A story of the hymn, “Lead Me to Calvary” by Jennie Hussey

 Not much is known about the writer of this hymn, Jennie Hussey, but you can connect the dots and get a pretty good picture. Jennie Hussey lived all her life in rural New Hampshire, and for most of it, she took care of her sister with a disability. Although this certainly restricted her in some ways, Jennie was known for her cheerful and courageous attitude. 

Jennie was a member of the Society of Friends, the Quakers. In fact, she was a fourth-generation Quaker, which takes her Quaker roots back to the eighteenth century, almost back to the time of William Penn, the remarkable man who brought the Quakers to America and founded the colony of Pennsylvania. 

Besides founding Pennsylvania, William Penn is also remembered for a Quaker classic entitled “No Cross, No Crown.” Maybe this explains why Jennie began her hymn with the words, “King of my life, I crown thee now,” and ended it with the words, “Lead me to Calvary.” 

Scriptures: Galatians 2:20; Galatians 6:14; Philippians 3:10-11

Themes: Crucifixion, Commitment, Submission

 Lyrics of the Hymn:

King of my life, I crown Thee now,

Thine shall the glory be;

Lest I forget Thy thorn-crowned brow,

Lead me to Calvary.

 

Lest I forget Gethsemane;

Lest I forget Thine agony;

Lest I forget Thy love for me,

Lead me to Calvary.

Show me the tomb where Thou wast laid,

Tenderly mourned and wept;

Angels in robes of light arrayed

Guarded Thee whilst Thou slept.

 

Let me like Mary, thro’ the gloom,

Come with a gift to Thee;

Show to me now the empty tomb,

Lead me to Calvary.

 

May I be willing, Lord, to bear

Daily my cross for thee;

Even Thy cup of grief to share,

Thou hast borne all for me.

By JENNIE EVELYN HUSSEY (1874–1958)

Credit/Reference for the Hymn:

Petersen, William; Petersen, Ardythe. The Complete Book of Hymns (p. 132). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

A story of the hymn, “Like a River Glorious” by Frances Ridley Havergal

The world is filled with violence, terrorism, and senseless crime. How is it possible to enjoy inner peace when there is so much turmoil all around us? 

By drawing on two passages from the prophet Isaiah, the hymnwriter Frances Ridley Havergal tells how. In Isaiah 48:18, God promises peace like a river. And in Isaiah 26:3 Isaiah writes, “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you” (NIV). 

In one of her last letters, Havergal quoted Romans 5:1: “We have peace with God.” Then she added as a note to her friend, “It is yours already, purchased for you, made for you, sealed for you, pledged to you, by the word of the Father and the precious blood of Jesus.” It is not merely peace that God promises, but perfect peace—perfected, completed in Christ. 

Scriptures: Isaiah 26:3; Isaiah 48:18; John 14:27; John 16:33; Romans 5:1

Themes: Peace, Protection

 Lyrics of the Hymn:

Like a river glorious 

Is God’s perfect peace,

Over all victorious

In its bright increase;

Perfect, yet it floweth

Fuller ev’ry day,

Perfect, yet it groweth

Deeper all the way.

 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.

Ev’ry 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.

By FRANCES RIDLEY HAVERGAL (1836–1879)

 Credit/Reference for the Hymn:

Petersen, William; Petersen, Ardythe. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 307-308). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

 

A story of the hymn, “Blessed Quietness” by Manie Payne Ferguson

On the stormy Sea of Galilee, Jesus commanded the winds and waves, “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39, KJV), and immediately there was calm. Later in the upper room, as Jesus told his disciples that he would leave them, he promised them the Holy Spirit and peace. 

Manie Payne, born in Carlow, Ireland, was a Christian, but she did not know peace. She struggled with her sinful nature until she began to experience the fullness of the Holy Spirit. This is the “blessed quietness” that she wrote about. Now, she was so happy she could hardly contain herself. Indeed, joy was flowing like a river in her life. 

Later she married T. P. Ferguson and founded Peniel Missions, with branches in Egypt, China, and the United States. 

Scriptures: Luke 4:29-30; John 14:25-27; Galatians 5:22

Themes: Holy Spirit, Peace, Assurance

Lyrics of the Hymn:

Joys are flowing like a river

Since the Comforter has come.

He abides with us forever,

Makes the trusting heart His home.

Blessed quietness, holy quietness,

What assurance in my soul!

On the stormy sea He speaks peace to me,

How the billows cease to roll!

 

Bringing life and health and gladness

All around this heav’nly Guest

Banished unbelief and sadness,

Changed our weariness to rest.

 

Like the rain that falls from heaven,

Like the sunlight from the sky,

So the Holy Ghost is given,

Coming on us from on high.

 

See, a fruitful field is growing,

Blessed fruit of righteousness;

And the streams of life are flowing

In the lonely wilderness.

What a wonderful salvation,

Where we always see His face!

What a perfect habitation,

What a quiet resting place!

By MANIE PAYNE FERGUSON (1850–1932)

Credit/Reference for the Hymn:

Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (p. 292). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

 

A story of the hymn, “Because He lives” by Bill and Gloria Gaither!

The late 1960s were dark days for Bill and Gloria Gaither. Both of them were struggling with health problems, and Gloria was pregnant with their third child. The world around them was swirling with news of the Vietnam War, civil unrest, the drug culture, and violence in the streets. Was this any kind of world in which to raise a family?

Discouraged and disheartened, they looked for signs of hope. One day in the spring, Bill walked out of his office to inspect a newly paved parking area. Construction workers had covered it with several coats of asphalt. Bill was satisfied with the job that was done, but as he turned, he noticed a tiny blade of grass poking through the layers of rock and tar to reach into the sunlight.

In early summer the baby was born, and when Bill and Gloria brought their child home, they wrote this song of joy, remembering the environment. More important, they remembered that their baby could indeed face uncertain days because Christ lives.

Scriptures: John 14:29; Ephesians 2:4-7; Philippians 3:10

Themes: Hope, Easter, Resurrection

Lyrics of the Hymn:

God sent His Son, they called Him Jesus,

He came to love, heal, and forgive;

He lived and died to buy my pardon,

An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow;

Because He lives all fear is gone;

Because I know He holds the future,

And life is worth the living just because He lives.

How sweet to hold a new-born baby,

And feel the pride, and joy he gives;

But greater still the calm assurance,

This child can face uncertain days because He lives.

And then one day, I’ll cross the river,

I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;

And then as death gives way to victory,

I’ll see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives.

By WILLIAM J. (B. 1936) AND GLORIA GAITHER (B. 1942) © 1971 William J. Gaither, Inc. All rights controlled by Gaither Copyright Management. Used by permission.

Credit/Reference for Hymn:

Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (p. 594). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

A story of the hymn, "I Stand in Awe"

When he was in his teens and early twenties, Mark Altrogge thought of making rock-and-roll music as a career. If the Beatles could do it, why couldn’t he? But when, at the age of twenty-four, he became a Christian, he realized that he would have to surrender himself totally to Jesus Christ. Now, his attention was fixed, not on the Beatles, but on the holiness of God, and he was reading books like The Knowledge of the Holy by A. W. Tozer and The Holiness of God by R. C. Sproul.

God is infinite, and Mark says, “We will never come to an end of learning new things about him.” Thinking about the greatness of God, Mark sat down with his guitar and tried to put some of his thoughts into music. Gradually the song was born. He says, “‘I Stand in Awe’ was born out of the emotional impact that the doctrine of God’s holiness had on me.”

Scriptures: Psalm 99:3, 9; Psalm 111:9; 1 Peter 1:15-16

Themes: Worship, God the Father, Holiness of God

Lyrics of the Hymn:

You are beautiful beyond description,

Too marvelous for words,

Too wonderful for comprehension,

Like nothing ever seen or heard.

Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom?

Who can fathom the depth of Your love?

You are beautiful beyond description,

Majesty enthroned above.

And I stand, I stand in awe of You,

I stand, I stand in awe of You.

Holy God to whom all praise is due,

I stand in awe of You, I stand in awe of You.

By MARK ALTROGGE (B. 1950) © 1987 Sovereign Grace Praise/BMI (Admin. by Integrity’s Praise! Music) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Reference for the Hymn Story:

Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (p. 40). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Link to Listen to the Song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ejv9L8V9xOE   

An exhortation from 2 Timothy Chapter 4

To “Fulfill Your Ministry” (vv. 1-5), God does not only give each of us a specific assignment, He also equips us for it. While we serve Him, God expects us to be faithful—to remain on task and not be distracted. In other words, we must put our hand on the plow and press on toward the goal. 

Sometimes, it is tempting to wish we could do God's service as good as so and so. Other times, one might say, “If I only had such and such gifts or resources, I would serve the Lord.”  What we need to realize is that God wants us to do our part. Even in this final chapter of 2 Timothy, 

The apostle Paul named some co-laborers about whom we know nothing; yet they too had a ministry to fulfill. A young preacher once complained to Charles Spurgeon, the famous British preacher of the 1800s, that he did not have as big a church as he deserved. “How many do you preach to?” Spurgeon asked. “Oh, about a hundred,” the man replied. Solemnly Spurgeon said, “That will be enough to give account for on the day of judgment.” We do not measure the fulfillment of a ministry only on the basis of statistics or on what people see. We realize that faithfulness is important, and that God sees the heart. This was why Timothy had to be “sober in all things” (2 Tim. 4:5 NASB) and carry on his ministry with seriousness of purpose. (Wiersbe, 2007, p. 783)

Let us be grateful for the opportunities we get to serve the Lord as He directs our steps. Let us all heed this exhortation: “Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31, NIV). May God help us to do everything without arguing or complaining. Soli Deo Gloria!

REFERENCE:

Wiersbe, W. W. (2007). The Wiersbe Bible Commentary: New Testament. Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook., p. 783.

A story of the hymn, "He Lives" by William Petersen

By training, Alfred Ackley was a cellist who had studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London. But he was also a minister of the gospel, serving Presbyterian churches in Pennsylvania and California.

The gospel song “He Lives” was written after a question was posed to Ackley by a young Jewish student: Why should I worship a dead Jew?

Ackley answered quickly, “He lives! I tell you he is not dead, but lives here and now! Jesus Christ is more alive today than ever before. I can prove it by my own experience, as well as the testimony of countless thousands.”

Ackley talked to the man further and then went home to reread the Resurrection stories of the Gospels. As he read, the words “He is risen” struck him with new meaning. Then, from the combination of the scriptural evidence, his own heart, and the experience of the innumerable cloud of witnesses, he sat down at the piano and wrote the song. He once said, “The thought of his ever-living presence brought the music promptly and easily.”

Scriptures: Matthew 28:6; Philippians 3:10; Revelation 1:18

Themes: Resurrection of Christ, Hope, Joy

Lyrics of the Hymn:

I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today;

I know that He is living, whatever men may say;

I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,

And just the time I need Him He’s always near.

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.

He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.

In all the world around me I see His loving care,

And tho’my heart grows weary I never will despair,

I know that He is leading thru all the stormy blast;

The day of His appearing will come at last.

Rejoice, rejoice O Christian, lift up your voice and sing

Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!

The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find,

None other is so loving, so good and kind.

By ALFRED H. ACKLEY (1887–1960) © 1933 Word Music, LLC All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Reference for the Hymn:

Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 599-600). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

A story of the hymn, “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, King of Creation!” by William Petersen

As a student in Bremen, Germany, Joachim Neander lived a godless life. Although both his father and grandfather were Lutheran ministers, Neander wasted his teenage years in immorality. Then, when Neander was twenty, a preacher named Under-Eyke came to Bremen. Neander went to the meeting intending to ridicule the preacher, but instead he was converted.

Four years later he became headmaster of a school in Düsseldorf, and during his time there he wrote more than sixty hymns. Because of his strong Christian views and his evangelistic activities, Neander displeased the authorities and was later removed from his position.

Despite the tensions, he went on writing hymns of praise. Neander often wandered through the valleys and hills near Düsseldorf, communing with his Lord. After losing his position at the school, he lived for a time in a cave and continued writing hymns. Neander died very young, at the age of thirty, but he left behind a legacy of praise to God.

Scriptures: Psalm 67:3; Psalm 103:1-5; Colossians 1:15-20

Themes: Praise, Worship, Comfort

Lyrics of the Hymn:

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!

O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!

All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near;

Join me in glad adoration!

Praise to the Lord, who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth,

Shieldeth thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!

Hast thou not seen how thy desires e’er have been

Granted in what He ordaineth?

Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;

Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.

Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,

If with His love He befriend thee.

Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!

All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before Him!

Let the amen sound from His people again;

Gladly forever adore Him.

By JOACHIM NEANDER (1650–1680) Translated by Catherine Winkworth (1827–1878)

Reference for the Hymn:

Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 66-67). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

A story of the hymn, “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” by William Petersen

Henry van Dyke was serving as a guest preacher at Williams College, in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts, when he was so moved by the beauty of God’s creation that he wrote this hymn of joy. The next morning, he handed the poem to the college president. “Here is a hymn for you,” he said. “Your mountains were my inspiration. It must be sung to the music of Beethoven’s ‘Hymn to Joy.’” And it has been ever since.

Van Dyke was not only a Presbyterian minister, but he was also the author of many books, including the best-selling The Other Wise Man. He was a professor of literature at Princeton University, navy chaplain during World War I, and an ambassador to Holland and Luxembourg under President Woodrow Wilson.

When van Dyke published this hymn in 1911, he noted that it was to be sung by people who “are not afraid that any truth of science will destroy their religion or that any revolution on earth will overthrow the kingdom of heaven.” With such confidence, Christians have much to rejoice about.

Scriptures: Psalm 98; Habakkuk 3:17-19; Philippians 4:4-7

Themes: Creation, Joy, Praise

Lyrics of the Hymn:

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,

God of glory, Lord of love;

Hearts unfold like flowers before Thee,

Opening to the sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;

Drive the dark of doubt away;

Giver of immortal gladness,

Fill us with the light of day!

All Thy works with joy surround Thee,

Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays,

Stars and angels sing around Thee,

Center of unbroken praise;

Field and forest, vale and mountain,

Flowery meadow, flashing sea,

Chanting bird and flowing fountain,

Call us to rejoice in Thee.

Thou art giving and forgiving,

Ever blessing, ever blest,

Wellspring of the joy of living,

Ocean depth of happy rest!

Thou our Father, Christ our brother,

All who live in love are Thine;

Teach us how to love each other,

Lift us to the joy divine.

Mortals join the mighty chorus,

Which the morning stars began;

Father love is reigning o’er us,

Brother love binds man to man.

Ever singing, march we onward,

Victors in the midst of strife;

Joyful music leads us sunward

In the triumph song of life.

By HENRY VAN DYKE (1852–1933)

Reference for the Hymn:

Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 43-44). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

A Story of the Hymn, “I know Whom I have Believed” by William Petersen

“It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” That’s what we say when job hunting, but it’s also a foundational Christian truth. You can study an entire lifetime to try to discover who God is and how to reach him. But it all comes down to one question: Do you know Jesus?

As a POW during the Civil War, Daniel Whittle began reading the New Testament his mother had given him as he marched off to war, and he committed his life to Jesus Christ.

After the war, Whittle was promoted to the rank of major and then became a successful businessman. In 1873 he began preaching in evangelistic services, and for a quarter century he led revivals throughout the United States. He also encouraged some of the leading songwriters of his time and wrote many hymns himself, including “Showers of Blessing” and “Moment by Moment.” Whittle penned this hymn in 1883, perhaps thinking back to questions he had asked during his imprisonment. There were still many things he didn’t know, but he certainly did know Jesus.

Scriptures: John 14:6; Romans 8:38; 2 Timothy 1:12

Themes: Confidence, Trust, Faith

Lyrics of the Hymn:

I know not why God’s wondrous grace

To me He hath made known,

Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love

Redeemed me for His own.

But “I know whom I have believed,

And am persuaded that He is able

To keep that which I’ve committed

Unto Him against that day.”

I know not how this saving faith

To me He did impart,

Nor how believing in His Word

Wrought peace within my heart.

I know not how the Spirit moves,

Convincing men of sin,

Revealing Jesus through the Word,

Creating faith in Him.

I know not when my Lord may come,

At night or noonday fair,

Nor if I’ll walk the vale with Him,

Or “meet Him in the air.”

By DANIEL WEBSTER WHITTLE (1840–1901)

Reference for the Hymn:

Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 338-339). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

Two Kings with Two Kinds of Lifestyles!

King Saul and King David were both leaders of the nation of Israel. The former chose a lifestyle of disobedience and the latter a lifestyle of obedience to God. For instance, according to 1 Samuel 15, when Saul went to battle the Amalekites God gave him instructions to destroy everything, yet he and his soldiers brought back sheep and cattle as plunder.

When confronted by Samuel about this sin, Saul argued that he had done so in order to sacrifice them to God.  But Samuel reminded Saul that “to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22b). By disobeying God’s instructions, Saul went down the path of rebellion and God rejected him as the king of Israel.

Following the rejection of King Saul, David was anointed as the second King of Israel. There were several times when David did things that were displeasing to God. One of the grave sins he committed was the sin of adultery with Bathsheba, which he sought to cover in multiple ways. But because his choice was a lifestyle of obedience, David repented of the sin and asked God to create in Him a clean heart, so he might teach transgressors the ways of the Lord (Psalm 51:10-13). Clearly, King David is remembered to have trod the path of righteousness.

There are two testimonies in the Bible that underscore that David’s choice of a Godly life was a good one and that we should emulate his example. First, David himself testifies in Psalm 23 that God is his Shepherd who refreshes his soul and leads him in the paths of righteousness.  Second, God Himself after rejecting Saul, testifies of King David with these great words: “…'I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.'” (Acts 13:22, NIV). David humbled himself when rebuked by God’s prophet, showing how God’s man (and woman) humbly submits to the authority of God’s Word. May we be those who choose to obey God and live a life of Godliness so that sin may not mislead us.

A story of the doxology, “Praise God, from Whom All Blessings Flow,” by William Petersen

In 1673 Anglican bishop Thomas Ken wrote a prayer manual for the students at Winchester College. The book contained a hymn for the morning, one for evening, and one for midnight. Students were admonished to sing the morning and evening hymns devoutly—though apparently the midnight hymn was seldom used! All three hymns concluded with the same stanza, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow”—the most-sung hymn lyrics in the English language. 

Thomas Ken knew well that it is difficult to end some days with a doxology of praise. Orphaned as a boy, he was adopted by a noted scholar and author. He was ordained in the Church of England and became chaplain to Princess Mary of Orange. But when he spoke against the immorality of the royal court, he soon found himself without a job. Later he was imprisoned in the Tower of London by James II for refusing to read the king’s Declaration of Indulgence. Still, it is said that Bishop Ken continued to use his morning and evening hymns in his personal devotions. 

Years earlier at Winchester College, he told the students, “It is a very good thing to tell of the loving-kindness of God in the morning and of his truth in the night season.” And it is a good habit for all of us.

Scriptures: Psalm 3:5; Psalm 22:27-28; Psalm 63:6-8 

Theme: Praise, Evening Hymn, Confession 

Lyrics of the Hymn:

All praise to Thee, my God, this night,

For all the blessings of the light!

Keep me, O keep me, King of kings,

Beneath Thine own almighty wings.

Forgive me, Lord, for Thy dear Son,

The ill that I this day have done,

That with the world, myself, and Thee,

I, when I sleep, at peace may be.

O may my soul on Thee repose,

And with sweet sleep mine eyelids close,

Sleep that may me more vigorous make

To serve my God when I awake.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

By THOMAS KEN (1637–1711)

Reference for the Hymn:

Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (p. 11). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

A story of the worship song, “Give Thanks” by William Petersen

Some people may say, “You wouldn’t be able to give thanks to God if you had the problems I have.”

Well, consider the story of Henry Smith, the man who wrote the worship song “Give Thanks.” Despite a degenerative eye disease, Smith made it through college and even through seminary, but soon he was declared legally blind. Unable to get a pastorate or any long-term employment, he went back home and worked at various odd jobs to support himself. 

What did the future hold for Henry Smith? He says, “I remember being extremely thankful, and I remember my pastor quoting 2 Corinthians 8:9, that Christ, though he was rich, became poor for our sakes that we might become rich in him. So, Henry wrote a song about the situation: “Give Thanks.”

Today Henry runs a recording studio and plays bass for his church worship team. Because of his lack of eyesight, he depends on his memory to get the right chords. Regarding his blindness, he says, “It slows me down, but it doesn’t stop me.” Give thanks.

Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 8:9; Ephesians 5:20-21; Philippians 2:7-8
Themes: Thankfulness, Praise, Worship 

Lyrics of the Song:
Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One; 
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son. 

And now let the weak say, “I am strong!”
Let the poor say, “I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us.”
Give thanks.
By HENRY SMITH JR. © 1978 BY INTEGRITY’S HOSANNA! MUSIC/ASCAP All rights reserved. Used by permission

Reference for the Song:
Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 658-659). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

A story of the hymn, “And Can It Be?” by William Petersen

Charles Wesley had strict religious training at home, started “Holy Clubs” in college to promote righteous living, and went as a missionary to Native Americans after college. But he was not converted. Charles had no peace in his heart. One day in 1738, he met with a group of Moravians in Aldersgate Hall in London, and there he came to realize that salvation was by faith alone. In his journal of May 21, he wrote, “At midnight I gave myself to Christ.” His brother John was converted shortly after. 

Two days later, he began writing two hymns. Both of them told of his conversion. At first, he wasn’t sure he should finish them. Was it pride, he wondered, to talk about his own experience? But then, he said, “I prayed Christ to stand by me, and finished the hymns.” Yes, it may have described his own experience, but it is also the experience of millions of others who have come by faith to Jesus Christ. In his lifetime he wrote between five and six thousand hymns, but this hymn stands as one of his most powerful and most profound. 

Scriptures: Romans 5:8; Romans 8:1-3; Hebrews 9:11-12; 1 Peter 1:18-19 
Themes: Conversion, Love, Grace, Forgiveness 

Lyrics of the Hymn:
And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me? 

He left His Father’s throne above,
So free, so infinite His grace!
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race!
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For, O my God, it found out me.

’Tis mystery all! th’ Immortal dies!
Who can explore His strange design?
In vain the firstborn seraph tries
To sound the depths of love divine.
 ’Tis mercy all! let earth adore;
Let angel minds inquire no more. 

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night.
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray;
I woke—the dungeon flamed with light!
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee. 

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’ eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
CHARLES WESLEY (1707–1788)

Reference for the Hymn:
Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 472-473). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

A story of the hymn, “All Creatures of our God and King [O Sifuni Mungu],” by William Petersen

Saint Francis of Assisi is perhaps best known as a nature lover. You may recall the painting in which the Italian artist Giotto depicts him feeding the birds. One writer spoke of him this way: “With smiles he met the friendless, fed the poor, freed a trapped bird, led home a child. Although he spoke no word, his text, God’s love, the town did not forget.”

A soldier in his early years, Francis resolved to imitate the life of Christ. So, he renounced his wealth and founded the Franciscan Order of Friars. He and those who followed him became itinerant evangelists, preaching and helping the poor of Italy. He wrote sixty hymns of praise and worship and encouraged church music in every way he could.

The original text of this hymn was probably written by Francis during the last months of his life when he was suffering intense pain and was almost blind. 

Scriptures: Psalm 145:10-11; Psalm 148:1, 7-13; Romans 11:36 
Themes: Praise, Worship, Adoration 

Lyrics of the Hymn:
All creatures of our God and King, 
Lift up your voice and with us sing, 
Alleluia! Alleluia! 
Thou burning sun with golden beam, 
Thou silver moon with softer gleam! 

O praise Him, O praise Him! 
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 

Thou rushing wind that art so strong, 
Ye clouds that sail in heaven along, 
O praise Him! Alleluia! 
Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice, 
Ye lights of evening, find a voice! 

Thou flowing water, pure and clear, 
Make music for thy Lord to hear, 
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Thou fire so masterful and bright, 
Thou givest man both warmth and light! 

And thou, most kind and gentle death,
Waiting to hush our latest breath, 
O praise Him! Alleluia! 
Thou leadest home the child of God, 
And Christ our Lord the way hath trod. 

Let all things their Creator bless, 
And worship Him in humbleness, 
O praise Him! Alleluia! 
Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son, 
And praise the Spirit, Three in One! 
By FRANCIS OF ASSISI (1182–1226) Translated by William H. Draper (1855–1933)

Reference for the Hymn:
Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 3-4). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

A story of the hymn, “Amazing Grace,” by William Petersen

The tombstone of John Newton, the author of this hymn, tells his story: “John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slavers in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had so long labored to destroy.” Those words were written by John Newton himself, and they are a testimony to God’s transforming power.

After years as a hardened slave trader, Newton met Jesus Christ, and his life was dramatically turned around. Throughout his years of ministry, God’s amazing grace remained central to his thinking. When it was suggested he retire at the age of eighty-two due to poor health and a failing memory, he responded, “My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior.”

Scriptures: John 1:16-17; Romans 5:20-21; Ephesians 2:6-9

Themes: Grace, Salvation, Conversion

Lyrics of the Hymn:

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound—

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed!

The Lord has promised good to me,

His word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures.

Through many dangers, toils and snares

I have already come;

’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,

Bright shining as the sun,

We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise

Than when we’d first begun.

By JOHN NEWTON (1725–1807) Stanza 5 by John P. Rees (1828–1900)

Reference for the Hymn:

Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (p. 611). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.

A story of the hymn, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” by William Petersen

Robert Robinson had always been prone to wander. Apprenticed to a barber at fourteen, he spent more time reading and playing with friends than cutting hair. He became the leader of a notorious gang, and he shamed his family so much that they practically disowned him. Then, still a teen, he went to a George Whitefield meeting, intending to ridicule it; instead, he almost fell asleep in it. But then the preacher shouted out a Bible verse: “O generation of vipers; who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come” (Matthew 3:7, KJV). That evening Robinson was converted. After his apprenticeship was over, Robinson went into the ministry. He wrote this hymn at the age of twenty-three as he served at the Calvinistic Methodist Church in Norfolk, England.

Late in life, Robinson did stray from the faith and drifted far from the Fount of every blessing. One day he was riding in a stagecoach and sitting by a woman who was reading a hymnbook. She showed him the hymn, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” saying how wonderful it was. He tried to change the subject but couldn’t. Finally, he said, “Madam, I am the poor man who wrote that hymn many years ago, and I would give a thousand worlds to enjoy the feelings I had then.”

Scriptures: 1 Samuel 7:10-12; Zechariah 13:1; 1 Peter 2:23-25

Themes: Praise, Redemption, Grace

Lyrics of the Hymn:

Come, Thou Fount of ev’ry blessing,

Tune my heart to sing Thy grace;

Streams of mercy never ceasing,

Call for songs of loudest praise:

Teach me some melodious sonnet,

Sung by flaming tongues above;

Praise the mount—O fix me on it,

Mount of God’s unchanging love.

Here I raise mine Ebenezer;

Hither by Thy help I’m come;

And I hope, by Thy good pleasure,

Safely to arrive at home:

Jesus sought me when a stranger,

Wand’ring from the fold of God;

He, to save my soul from danger,

Interposed His precious blood.

O, to grace how great a debtor

Daily I’m constrained to be!

Let that grace, Lord, like a fetter,

Bind my wand’ring heart to Thee.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it;

Prone to leave the God I love;

Here’s my heart; Lord, take and seal it;

Seal it for Thy courts above.

By ROBERT ROBINSON (1735–1790)

Reference for the Hymn:

Petersen, William. The Complete Book of Hymns (pp. 371-372). Tyndale House Publishers. Kindle Edition.