing
Alleluia! Amen!
loud praise to Christ our King;
Alleluia! Amen!
let all, with heart and voice,
before his throne rejoice;
praise is his gracious choice.
Alleluia! Amen!

Come, lift your hearts on high,
Alleluia! Amen!
let praises fill the sky;
Alleluia! Amen!
he is our Guide and Friend;
to us he’ll condescend;
his love shall never end.
Alleluia! Amen!

Praise yet our Christ again,
Alleluia! Amen!
life shall not end the strain;
Alleluia! Amen!
on heaven’s blissful shore,
his goodness we’ll adore,
singing forevermore,
"Alleluia! Amen!”

HYMNS FOR YOU TO SING AT HOME

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty

Words by Reginald Heber, Music by John B. Dykes

Scripture references:

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another:

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;
the whole earth is full of his glory.” (Isaiah 6:1-5)

Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop saying:

"Holy, holy, holy
is the Lord God Almighty,’
who was, and is, and is to come.” (Revelation 4:8)

J Olvera · Holy, Holy, Holy.MP3

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore thee,
casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee,
who wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide thee,
though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see,
only thou art holy; there is none beside thee
perfect in pow'r, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

How Firm a Foundation

Words: anonymous, from A Selection of Hymns (1787) edited by John Rippon, "Foundation" American hymn tune (anonymous)

Although scholars have attempted to discern the mysterious letter "K" which is the only clue to the author of this hymn's lyrics, there is still no agreement as to who actually penned these inspiring verses. What is known is that the hymn was originally titled "Scripture Promises" in British pastor John Rippon's 1787 collection of hymns, and these words referring to 2 Peter 1:4 were printed above the first stanza: "Exceeding great and precious promises."

The structure of this hymn is closely tied to Scripture: verse 1 reminds us, "What more can He say than to you He has said?" (through His "excellent Word"). The subsequent verses each reflect a different Biblical promise. You can read a more detailed analysis of this hymn and its history here.

"How Firm a Foundation" was a favorite hymn of President Andrew Jackson (and Confederate General Robert E. Lee) and was sung at the funerals of Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson. Although it isn't a Christmas hymn, it was spontaneously sung by American troops in Havana, Cuba as the clock struck midnight on Christmas Eve, 1898, during the Spanish-American War (you can read that incredible story here).

There are two additional stanzas to this hymn that have been omitted from most modern hymnals: they are both beautiful and the first of these is especially applicable during this uncertain time.

In every condition, in sickness, in health;
In poverty's vale, or abounding in wealth;
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,
As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be. 

Even down to old age all My people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.

J Olvera · How Firm A Foundation.MP3

How firm a foundation, you saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in his excellent Word!
What more can he say than to you he has said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?

"Fear not, I am with you, O be not dismayed;
for I am your God, and will still give you aid;
I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand."

"When through the deep waters I call you to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
for I will be with you, your troubles to bless,
and sanctify to you your deepest distress."

"When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie,
my grace, all-sufficient, shall be your supply;
the flame shall not hurt you; I only design
your dross to consume and your gold to refine."

"The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to his foes;
that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no never, no never forsake."

Like A River Glorious

Merced River, Yosemite Valley (Albert Bierstadt, 1866).  Public Domain

Words by Frances Ridley Havergal, Music by James Mountain

British poet and hymnwriter Frances Havergal (1836-1879) was vacationing in Wales when she caught a severe cold resulting in inflammation of her lungs. She thought she might die, and was at peace as she had a precious relationship with her Savior. But she survived, and wrote "Like a River Glorious" later that year.

She incorporated Isaiah 26:3 into her hymn ("You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.) as well as Isaiah 66:12.

For this is what the Lord says: “I will extend peace to her like a river, and the wealth of nations like a flooding stream."

J Olvera · Like A River Glorious.MP3

Like a river glorious
Is God’s perfect peace,
Over all victorious,
In its bright increase;
Perfect, yet it floweth
Fuller every day;
Perfect, yet it groweth
Deeper all the way.

Refrain:
Stayed upon Jehovah,
Hearts are fully blest -
Finding, as He promised,
Perfect peace and rest.

Hidden in the hollow
Of His blessed hand,
Never foe can follow,
Never traitor stand;
Not a surge of worry,
Not a shade of care,
Not a blast of hurry -
Touch the Spirit there. [Refrain]

Every joy or trial
Falleth from above,
Traced upon our dial
By the Sun of Love;
We may trust Him fully
All for us to do;
They who trust Him wholly
Find Him wholly true. [Refrain]

BONUS: LET'S LEARN A "NEW" OLD HYMN TOGETHER!
If You But Trust in God to Guide You

Words by Georg Neumark (1627-1681), translated by Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878). Music by Georg Neumark

Hymnwriter Georg Neumark was no stranger to hard times. He came of age during the Thirty Years' War in Germany (1618-1648), a time of deprivation and suffering. When Neumark was twenty, hope-filled and headed toward university study, he was robbed of all his possessions (except his prayer book and a small amount of money sewn into his clothes). He later experienced success as a poet and scholar but continued to deal with challenges, such as the loss once again of all he owned in 1646, this time due to fire.

Throughout the ups and downs of his life, Neumark wrote hymns that reflected his faith in God's "changeless love." One of his best-known hymns is "If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee" which has been modernized to "If You But Trust in God to Guide You." Neumark was unique in that he also composed the tune for this hymn: notably, it is in a minor key. We seem to have developed a subtle aversion in today's churches to minor key hymns/songs (except, perhaps during the Lenten season). For many people, minor keys = "sad" and major keys = "happy."

Unfortunately, this idea keeps us from regularly singing many beautiful, extremely meaningful hymns. Minor keys offer a special kind of depth and profundity. Perhaps that's because minor keys also contain major chords. . . much like life: we can find hope even during suffering because we "trust in Him, indeed."  God's presence and power provide the major chord(s) we desperately need when we seem to be living in a minor key.

Finally, just as minor key hymns like "If  You But Trust in God to Guide You" may reflect our changeable emotional state in sound, the text provides a solid, comforting grounding. Our feelings may tell us one thing, but God reassures us that He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End . . . and, as Neumark describes Him, "the Rock that will not move."

Many 17th-19th century German hymns might be lost to us today without the faithful work of poet, translator, and women's rights' activist Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878) who translated hundreds of these classic sacred songs into English.

If you would like to hear a recording of this hymn with singing, click here.

Public Domain. Courtesy of Hymnary.org

J Olvera · If You But Trust in God to Guide You.MP3

If you but trust in God to guide you,
And place your confidence in Him,
You’ll find Him always there beside you
To give you hope and strength within;
For those who trust God’s changeless love
Build on the Rock that will not move.

Only be still and wait His pleasure
In cheerful hope, with heart content:
He fills your needs to fullest measure
With what discerning love has sent;
Doubt not our inmost wants are known
To Him who chose us for His own.

Sing, pray, and keep His ways unswerving,
Offer your service faithfully,
And trust His word; though undeserving,
You’ll find His promise true to be;
God never will forsake in need
The soul that trusts in Him indeed.

POSTLUDE

Words by Anna Bartlett Warner, Music by William B. Bradbury, arranged for solo piano by Shirley Brendlinger

Along with "Amazing Grace," this may be one of the best-known Christian songs/hymns. Its history, however, is little known. Anna Bartlett Warner (1827-1915) wrote these verses in 1859, and they were included in her sister Susan Warner's 1860 novel, Say and Seal.  In the story, a dying boy is comforted by his Sunday school teacher who sings him the stanzas listed below (most of us are only familiar with the first stanza and refrain). Two years later, musician William Batchelder Bradbury added the tune as well as the now-familiar refrain, "Yes, Jesus Loves Me."

Anna and Susan Warner were both successful writers (sometimes described as ''the Brönte Sisters of America") and lived in their family home on Constitution Island in the Hudson River. They taught Bible classes to nearby West Point cadets for 50 years: they would boat across to the academy until they were too frail to make the trip, then the cadets would come to them for both Biblical training and warm hospitality that included lemonade and ginger cookies. They are the only two civilian women buried at the U.S. Military Academy Cemetary, recognized for their service to generations of these young soldiers. 

"Jesus Loves Me" is typically considered to be a song for children.  Yet it is deeply meaningful to many adults as well. Famed German theologian Karl Barth was asked in 1962 how he would summarize his numerous writings on faith and religion, and simply stated, "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so."

J Olvera · Jesus Loves Me.MP3

Jesus loves me, this I know,
for the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong;
they are weak, but he is strong.

Refrain:
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me, this I know,
he loved children long ago.
In his arms for all to see,
saying, "Let them come to me." [Refrain]

Jesus loves me, he will stay
close beside me all the way;
he's prepared a home for me,
and someday his face I'll see. [Refrain]

Jesus loves me, loves me still,
though I'm very weak and ill;
from his shining throne on high
comes to watch me where I lie. [Refrain]

Jesus loves me, he who died,
heaven's gates to open wide;
he will wash away my sin,
let his little child come in. [Refrain]