Welcome!
(If you've been here before, skip right on down to the music for this weekend! If you're new, here's a little introduction!)
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Here you will find music for at-home musical worship. You can listen to a piano prelude that will help you to enter into a spirit of worship. And then . . . it's time to sing!
Simple piano accompaniments for each hymn are posted that will help you to sing with joy. Each hymn has been transposed downward: no need to fear the high notes! You'll also find Bible verses that thematically relate to (or directly inspired) the lyrics as well as historical background about each hymn. Some songs may be new to you, so the printed music might be helpful: you'll also find links to recordings of the hymns with singing so that you can get a feel for the melody. At the end of each week's post, you'll hear a piano postlude intended to send you forth with a refreshed and renewed spirit!
The lyrics and Scripture are beautiful to meditate upon all on their own. Most historical hymns were written first as poems, and it can be meaningful to read or speak the lyrics. I've provided the lyrics for the hymn-based prelude and postlude selections so that you can read them while you listen to the solo piano arrangements.
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If you would like to hear any of your favorite hymns from past "Notes of Glory" posts again, here is an alphabetical list, with each hymn linked to the post where it first appeared (dating back to the very first post on March 22, 2020).
Complete "Notes of Glory" Song List
IF YOU ARE LISTENING/VIEWING ON A MOBILE DEVICE/TABLET:
If given an option on your mobile device, click "LISTEN IN BROWSER" (rather than "Play on SoundCloud") on the audio player windows so that you stay on this page and can sing along using the printed lyrics.
PRELUDE
(to help you prepare to worship)
My Peace I Give to You
Piano solo by Barbara J. Heastings
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
HYMNS TO SING AT HOME
How Great Thou Art
Words by Carl Boberg, translated by Stuart K. Hine. Traditional Swedish folk melody.
Psalm 8:3-4
When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?
Psalm 92:4-5
For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord;
I sing for joy at what your hands have done.
How great are your works, Lord,
how profound your thoughts!
Jeremiah 10:6
There is none like you, O Lord;
you are great, and your name is great in might.
you are great, and your name is great in might.
Romans 8:31-33
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
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First popularized in America as a result of its inclusion in Billy Graham's crusades, the beloved hymn "How Great Thou Art" has Swedish roots, but also has ties to Germany, Russia, and England. The composer of the original poem, Carl Boberg (1859-1940) was a Swedish poet and member of the Riksdag, the national legislature of Sweden. He also was a lay minister in the Mission Covenant Church of Sweden and edited a weekly Christian newspaper called "Witness to the Truth."
Boberg recounted the events which inspired him to write "O Store Gud." ("O Great God").
If this hymn is new to you, here is a beautiful recording by contemporary gospel singer CeCe Winans that you will enjoy, as well as George Beverly Shea's version from Billy Graham's historic 1957 New York crusade. You may also want to listen to Mahalia Jackson's majestic interpretation, as well as a well-loved version by the Blackwood Brothers.
As noted above, here is the printed music which features the Swedish folk melody along with the original English translation by E. Gustav Johnson: feel free to give this version a try if you'd like! The lyrics for the best-known English version, translated by Stuart Fine, are listed below the printed score.
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First popularized in America as a result of its inclusion in Billy Graham's crusades, the beloved hymn "How Great Thou Art" has Swedish roots, but also has ties to Germany, Russia, and England. The composer of the original poem, Carl Boberg (1859-1940) was a Swedish poet and member of the Riksdag, the national legislature of Sweden. He also was a lay minister in the Mission Covenant Church of Sweden and edited a weekly Christian newspaper called "Witness to the Truth."
Boberg recounted the events which inspired him to write "O Store Gud." ("O Great God").
It was in 1885, and in the time of year when everything seemed to be in its richest coloring; the birds were singing in trees and wherever they could find a perch. On a particular afternoon, some friends and I had been to Kronobäck where we had participated in an afternoon service. As we were returning a thunderstorm began to appear on the horizon. We hurried to shelter. There were loud claps of thunder, and the lighting flashed across the sky. Strong winds swept over the meadows and billowing fields of grain. However, the storm was soon over and the clear sky appeared with a beautiful rainbow.You can read further about the fascinating journey of this hymn to Germany and England as well as to Russia (where the hymn's title was translated " Veleky Bog") in this fantastic article at the Hymnology Archive, which also displays the poem and hymn in various original printed settings. A 1925 English translation by E. Gustav Johnson, "O Mighty God," never achieved popularity but is shown in the printed music below along with the Swedish folk melody that was always associated with the poem: it is believed that Boberg wrote the poem with this particular melody in mind. Stuart Fine (1899-1989), an English missionary, provided the translation that we now know as "How Great Thou Art" and also added two new verses. It is this version which was used extensively in Billy Graham crusades, sung by George Beverly Shea.
After reaching my home, I opened my window toward the sea. The church bells were playing the tune of a hymn. That same evening I wrote a poem which I titled, "O Store Gud" (How Great Thou Art).
If this hymn is new to you, here is a beautiful recording by contemporary gospel singer CeCe Winans that you will enjoy, as well as George Beverly Shea's version from Billy Graham's historic 1957 New York crusade. You may also want to listen to Mahalia Jackson's majestic interpretation, as well as a well-loved version by the Blackwood Brothers.
As noted above, here is the printed music which features the Swedish folk melody along with the original English translation by E. Gustav Johnson: feel free to give this version a try if you'd like! The lyrics for the best-known English version, translated by Stuart Fine, are listed below the printed score.
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| Public domain. Courtesy of The Cyber Hymnal |
O Lord my God
When I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds
Thy hands have made
I see the stars
I hear the rolling thunder
Thy pow'r thru'out
The universe displayed
Chorus
Then sings my soul
My Savior God, to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art
Then sings my soul
My Savior God to Thee
How great Thou art
How great Thou art
When through the woods
And forest glades I wander
And hear the birds
Sing sweetly in the trees
When I look down
From lofty mountain grandeur
And hear the brook
And feel the gentle breeze
And when I think
That God His Son not sparing
Sent Him to die
I scarce can take it in
That on the cross
My burden gladly bearing
He bled and died
To take away my sin
When Christ shall come
With shout of acclamation
And take me home
What joy shall fill my heart
Then I shall bow
In humble adoration
And there proclaim
My God how great Thou art
© Copyright 1949 and 1953 Stuart Hine Trust CIO Stuart K. Hine Trust (Administration: USA All rights by Capitol CMG Publishing, except print rights for USA, North, Central and South America administered by Hope Publishing. All other non USA Americas rights by the Stuart Hine Trust. Rest of World – Integritymusic.com.)
Used by Permission. CCLI License # 419384
He Hideth My Soul
Words by Frances "Fanny" Crosby, Music by William James Kirkpatrick
Exodus 33:21-33
And the Lord said, “Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.”Psalm 32:7
You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with shouts of deliverance.
Colossians 3:1-4
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. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Ephesians 1:3-6
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.
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Here's another deeply moving hymn from the pen of Frances "Fanny" Crosby (1820-1915), who wrote approximately 9000 hymns, often using one of nearly 200 pseudonymns assigned to her by publishers who were reluctant to feature so many hymns written by the same person. In the case of "He Hideth My Soul," Fanny was approached by composer William Kirkpatrick (1838-1921) who had writtten a tune that needed lyrics. Kirkpatrick also wrote the music for Crosby's hymn "Redeemed," and collaborated with other lyricists on the hymns "Lead Me To Calvary," "Jesus Saves!" and "My Faith Has Found a Resting Place."
You can read more about this joyful and comforting hymn, which recounts Exodus 33:20-22, here. If this hymn is new to you, here is a recording featuring the Celebration Choir. You may also enjoy this version featured on the Gaither "Kennedy Center Homecoming" concert.
A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
A wonderful Savior to me;
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,
Where rivers of pleasure I see.
Chorus:
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
That shadows a dry, thirsty land;
He hideth my life in the depths of His love
And covers me there with His hand,
And covers me there with His hand.
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Here's another deeply moving hymn from the pen of Frances "Fanny" Crosby (1820-1915), who wrote approximately 9000 hymns, often using one of nearly 200 pseudonymns assigned to her by publishers who were reluctant to feature so many hymns written by the same person. In the case of "He Hideth My Soul," Fanny was approached by composer William Kirkpatrick (1838-1921) who had writtten a tune that needed lyrics. Kirkpatrick also wrote the music for Crosby's hymn "Redeemed," and collaborated with other lyricists on the hymns "Lead Me To Calvary," "Jesus Saves!" and "My Faith Has Found a Resting Place."
You can read more about this joyful and comforting hymn, which recounts Exodus 33:20-22, here. If this hymn is new to you, here is a recording featuring the Celebration Choir. You may also enjoy this version featured on the Gaither "Kennedy Center Homecoming" concert.
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| Public domain. Courtesy of Hymnary.org |
A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
A wonderful Savior to me;
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock,
Where rivers of pleasure I see.
Chorus:
He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock
That shadows a dry, thirsty land;
He hideth my life in the depths of His love
And covers me there with His hand,
And covers me there with His hand.
A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord,
He taketh my burden away;
He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved,
He giveth me strength as my day. [Chorus]
With numberless blessings each moment He crowns,
And filled with His fullness divine,
I sing in my rapture, "Oh, glory to God
For such a Redeemer as mine!" [Chorus]
When clothed in His brightness, transported I rise
To meet Him in clouds of the sky,
His perfect salvation, His wonderful love
I'll shout with the millions on high! [Chorus]
Take Time to Be Holy
Words by William Longstaff, Music by George Stebbins
Leviticus 20:7-8
Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy; for I am the Lord your God. Keep my statutes, and observe them; I am the Lord; I sanctify you.
Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
1 Peter 1:13-16
Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”
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Although hymnody is bursting with copious numbers of hymns from prolific writers like Fanny Crosby, Charles Wesley and Isaac Watts, there are also "one hit wonders" in the hymn repertory that are no less significant. William Longstaff (1822-1894) is best known for writing the lyrics to "Take Time to Be Holy." Born into a wealthy family, Longstaff gave his life to Christ after hearing a missionary preach on the text of 1 Peter 1: 3-16 with its call to holiness, guided by the Holy Spirit and made possible by Christ's sacrifice. This experience later inspired Longstaff''s poem, "Take Time To Be Holy." Longstaff was a businessman with a passion for evangelism, and was a generous financial benefactor to both the Salvation Army (whose founder, William Booth, was a personal friend to Longstaff) and also evangelist Dwight Moody, who led revival meetings in England during the 1870s. During this period, Lonstaff showed musician Ira Sankey (who was the musical director of Moody's revival meetings) his poem, "Take Time to Be Holy," and Sankey later showed it to Chiago-based composer George Stebbins (1846-1945). At first Stebbins set the poem aside, but after hearing a sermon on the topic of holiness several years later, he remembered Longstaff's lyrics on the same subject and composed the music to match the words. The complete hymn first appeared in Ira Sankey's published collection New Songs and Sacred Solos (1888).
Some of Longstaff's other poems were featured in the Salvation Army's publication "The War Cry" in the 1880s, but "Take Time to Be Holy" is his best known hymn. If this hymn is new to you, here is a lovely recording featuring Christian singer Joseph Habedank.
Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.
Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.
Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.
POSTLUDE
(to send you forth with joy!)
O Come and Sing Unto the Lord
Piano solo by Garrett Parker
Psalm 95:1-7
Oh come, let us sing to the Lord;
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God,
and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth;
the heights of the mountains are his also.
The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep of his hand.
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Although hymnody is bursting with copious numbers of hymns from prolific writers like Fanny Crosby, Charles Wesley and Isaac Watts, there are also "one hit wonders" in the hymn repertory that are no less significant. William Longstaff (1822-1894) is best known for writing the lyrics to "Take Time to Be Holy." Born into a wealthy family, Longstaff gave his life to Christ after hearing a missionary preach on the text of 1 Peter 1: 3-16 with its call to holiness, guided by the Holy Spirit and made possible by Christ's sacrifice. This experience later inspired Longstaff''s poem, "Take Time To Be Holy." Longstaff was a businessman with a passion for evangelism, and was a generous financial benefactor to both the Salvation Army (whose founder, William Booth, was a personal friend to Longstaff) and also evangelist Dwight Moody, who led revival meetings in England during the 1870s. During this period, Lonstaff showed musician Ira Sankey (who was the musical director of Moody's revival meetings) his poem, "Take Time to Be Holy," and Sankey later showed it to Chiago-based composer George Stebbins (1846-1945). At first Stebbins set the poem aside, but after hearing a sermon on the topic of holiness several years later, he remembered Longstaff's lyrics on the same subject and composed the music to match the words. The complete hymn first appeared in Ira Sankey's published collection New Songs and Sacred Solos (1888).
Some of Longstaff's other poems were featured in the Salvation Army's publication "The War Cry" in the 1880s, but "Take Time to Be Holy" is his best known hymn. If this hymn is new to you, here is a lovely recording featuring Christian singer Joseph Habedank.
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| Public domain. Courtesy of Hymnary.org |
Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.
Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.
Take time to be holy, let Him be thy Guide;
And run not before Him, whatever betide.
In joy or in sorrow, still follow the Lord,
And, looking to Jesus, still trust in His Word.
Take time to be holy, be calm in thy soul,
Each thought and each motive beneath His control.
Thus led by His Spirit to fountains of love,
Thou soon shalt be fitted for service above.
POSTLUDE
(to send you forth with joy!)
O Come and Sing Unto the Lord
Piano solo by Garrett Parker
Psalm 95:1-7
Oh come, let us sing to the Lord;
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God,
and a great King above all gods.
In his hand are the depths of the earth;
the heights of the mountains are his also.
The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.
Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
For he is our God,
and we are the people of his pasture,
and the sheep of his hand.
