As we worship in our homes today, may true adoration and love for God overflow from our grateful hearts. May the songs, Scripture, images, and stories shared here draw you nearer to Him as you prepare to greet a new week of life.
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
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PRELUDE
Words and music by Clara H. Fiske Scott, arrangement for solo piano by Michael Wilson
Psalm 119:18
Open my eyes that I may see
wonderful things in your law.
Proverbs 20:12
Ears that hear and eyes that see—
the Lord has made them both.
the Lord has made them both.
Psalm 51:15
Open my lips, Lord,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
and my mouth will declare your praise.
Clara Scott (1841-1897) penned this musical prayer asking that the Holy Spirit reveal truth through the opening of one's eyes, ears, and heart, and also asking for courage to verbally share "the warm truth everywhere." Born in in Elk Grove, Illinois, Scott attended Chicago's C. M. Cady Music Institute at age 15: three years later she was teaching music at the Ladies Seminary in Lyons, Iowa. She published piano and vocal music including The Royal Anthem Book (1882), a collection of anthems for mixed voices considered to be the first such collection published by a woman. Inspired by Psalm 119:18, Scott wrote "Open My Eyes" in 1895: just two years later she died in a carriage accident. Today she is best known as the creator of this quiet hymn of supplication.
Open my eyes, that I may see
glimpses of truth you have for me;
place in my hands the wonderful key
that shall unlock and set me free.
Silently now, on bended knee,
ready I wait your will to see;
open my eyes, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
Open my ears, that I may hear
voices of truth you send so clear;
and while the message sounds in my ear,
everything false will disappear.
Silently now, on bended knee,
ready I wait your will to see;
open my ears, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
Open my mouth, and let me bear
gladly the warm truth everywhere;
open my heart, and let me prepare
love with your children thus to share.
Silently now, on bended knee,
ready I wait your will to see;
open my heart, illumine me,
Spirit divine!
HYMNS FOR YOU TO SING AT HOME
I Sing the Mighty Power of God
Words by Isaac Watts, "Ellacombe" hymn tune, first published in a chapel hymnal for the Duke of Würtemberg (Gesangbuch der Herzogl), 1784
Jeremiah 10:12-13
But God made the earth by his power;
he founded the world by his wisdom
and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.
When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar;
he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth.
He sends lightning with the rain
and brings out the wind from his storehouses.
Nehemiah 9:6
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.
Psalm 19:1
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
When we take time to enjoy nature, it's easy to be amazed at the beauty around us. However, nature's grandeur is but an arrow pointing us toward our Creator, whose power, goodness, and wisdom are displayed in every facet of the natural world.
In "I Sing the Mighty Power of God," poet, hymn writer and pastor Isaac Watts (1674-1749) presented a vivid word painting of Creation in action, and then portrayed what had been created, now in worship of the Creator. Watts, known as the "Father of English hymnody" wrote over 600 hymns, and created controversy by introducing non-Psalm newly-composed songs into English worship. Many of Watts' hymns are in active use today, including "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," "Joy to the World," "Jesus Shall Reign" and "O God, Our Help in Ages Past." Listing Watt's many creative accomplishments and describing his life story would require many more paragraphs: here is an excellent summary of his life and musical contributions at the Center of Church Music website. And here is a wonderful arrangement of "I Sing the Mighty Power" by the a capella group Glad.
I sing the mighty pow'r of God
That made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad,
And built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained
The sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at His command
And all the stars obey.
I sing the goodness of the Lord
That filled the earth with food;
He formed the creatures with His word
And then pronounced them good.
Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed
Where'er I turn my eye:
If I survey the ground I tread
Or gaze upon the sky!
There's not a plant or flow'r below
But makes Thy glories known;
And clouds arise and tempests blow
By order from Thy throne;
While all that borrows life from Thee
Is ever in Thy care,
And everywhere that man can be,
Thou, God, art present there.
Beautiful Savior/Fairest Lord Jesus
Words originally published in the Münster Gesangbuch, 1677, translated by Joseph August Seiss.
Music: "St. Elizabeth" hymn tune (also known as "Crusader's Hymn"), a Silesian folk song from Schlesische Volkslieder, 1842; arranged by Richard Storrs Willis.
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
When we take time to enjoy nature, it's easy to be amazed at the beauty around us. However, nature's grandeur is but an arrow pointing us toward our Creator, whose power, goodness, and wisdom are displayed in every facet of the natural world.
In "I Sing the Mighty Power of God," poet, hymn writer and pastor Isaac Watts (1674-1749) presented a vivid word painting of Creation in action, and then portrayed what had been created, now in worship of the Creator. Watts, known as the "Father of English hymnody" wrote over 600 hymns, and created controversy by introducing non-Psalm newly-composed songs into English worship. Many of Watts' hymns are in active use today, including "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," "Joy to the World," "Jesus Shall Reign" and "O God, Our Help in Ages Past." Listing Watt's many creative accomplishments and describing his life story would require many more paragraphs: here is an excellent summary of his life and musical contributions at the Center of Church Music website. And here is a wonderful arrangement of "I Sing the Mighty Power" by the a capella group Glad.
 |
| Public domain. Courtesy of Hymnary.org |
I sing the mighty pow'r of God
That made the mountains rise,
That spread the flowing seas abroad,
And built the lofty skies.
I sing the wisdom that ordained
The sun to rule the day;
The moon shines full at His command
And all the stars obey.
I sing the goodness of the Lord
That filled the earth with food;
He formed the creatures with His word
And then pronounced them good.
Lord, how Thy wonders are displayed
Where'er I turn my eye:
If I survey the ground I tread
Or gaze upon the sky!
There's not a plant or flow'r below
But makes Thy glories known;
And clouds arise and tempests blow
By order from Thy throne;
While all that borrows life from Thee
Is ever in Thy care,
And everywhere that man can be,
Thou, God, art present there.
Beautiful Savior/Fairest Lord Jesus
Words originally published in the Münster Gesangbuch, 1677, translated by Joseph August Seiss.
Music: "St. Elizabeth" hymn tune (also known as "Crusader's Hymn"), a Silesian folk song from Schlesische Volkslieder, 1842; arranged by Richard Storrs Willis.
Song of Solomon 6:10
Who is this that appears like the dawn,
fair as the moon, bright as the sun,
majestic as the stars in procession?
fair as the moon, bright as the sun,
majestic as the stars in procession?
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20
For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.
Jude 1:24-25
To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.
The history of this hymn involves many unknowns, including unknown text composer(s), unknown tune composer(s), and there is even some confusion regarding slightly varying English translations which are used in different hymnals today ("Fairest Lord Jesus" vs. "Beautiful Savior").
What we do know is that this hymn overflows with "glory and honor, praise, adoration" and observes that nature's beauty pales in comparison to the beauty of Christ's love for us. You can read a transcription of an excellent discussion on the complex history of "Beautiful Savior/Fairest Lord Jesus" here, Here is the Robert Shaw Chorale singing this hymn.
There are two slightly different English translations that are commonly sung ("Beautiful Savior" and "Fairest Lord Jesus"). Here are both versions so that you choose which you'd prefer to sing!
Beautiful Savior, King of creation,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Truly I'd love Thee, truly I'd serve thee,
Light of my soul, my Joy, my Crown.
Fair are the meadows, Fair are the woodlands,
Robed in flow'rs of blooming spring;
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer;
He makes our sorr'wing spirit sing.
Fair is the sunshine, Fair is the moonlight,
Bright the sparkling stars on high;
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels in the sky.
Beautiful Savior, Lord of the nations,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, Praise, adoration,
Now and forevermore be Thine!
_______________________________
I Am His and He is Mine
(Loved with Everlasting Love)
Words by George Wade Robinson, Music by James Mountain
This hymn may be new to you, but after today it may become a new favorite! George Wade Robinson (1838-1877) was an Irish pastor, poet, and hymn writer. He authored several poetry and sermon collections during his short lifetime, but is chiefly remembered today for this wonderful hymn, which reminds us that life in Christ gives us eyes to see the beauty of creation in a fresh way, and describes the rest that we can enjoy in Him even though "heav'n and earth may fade and flee."
The tune for "I am His and He is Mine" was written by British pastor and composer James Mountain (1844-1933) who also wrote the music for Frances Havergal's hymn "Like a River Glorious which was featured in our May 3 post." If you are unfamiliar with this hymn, you might enjoy listening to this lovely recording of "I am His, and He is Mine" by Wayne Watson.
Note: you will sing the last line of each verse twice.
Loved with everlasting love,
drawn by grace that love to know,
Spirit sent from Christ above,
thou dost witness it is so.
O this full and precious peace
from his presence all divine;
in a love that cannot cease,
I am his and he is mine.
Heav'n above is deeper blue,
earth around is sweeter green,
that which glows in ev'ry hue
Christless eyes have never seen.
Birds in song his glories show,
flow'rs with richer beauties shine
since I know, as now I know,
I am his and he is mine.
Taste the goodness of the Lord:
welcomed home to his embrace,
all his love, as blood outpoured,
seals the pardon of his grace.
Can I doubt his love for me,
when I trace that love's design?
By the cross of Calvary
I am his and he is mine.
His forever, only his--
who the Lord and me shall part?
Ah, with what a rest of bliss
Christ can fill the loving heart.
Heav'n and earth may fade and flee,
firstborn light in gloom decline,
but while God and I shall be,
I am his and he is mine.
POSTLUDE
At the Name of Jesus
Words by Caroline Noel, "King's Weston" hymn tune by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Arranged for solo piano by Hugh S. Livingston, Jr.
Philippians 2:5-11
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Caroline Noel (1817-1877) wrote her first hymn, "Draw Nigh Unto My Soul," at the age of 17. The daughter of an English vicar (who also wrote hymns), she began suffering from a crippling illness in 1852 that left her bedridden for the remainder of her life, but she wrote many hymns (poems) during this time, including an 1861 collection titled The Name of Jesus and Other Verses for the Sick and Lonely.
At the name of Jesus ev'ry knee shall bow,
ev'ry tongue confess him King of glory now.
'Tis the Father's pleasure we should call him Lord,
who from the beginning was the mighty Word.
At his voice creation sprang at once to sight,
all the angel faces, all the hosts of light,
thrones and dominations, stars upon their way,
all the heav'nly orders in their great array.
Humbled for a season to receive a name
from the lips of sinners unto whom he came,
faithfully he bore it spotless to the last,
brought it back victorious, when from death he passed.
In your hearts enthrone him; there let him subdue
all that is not holy, all that is not true;
crown him as your Captain in temptation's hour:
let his will enfold you in its light and pow'r.
Brothers, this Lord Jesus shall return again,
with his Father's glory, with his angel train;
for all wreaths of empire meet upon his brow,
and our hearts confess him King of glory now.
The history of this hymn involves many unknowns, including unknown text composer(s), unknown tune composer(s), and there is even some confusion regarding slightly varying English translations which are used in different hymnals today ("Fairest Lord Jesus" vs. "Beautiful Savior").
What we do know is that this hymn overflows with "glory and honor, praise, adoration" and observes that nature's beauty pales in comparison to the beauty of Christ's love for us. You can read a transcription of an excellent discussion on the complex history of "Beautiful Savior/Fairest Lord Jesus" here, Here is the Robert Shaw Chorale singing this hymn.
 |
| Public domain. Courtesy of Hymnary.org |
There are two slightly different English translations that are commonly sung ("Beautiful Savior" and "Fairest Lord Jesus"). Here are both versions so that you choose which you'd prefer to sing!
Beautiful Savior, King of creation,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Truly I'd love Thee, truly I'd serve thee,
Light of my soul, my Joy, my Crown.
Fair are the meadows, Fair are the woodlands,
Robed in flow'rs of blooming spring;
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer;
He makes our sorr'wing spirit sing.
Fair is the sunshine, Fair is the moonlight,
Bright the sparkling stars on high;
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels in the sky.
Beautiful Savior, Lord of the nations,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, Praise, adoration,
Now and forevermore be Thine!
_______________________________
Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of all nature,
O Thou of God and man the Son,
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor,
Thou, my soul's glory, joy and crown.
Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,
Robed in the blooming garb of spring;
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,
Who makes the woeful heart to sing.
Fair is the sunshine,
Fairer still the moonlight,
And all the twinkling starry host;
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels heaven can boast.
O Thou of God and man the Son,
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor,
Thou, my soul's glory, joy and crown.
Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,
Robed in the blooming garb of spring;
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer,
Who makes the woeful heart to sing.
Fair is the sunshine,
Fairer still the moonlight,
And all the twinkling starry host;
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
Than all the angels heaven can boast.
Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration,
Now and forever more be Thine.
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration,
Now and forever more be Thine.
I Am His and He is Mine
(Loved with Everlasting Love)
Words by George Wade Robinson, Music by James Mountain
This hymn may be new to you, but after today it may become a new favorite! George Wade Robinson (1838-1877) was an Irish pastor, poet, and hymn writer. He authored several poetry and sermon collections during his short lifetime, but is chiefly remembered today for this wonderful hymn, which reminds us that life in Christ gives us eyes to see the beauty of creation in a fresh way, and describes the rest that we can enjoy in Him even though "heav'n and earth may fade and flee."
The tune for "I am His and He is Mine" was written by British pastor and composer James Mountain (1844-1933) who also wrote the music for Frances Havergal's hymn "Like a River Glorious which was featured in our May 3 post." If you are unfamiliar with this hymn, you might enjoy listening to this lovely recording of "I am His, and He is Mine" by Wayne Watson.
 |
| Public domain. Courtesy of Hymnary.org |
Note: you will sing the last line of each verse twice.
Loved with everlasting love,
drawn by grace that love to know,
Spirit sent from Christ above,
thou dost witness it is so.
O this full and precious peace
from his presence all divine;
in a love that cannot cease,
I am his and he is mine.
Heav'n above is deeper blue,
earth around is sweeter green,
that which glows in ev'ry hue
Christless eyes have never seen.
Birds in song his glories show,
flow'rs with richer beauties shine
since I know, as now I know,
I am his and he is mine.
Taste the goodness of the Lord:
welcomed home to his embrace,
all his love, as blood outpoured,
seals the pardon of his grace.
Can I doubt his love for me,
when I trace that love's design?
By the cross of Calvary
I am his and he is mine.
His forever, only his--
who the Lord and me shall part?
Ah, with what a rest of bliss
Christ can fill the loving heart.
Heav'n and earth may fade and flee,
firstborn light in gloom decline,
but while God and I shall be,
I am his and he is mine.
POSTLUDE
At the Name of Jesus
Words by Caroline Noel, "King's Weston" hymn tune by Ralph Vaughan Williams. Arranged for solo piano by Hugh S. Livingston, Jr.
Philippians 2:5-11
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
rather, he made himself nothing
by taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Caroline Noel (1817-1877) wrote her first hymn, "Draw Nigh Unto My Soul," at the age of 17. The daughter of an English vicar (who also wrote hymns), she began suffering from a crippling illness in 1852 that left her bedridden for the remainder of her life, but she wrote many hymns (poems) during this time, including an 1861 collection titled The Name of Jesus and Other Verses for the Sick and Lonely.
Noel's 1870 hymn "At the Name of Jesus" was directly inspired by Philippians 2:5-11, and was paired with variety of tunes but is best known for being matched with "King's Weston," a melody composed specifically for this text by British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) in 1925. Although the melody is in a minor key, Vaughan Williams created a majestic musical ambiance full of passion and depth that matches the profundity and theological significance of the Biblically-based text.
At the name of Jesus ev'ry knee shall bow,
ev'ry tongue confess him King of glory now.
'Tis the Father's pleasure we should call him Lord,
who from the beginning was the mighty Word.
At his voice creation sprang at once to sight,
all the angel faces, all the hosts of light,
thrones and dominations, stars upon their way,
all the heav'nly orders in their great array.
Humbled for a season to receive a name
from the lips of sinners unto whom he came,
faithfully he bore it spotless to the last,
brought it back victorious, when from death he passed.
In your hearts enthrone him; there let him subdue
all that is not holy, all that is not true;
crown him as your Captain in temptation's hour:
let his will enfold you in its light and pow'r.
Brothers, this Lord Jesus shall return again,
with his Father's glory, with his angel train;
for all wreaths of empire meet upon his brow,
and our hearts confess him King of glory now.
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