Hymn

Hymns for Mother’s Day

May 10, 2020 By Annette1 2 Comments

I’m going to do something a wee bit different today. Instead of focusing on one hymn I thought I would like to a number of youtube hymns for Mother’s Day. Afterall.. it is Mother’s Day today, might as well rejoice in all that is mother! 🙂

I could not find the lyrics to this Honour Christian Mothers. It’s sung to the tune Onward Christian Soldiers.

The author of Where Can I Turn for Peace wrote this song out of concern for her anorexic daughter.

As I was searching for hymns for mother’s day I was surprised that Count your Blessings came up a few times. Kinda makes sense if you consider the words you know?

A Mother’s Love is a Very Special Thing, sung by a group of children.

There actually aren’t very many well-known hymns for Mother’s day. You can find a good list at Hymnary, but honestly, I didn’t know any of them.

Will your anchor hold

May 3, 2020 By Annette1 4 Comments

Our tenant had this song up on her facebook page the other day, I was having a rather rough day and it lifted my spirits a bit. I thought perhaps Will Your Anchor Hold might lift yours as well during this time of 2020 Covid-19 pandemic.

Lyrics to Will your anchor hold

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
when the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
will your anchor drift, or firm remain?

Refrain:
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love!

Will your anchor hold in the straits of fear,
when the breakers roar and the reef is near?
While the surges rage, and the wild winds blow,
shall the angry waves then your bark o’erflow?

Will your anchor hold in the floods of death,
when the waters cold chill your latest breath?
On the rising tide you can never fail,
while your anchor holds within the veil.

Will your eyes behold through the morning light
the city of gold and the harbour bright?
Will you anchor safe by the heavenly shore,
when life’s storms are past for evermore?

Author and History

Priscilla Owens of Baltimore, Maryland is the author of this song. Most of the 230 songs Ms. Owens wrote were for children and youth. It makes sense since she not only taught as a schoolteacher, but also served as a Sunday School teacher. Her church was the Union Square Methodist Episcopal Church. There is a touching story about the effect of this song at Wordwise Hymns.

Pondering Deeper

Did you know this song was based on Heb.6:19? That verse reads^“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain”.

I enjoyed listening to those little boys sing this song, when they finished I wondered if those boys knew well that anchor that we have. Do they feel grounded and secure?

You know what an anchor does right? It holds a boat securely. You drop it down to the bottom of the water bed, and the boat stays right with the anchor. The only time it doesn’t is when the anchor rope breaks.

So Christ is that anchor. He is the one the holds us securely. But unlike the ships’ anchor, there is no rope or chain to break. His hold on us is secure through and through.

The Servant Song

April 26, 2020 By Annette1 4 Comments

As I was waiting for on-line church to start this morning I realized I had not posted my hymn of the day. I started to browse through Lift up Your Hearts hymnal (aff. link) and discovered The Servant Song.

I used to sing this song in church all time time. It was so popular, but it’s rarely sung anymore. It’s nice to go back in time a bit isn’t it?

Lyrics to The Servant Song

Brother, let me be your servant.
Let me be as Christ to you.
Pray that I might have the grace
To let you be my servant, too.

We are pilgrims on a journey.
We are brothers on the road.
We are here to help each other
Walk the mile and bear the load.

I will hold the Christ-light for you
In the night time of your fear.
I will hold my hand out to you;
Speak the peace you long to hear.

I will weep when you are weeping.
When you laugh, I’ll laugh with you.
I will share your joy and sorrow
Till we’ve seen this journey through.

When we sing to God in heaven,
We shall find such harmony
Born of all we’ve known together
Of Christ’s love and agony.

Brother, let me be your servant.
Let me be as Christ to you.
Pray that I might have the grace
To let you be my servant, too.

The Servant Song lyrics © Universal Music – Brentwood Benson Publ.

original version

Author and History

Richard Gillard wrote The Servant Song in 1977. Born in England he moved to New Zealand when he was three years old. Although he showed early musical ability he received little formal training. He learned to play the ukelele and other instruments to accompany his own singing. A primary school teacher he attended an Anglican church.

Based on Matt 20:26b-28 “But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, ²⁷and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, ²⁸even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

If you would like to see a list of songs by Richard Gillard you can find 24 of them at Song Select. Over the years this song has been modified to be politically correct.

Modified version

Thinking Deeper

Sometimes I wonder how to be a servant to others. With my family it’s easy right? I can tidy and clean up after them. It’s even possible to encourage my son to be a servant by picking up after himself and helping others. Finding ways to be helpful at home is easy, it’s not always so easy with those outside your home, at least for me I find.

I know that I like to be a behind the scenes person so serving as front-line staff at the Community Kitchen isn’t my thing, but I’ve learned I can help behind the scenes to tidy/organize the pantry. Same with the Foodbank… to be the organizer, sorter of good works better for me than running around with the clients.

Oft-times though it seems like I do too little and I just don’t know how to expand beyond that. I am reminded of how Christ became a servant and that he has a purpose in doing so. How can I better be a servant? Perhaps I have too many things keeping me busy? I don’t know… but this song calls me to think more about how I can be a servant to others.

Does it do the same with you?

Near to the Heart of God

April 19, 2020 By Annette1 2 Comments

There is a place of quiet rest, near to the heart to God. This is such a sweet song of comfort reminding us what it means to be near God’s heart. It has a sad, but good story behind it.

Lyrics

There is a place of quiet rest,
Near to the heart of God.
A place where sin cannot molest,
Near to the heart of God.

Refrain

O Jesus, blest Redeemer,
Sent from the heart of God,
Hold us who wait before Thee
Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of comfort sweet,
Near to the heart of God.
A place where we our Savior meet,
Near to the heart of God.

Refrain

There is a place of full release,
Near to the heart of God.
A place where all is joy and peace,
Near to the heart of God.

Refrain

Author and History

Cleland B McAfee wrote this lovely hymn upon the death of his brothers two daughters. The girls died within 24 hours of each other from diptheria. This double catastrophe broke McAfee’s heart. Part of his pain was that no one would be able to give his brother solace as the house was under quarantine. He wrote his song to comfort him and the choir that sang it the first time went to his brother’s house and sang to him. (source)

McAfee was a Presbyterian pastor, he served churches while being on the Faculty at Park College. As a graduate of Park College, this Missouri native also served as the choir director.

Pondering Further

A place of quiet rest near to the heart of God. Doesn’t that sound like a lovely place to be? Seriously.

A place where we can let our troubles go and find joy and peace.

This is what it means to be a believer. To know that you always have a place of comfort. It’s knowing that God is always there. Giving us the safety, peace, and security that we need.

I am His and He is Mine

April 12, 2020 By Annette1 2 Comments

When I first saw the title to “I am his and He is mine” I wondered if I really knew it. Something seemed familiar so I played a tune and then these words came to mind

Since I know, as now I know,
I am His, and He is mine.

SO YES! I do know this song, not well enough to belt out all the words, but enough I could pick it up easily. I hope you like it, I know I do. 🙂

Lyrics

Loved with everlasting love,
Led by grace that love to know;
Gracious Spirit from above,
Thou hast taught me it is so!
O this full and perfect peace!
O this transport all divine!
In a love which cannot cease,
I am His, and He is mine.
In a love which cannot cease,
I am His, and He is mine.

Heav’n above is softer blue,
Earth around is sweeter green!
Something lives in every hue
Christless eyes have never seen;
Birds with gladder songs o’erflow,
Flowers with deeper beauties shine,
Since I know, as now I know,
I am His, and He is mine.
Since I know, as now I know,
I am His, and He is mine.

Things that once were wild alarms
Cannot now disturb my rest;
Closed in everlasting arms,
Pillowed on the loving breast.
O to lie forever here,
Doubt and care and self resign,
While He whispers in my ear,
I am His, and He is mine.
While He whispers in my ear,
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.
But while God and I shall be,
I am His, and He is mine.

Author and History

This hymn comes out of the congregational denomination by pastor George Wade Robinson. This song showcases his best poetry. He was primarily a poet with some few of them being turned into hymns. Mr. Robinson only lived for 39 years.

Composer, James Mountain, put a tune to the words in order to add it to his hymnal Hymns of Consecration and Faith.

Looking Deeper

Don’t you just love that calm assurance offered here? The knowledge of God’s care for us? We are his!

His forever, only His;
Who the Lord and me shall part?

And nothing can stop that from being. His presence, his whispers in our ear, and his steadfastness all reassure us of this truth. Isn’t that just so very amazing and comforting? How good is our God! 🙂

Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken

March 29, 2020 By Annette1 2 Comments

A former slaver wrote Glorious things of Thee are Spoken, a song that speaks to God’s love for Zion and for his people. I am most familar with the first four stanzas, but the fifth holds truth as well. 🙂 Get to know this Newton hymn, you’ll be glad you did! 🙂

Lyrics

Glorious things of thee are spoken,
Zion, city of our God!
He, whose word cannot be broken,
Formed thee for His own abode.
On the Rock of Ages founded,
What can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation’s walls surrounded,
Thou may’st smile at all thy foes.

See! the streams of living waters,
Springing from eternal love;
Well supply thy sons and daughters,
And all fear of want remove:
Who can faint while such a river
Ever flows their thirst t’assuage?
Grace, which like the Lord, the giver,
Never fails from age to age.

Round each habitation hovering,
See the cloud and fire appear!
For a glory and a covering
Showing that the Lord is near.
Thus deriving from our banner
Light by night and shade by day;
Safe they feed upon the manna
Which He gives them when they pray.

Blest inhabitants of Zion,
Washed in the Redeemer’s blood!
Jesus, whom their souls rely on,
Makes them kings and priests to God.
’Tis His love His people raises,
Over self to reign as kings,
And as priests, His solemn praises
Each for a thank offering brings.

Savior, if of Zion’s city,
I through grace a member am,
Let the world deride or pity,
I will glory in Thy name:
Fading is the worldling’s pleasure,
All his boasted pomp and show;
Solid joys and lasting treasure
None but Zion’s children know.

this tune I am most familiar with

Author

John Newton wrote this hymn in 1779 for Book 1 of the Olney Hymns. He collarborated on this hymnal with William Cowper. How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds is just one of several hymns that Newton wrote.

Newton intended this songs more “for public worship, and for the use of plain people”. His evangelical heart yearned to help the poor and to be of service to the people of the church. (source)

John Newton is a former slave trader who turned abolitionist. He loved the church and used music to help teach gospel truths.

this tune is completely new to me

Pondering more

Based on Psalm 87 (ESV)

Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. A song.

¹He has founded his city on the holy mountain.
²The Lord loves the gates of Zion
more than all the other dwellings of Jacob.

³Glorious things are said of you,
    city of God:
⁴“I will record Rahab and Babylon
    among those who acknowledge me—
Philistia too, and Tyre, along with Cush—
    and will say, ‘This one was born in Zion.’”
⁵Indeed, of Zion it will be said,
    “This one and that one were born in her,
    and the Most High himself will establish her.”
⁶The Lord will write in the register of the peoples:
    “This one was born in Zion.”

⁷As they make music they will sing,
“All my fountains are in you.”

Can you see the words of this Psalm in this hymn? Does it help you understand Psalm 87 better? Seeing God’s love for Zion and her people, it’s so apparent in Newton’s hymn.

Aren’t you glad we can sing?

Savior, if of Zion’s city,
I through grace a member am,
Let the world deride or pity,
I will glory in Thy name:

In Christ There is No East or West

March 22, 2020 By Annette1 2 Comments

I’m sitting here, watching Star Trek Enterprise with my sweetheart, as I try to recall the last time I sung In Christ there is no East or West. It’s been quite a while. I hope you take the time to get to know it, it’s a lovely hymn. I was so pleased to be reminded of it in the Lift Up Your Hearts hymnal.

The Lyrics

In Christ there is no East or West,
In Him no South or North;
But one great fellowship of love
Throughout the whole wide earth.

In Him shall true hearts everywhere
Their high communion find;
His service is the golden cord,
Close binding humankind.

Join hands, then, members of the faith,
Whatever your race may be!
Who serves my Father as His child
Is surely kin to me.

In Christ now meet both East and West,
In Him meet North and South;
All Christly souls are one in Him
Throughout the whole wide earth.

I grew up with this tune

Author of In Christ there is no east or west

William A. Dunkerley is the author of this hymn according to the Cyber Hymnal, other hymnals attribute authorship to John Oxenbaum. Oxenbaum is one of Dunkerley’s pseudonyms. So regardless of who it is attributed to, it’s the same person. 🙂

William A. Dunkerley lived 1852-1941, an Englishman.

This is a new tune to me

Pondering Truth in a Hymn

Do you see it? I know.. right now with people sequestering themselves away into homes and aways from fellowship with each other it might be hard to see. BUT without Covid-19 interference, do you see that the church is one great fellowship of love? We are all part of one body of believers, worshipping the same God. Whether we are believers in China, Ghana, Europe, Australia or Canada. One large body of believers.

We are all gathered around Christ, he is our head, our connecting point. So regardless of creed, nationality, or colour. Let us remember that central truth. We are all believers together. Let’s work together, proclaiming that Jesus is Lord! Brothers and sisters, one and all, joined in faith.

Hymn

Hymns for Mother’s Day