What is your favorite hymn?
- Thread starter Jash Comstock
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Something is missing from this discussion in my opinion. Uninspired Hymns were used from the earliest of times to indoctrinate the laity. Arians used this technique as did the Wesley's. I love biblically sound Hymns as I do preaching. But we need to acknowledge what they are. They are uninspired unlike the book that God inspired to be sung. This should not turn into an Exclusive Psalmody debate. I hope it doesn't and I am probably guilty of taking it there. I just want to make sure that everyone understands that God uses us in our stations of life. We should not claim inspiration as it is defined biblically. Yes, we can be inspired or motivated toward the right things by things that are not purely scripture. People inspire others in their lives daily. But we need to make sure we understand the degrees. Just my humble opinion. I have been impressed to do things correctly by watching another person's life. We should all try to live humbly under the scripture in this. Keep posting favorite Hymns that have influenced you toward the correct way.
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MLCOPE2
Puritan Board Junior
Especially when sung by Steve Green:[video=youtube;NRJHKzU_t1M]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRJHKzU_t1M[/video]
Michael, as I told you the past weekend this is the best. LOL
[video=youtube;M6MOejMXGyM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6MOejMXGyM[/video]
[video=youtube;M6MOejMXGyM]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6MOejMXGyM[/video]
MLCOPE2
Puritan Board Junior
Randy, I would agree with you but then we'd both be wrong.
I sense the need for a poll!
hymn wars! Lol
J. Dean
Puritan Board Junior
Oh man.. too many to choose from.
I love "A mighty fortress...," "Rock of Ages," "Nearer, my God to thee," "Be thou my vision," "My Faith has found a resting place," "O Happy Day," "O God our help in ages past," "What a friend we have in Jesus," "Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted," "O Sacred Head now wounded," "O magnum mysterium," "And can it be," and probably a dozen more if I take the time to think about it.
I love "A mighty fortress...," "Rock of Ages," "Nearer, my God to thee," "Be thou my vision," "My Faith has found a resting place," "O Happy Day," "O God our help in ages past," "What a friend we have in Jesus," "Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted," "O Sacred Head now wounded," "O magnum mysterium," "And can it be," and probably a dozen more if I take the time to think about it.
Reformedfellow
Puritan Board Freshman
1."Jesus Paid It All"
When in times of deep sorrow over my depravity, and finding myself all too like "the man" in Romans 7, I remember that Jesus did pay it all. The hymn also reminds me of scriptures such as Isaiah chapter 1, and Psalm 51. Where we see God's wonderful work of washing us, cleansing us, taking away our iniquity, all a wonderful work of His loving grace.
Yes, Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe... sin had left a crimson stain,... He washed it white as snow...
Which leads me to the runner up;
2. "There is a fountain filled with blood..."
(...drawn from Emmanuel's veins; and sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains...)
When in times of deep sorrow over my depravity, and finding myself all too like "the man" in Romans 7, I remember that Jesus did pay it all. The hymn also reminds me of scriptures such as Isaiah chapter 1, and Psalm 51. Where we see God's wonderful work of washing us, cleansing us, taking away our iniquity, all a wonderful work of His loving grace.
Yes, Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe... sin had left a crimson stain,... He washed it white as snow...
Which leads me to the runner up;
2. "There is a fountain filled with blood..."
(...drawn from Emmanuel's veins; and sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains...)
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21st Century Calvinist
Puritan Board Junior
This is hard. One that always speaks to me by challenging and comforting me is "O Love That Will Not Let Me Go."
I prefer the Indelible Grace version.
[video=youtube_share;I-tXgsBq418]http://youtu.be/I-tXgsBq418[/video]
I prefer the Indelible Grace version.
[video=youtube_share;I-tXgsBq418]http://youtu.be/I-tXgsBq418[/video]
InSlaveryToChrist
Puritan Board Junior
"My Hope is Built on Nothing Less" by Edward Mote, 1797 - 1874
Jake
Puritan Board Senior
The shining Light (Book III, Hymn 8, page 568)
by William Cowper
My former hopes are fled,
My terror now begins;
I feel, alas! that I am dead
In trespasses and sins.
Ah, whither shall I fly?
I hear the thunder roar;
The Law proclaims Destruction nigh,
And Vengeance at the door.
When I review my ways,
I dread impending doom:
But sure a friendly whisper says,
"Flee from the wrath to come."
I see, or think I see,
A glimmering from afar;
A beam of day, that shines for me,
To save me from despair.
Forerunner of the sun,
It marks the pilgrim's way;
I'll gaze upon it while I run,
And watch the rising day.
by William Cowper
My former hopes are fled,
My terror now begins;
I feel, alas! that I am dead
In trespasses and sins.
Ah, whither shall I fly?
I hear the thunder roar;
The Law proclaims Destruction nigh,
And Vengeance at the door.
When I review my ways,
I dread impending doom:
But sure a friendly whisper says,
"Flee from the wrath to come."
I see, or think I see,
A glimmering from afar;
A beam of day, that shines for me,
To save me from despair.
Forerunner of the sun,
It marks the pilgrim's way;
I'll gaze upon it while I run,
And watch the rising day.
The Sola System
Puritan Board Freshman
My favorite hymn is Psalm 76.
Psalm 76 <To the chief Musician on Neginoth [LXX: Neginoth = "Hymn"], A Psalm or Song of Asaph.>
1 In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel.
2 In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.
3 There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.
4 Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey.
5 The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.
6 At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.
7 Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?
8 Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still,
9 When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.
10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.
11 Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.
12 He shall cut off the spirit of princes: he is terrible to the kings of the earth.
Psalm 76 <To the chief Musician on Neginoth [LXX: Neginoth = "Hymn"], A Psalm or Song of Asaph.>
1 In Judah is God known: his name is great in Israel.
2 In Salem also is his tabernacle, and his dwelling place in Zion.
3 There brake he the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah.
4 Thou art more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey.
5 The stouthearted are spoiled, they have slept their sleep: and none of the men of might have found their hands.
6 At thy rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep.
7 Thou, even thou, art to be feared: and who may stand in thy sight when once thou art angry?
8 Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still,
9 When God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.
10 Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.
11 Vow, and pay unto the LORD your God: let all that be round about him bring presents unto him that ought to be feared.
12 He shall cut off the spirit of princes: he is terrible to the kings of the earth.
Are you sure about that? I couldn't find anything to back it up from a quick search on google. Only one unverifiable quote concerned with his feelings, which do not affect salvation.
baron
Puritan Board Graduate
Another favorite.
Grace Greater Than Our Sin.
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.
Refrain
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.
Refrain
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.
Refrain
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?
Refrain
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Grace Greater Than Our Sin.
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.
Refrain
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.
Refrain
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.
Refrain
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?
Refrain
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Another favourite from Martin Luther based on Psalm 130 (though sadly the traditional tune is nigh-unsingable).
From the depths of woe I raise to Thee
The voice of lamentation;
Lord, turn a gracious ear to me
And hear my supplication;
If Thou iniquities dost mark,
Our secret sins and misdeeds dark,
O who shall stand before Thee?
To wash away the crimson stain,
Grace, grace alone availeth;
Our works, alas! Are all in vain;
In much the best life faileth;
No man can glory in Thy sight,
All must alike confess Thy might,
And live alone by mercy
Therefore my trust is in the Lord,
And not in mine own merit;
On Him my soul shall rest, His word
Upholds my fainting spirit;
His promised mercy is my fort,
My comfort and my sweet support;
I wait for it with patience
What though I wait the live-long night,
And ’til the dawn appeareth,
My heart still trusteth in His might;
It doubteth not nor feareth;
Do thus, O ye of Israel’s seed,
Ye of the Spirit born indeed;
And wait ’til God appeareth
Though great our sins and sore our woes
His grace much more aboundeth;
His helping love no limit knows,
Our upmost need it soundeth.
Our Shepherd good and true is He,
Who will at last His Israel free
From all their sin and sorrow
From the depths of woe I raise to Thee
The voice of lamentation;
Lord, turn a gracious ear to me
And hear my supplication;
If Thou iniquities dost mark,
Our secret sins and misdeeds dark,
O who shall stand before Thee?
To wash away the crimson stain,
Grace, grace alone availeth;
Our works, alas! Are all in vain;
In much the best life faileth;
No man can glory in Thy sight,
All must alike confess Thy might,
And live alone by mercy
Therefore my trust is in the Lord,
And not in mine own merit;
On Him my soul shall rest, His word
Upholds my fainting spirit;
His promised mercy is my fort,
My comfort and my sweet support;
I wait for it with patience
What though I wait the live-long night,
And ’til the dawn appeareth,
My heart still trusteth in His might;
It doubteth not nor feareth;
Do thus, O ye of Israel’s seed,
Ye of the Spirit born indeed;
And wait ’til God appeareth
Though great our sins and sore our woes
His grace much more aboundeth;
His helping love no limit knows,
Our upmost need it soundeth.
Our Shepherd good and true is He,
Who will at last His Israel free
From all their sin and sorrow
Backwoods Presbyterian
Puritanboard Amanuensis
Mephibosheth
Puritan Board Freshman
Before the Throne of God Above.
Rom
Puritan Board Junior
Right now Psalm 113(A) in the RPCNA Psalter is my favorite.
Praise the LORD's name, praise the LORD!
Praise Him servants of the LORD.
May the LORD's name blessed be, Now and to eternity! Now and to eternity!
Dawn to dusk, from east to west,
Let the LORD's great name be blessed.
Over nations lifted high, LORD, Your glory crowns the sky!
LORD, Your glory crowns the sky!
Who is like our God alone?
High in heav'n the LORD's enthroned.
But He condescends to know Things in heav'n and earth below. Things in heav'n and earth below.
From the dust He lifts the poor,
Makes the needy grieve no more.
Those He's raised up from the pit With His people's princes sit. With His people's princes sit.
He the barren woman takes,
And a joyful mother makes;
In her home she finds reward. Hallelujah! Praise the LORD! Hallelujah! Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD's name, praise the LORD!
Praise Him servants of the LORD.
May the LORD's name blessed be, Now and to eternity! Now and to eternity!
Dawn to dusk, from east to west,
Let the LORD's great name be blessed.
Over nations lifted high, LORD, Your glory crowns the sky!
LORD, Your glory crowns the sky!
Who is like our God alone?
High in heav'n the LORD's enthroned.
But He condescends to know Things in heav'n and earth below. Things in heav'n and earth below.
From the dust He lifts the poor,
Makes the needy grieve no more.
Those He's raised up from the pit With His people's princes sit. With His people's princes sit.
He the barren woman takes,
And a joyful mother makes;
In her home she finds reward. Hallelujah! Praise the LORD! Hallelujah! Praise the LORD!
Galatians220
Puritan Board Post-Graduate
"The Love of God" is another special one to me. Not so fond of its tune, but the family story is this: my brother's mother- and father-in-law were Christians to whom I became close as they aged, as I had no in-laws of my own and there were no other Christians in the family. The Lord had plucked my sister-in-law's dad out of conservative Judaism, of all things, and he was converted to saving faith when he was in his forties. This was one of his favorite verses of any hymn, from "The Love of God:"
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
And were the skies of parchment made;
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
Source: Hymn: The love of God is greater far
He always loved writing and books and he had quite a collection of Christian books. He had also served in World War II and he'd been a diarist of his experiences when he parachuted behind enemy lines in Italy during the war and was a POW for a short while, which was a bit harrowing for a Jew. As he grew older, he lost his sight due to diabetes and then could only listen to his Bible and books on tape, which he was doing almost every time I visited. But I recall how he loved this verse, even when his days of being able to make use of "parchment and quill" to write the love of God himself were over. The hymn became one of my favorites as well. He and his wife passed away within two weeks of each other a few years ago. I look forward to seeing these saintly people again someday.And were the skies of parchment made;
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
And every man a scribe by trade;
To write the love of God above
Would drain the ocean dry;
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
Though stretched from sky to sky.
Source: Hymn: The love of God is greater far
Maththaios
Puritan Board Freshman
My favorite hymn is There Is A Fountain Filled With Blood with the line that says,
"E’er since, by faith, I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.
And shall be till I die, and shall be till I die;
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die."
God allowed me to be with there with my mother when she passed into His presence while this hymn was playing on a CD I had made for her when she became sick. This very line was playing when she was taken into His presence. I know this sounds made up but it's true and I believe intentional by God to pour out His grace and peace as I've never sensed it before or since in that magnitude.
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Let Israel say, "His steadfast love endures forever." - Psa 118:1,2
My favorite Psalm is 23 (Scottish Psalter) to Amazing Grace.
"E’er since, by faith, I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die.
And shall be till I die, and shall be till I die;
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die."
God allowed me to be with there with my mother when she passed into His presence while this hymn was playing on a CD I had made for her when she became sick. This very line was playing when she was taken into His presence. I know this sounds made up but it's true and I believe intentional by God to pour out His grace and peace as I've never sensed it before or since in that magnitude.
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Let Israel say, "His steadfast love endures forever." - Psa 118:1,2
My favorite Psalm is 23 (Scottish Psalter) to Amazing Grace.
JM
Puritan Board Doctor
Joseph Hart. All are theological sound and experiential.
O for a glance of heavenly day,
To take this stubborn heart away,
And thaw, with beams of love divine,
This heart, this frozen heart of mine.
The rocks can rend; the earth can quake;
The seas can roar; the mountains shake:
Of feeling, all things show some sign,
But this unfeeling heart of mine.
To hear the sorrows Thou hast felt,
O Lord, an adamant would melt:
But I can read each moving line,
And nothing moves this heart of mine.
Thy judgments, too, which devils fear
Amazing thought! unmoved I hear;
Goodness and wrath in vain combine
To stir this stupid heart of mine.
But something yet can do the deed;
And that dear something much I need:
Thy Spirit can from dross refine,
And move and melt this heart of mine.
~ Gadsby's Hymns #316, Joseph Hart ~
O for a glance of heavenly day,
To take this stubborn heart away,
And thaw, with beams of love divine,
This heart, this frozen heart of mine.
The rocks can rend; the earth can quake;
The seas can roar; the mountains shake:
Of feeling, all things show some sign,
But this unfeeling heart of mine.
To hear the sorrows Thou hast felt,
O Lord, an adamant would melt:
But I can read each moving line,
And nothing moves this heart of mine.
Thy judgments, too, which devils fear
Amazing thought! unmoved I hear;
Goodness and wrath in vain combine
To stir this stupid heart of mine.
But something yet can do the deed;
And that dear something much I need:
Thy Spirit can from dross refine,
And move and melt this heart of mine.
~ Gadsby's Hymns #316, Joseph Hart ~
kappazei
Puritan Board Freshman
If I had to choose out of the countless;
1. Come Thou Font
2. Joy to the world --- that line, ' the Glory of His Righteousness and wonders of His Love' gets me everytime.
3. Fairest Lord Jesus --- it may sound wussy for a guy to pick this one but there's the line, 'Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines pure-er than all the angels Heaven can boast.'
4 Most nostalgic (but not neccesarily the theologically most sophisticated)---> a) Heavenly Sunshine and
b) The chorus of Seeking the Lost by William Augustine Ogden
'Going afar (going afar)
Upon the mountain (upon the mountain)
Bringing the wanderer back again, (back again)
Into the fold (into the fold)
Of my Redeemer (of my Redeemer)
Jesus the Lamb for sinners slain, for sinners slain'
By the way, is there some escatological significance to the line, "and the darkness shall turn to dawning and the dawning to noonday bright, and Christ's great Kingdom shall come to earth, the Kingdom of love and light." ? That's from 'We've a Story to tell to the Nations' of course.
---------- Post added at 03:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:28 PM ----------
Jesus is the answer for the world today, beside Him there's no other, Jesus is the Way.
Can't get much more straight and to the point than that!
1. Come Thou Font
2. Joy to the world --- that line, ' the Glory of His Righteousness and wonders of His Love' gets me everytime.
3. Fairest Lord Jesus --- it may sound wussy for a guy to pick this one but there's the line, 'Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines pure-er than all the angels Heaven can boast.'
4 Most nostalgic (but not neccesarily the theologically most sophisticated)---> a) Heavenly Sunshine and
b) The chorus of Seeking the Lost by William Augustine Ogden
'Going afar (going afar)
Upon the mountain (upon the mountain)
Bringing the wanderer back again, (back again)
Into the fold (into the fold)
Of my Redeemer (of my Redeemer)
Jesus the Lamb for sinners slain, for sinners slain'
By the way, is there some escatological significance to the line, "and the darkness shall turn to dawning and the dawning to noonday bright, and Christ's great Kingdom shall come to earth, the Kingdom of love and light." ? That's from 'We've a Story to tell to the Nations' of course.
---------- Post added at 03:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:28 PM ----------
Jesus is the answer for the world today, beside Him there's no other, Jesus is the Way.
Can't get much more straight and to the point than that!
a mere housewife
Not your cup of tea
Mindy and I were having this discussion the other day -- I didn't grow up singing Psalms, and regret not knowing more to sing (especially when I consider that the singing of Psalms by the church has a history that extends not just through the English speaking church, in the most moving circumstances -- but can be traced through the earthly history of my Lord, and back through the experience of the Old Testament church); but my mom always sang hymns around the house -- even just a snatch of a refrain over and again -- while she did housework. It was a very comforting habit of hers for at least one of her children . (& I wasn't terribly surprised to find that Mindy sings a lot of hymns around the house with her girls.)
I love so many it's hard to choose a favorite. But the one I find myself singing most often is -- sometimes puzzlingly to me -- not the most profoundly phrased or doctrinally rich. Yet there is something simple in it which answers to every day (though I must qualify that I sing and make melody in my heart, for I have no voice to speak of; and in the past when I've sung aloud Ruben has found it convenient to put on a cd -- and I believe this is one of the songs my mom sang most often:
Thou my everlasting portion,
More than friend or life to me --
All along this pilgrim journey,
Only let me walk with Thee.
As Ruben said, it is a comfort to know that our dear friend loved 'O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus'; and makes the song itself more precious. It is good to read of what lies close to the hearts of friends here.
. (& I wasn't terribly surprised to find that Mindy sings a lot of hymns around the house with her girls.)I love so many it's hard to choose a favorite. But the one I find myself singing most often is -- sometimes puzzlingly to me -- not the most profoundly phrased or doctrinally rich. Yet there is something simple in it which answers to every day (though I must qualify that I sing and make melody in my heart, for I have no voice to speak of; and in the past when I've sung aloud Ruben has found it convenient to put on a cd
-- and I believe this is one of the songs my mom sang most often:Thou my everlasting portion,
More than friend or life to me --
All along this pilgrim journey,
Only let me walk with Thee.
As Ruben said, it is a comfort to know that our dear friend loved 'O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus'; and makes the song itself more precious. It is good to read of what lies close to the hearts of friends here.
glazer1972
Puritan Board Freshman
•Years I spent in vanity and pride,
Caring not my Lord was crucified,
Knowing not it was for me He died
On Calvary.
•Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty,
At Calvary.
•By God's Word at last my sin I learned;
Then I trembled at the law I'd spurned,
Till my guilty soul imploring turned
To Calvary.
•Now I've giv'n to Jesus everything,
Now I gladly own Him as my King,
Now my raptured soul can only sing
Of Calvary.
•Oh, the love that drew salvation's plan!
Oh, the grace that brought it down to man!
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span
At Calvary!
Source: Hymn: At Calvary
Caring not my Lord was crucified,
Knowing not it was for me He died
On Calvary.
•Mercy there was great, and grace was free;
Pardon there was multiplied to me;
There my burdened soul found liberty,
At Calvary.
•By God's Word at last my sin I learned;
Then I trembled at the law I'd spurned,
Till my guilty soul imploring turned
To Calvary.
•Now I've giv'n to Jesus everything,
Now I gladly own Him as my King,
Now my raptured soul can only sing
Of Calvary.
•Oh, the love that drew salvation's plan!
Oh, the grace that brought it down to man!
Oh, the mighty gulf that God did span
At Calvary!
Source: Hymn: At Calvary
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