What Hymn Means the Most to You? (blood, choice, attend)

[jonny]

On Sunday we had an interesting service. Instead of the normal meeting, they opened up the meeting to the members of the congregation. Anyone who wanted, could come to the pulpit and speak about a hymn that meant a lot to them. Many of the members shared experiences where hymns have comforted them through their trials. After they spoke, the congregation sang this hymn together.

The service went for almost two hours and that didn't seem long enough! It was wonderful to hear the experiences and to sing the hymns. I know we can't sing together, but I thought it would be fun to do the same thing on the board.

What is your favorite hymn and why is it your favorite?

I have so many that I don't know where to start. I'm going to have to think about it a little more before I post my thoughts.

[Aqualung]

I'm not a big hymn fan to begin with. Maybe I've never been to a church that sung good hymns. I like the one that says "let heaven and nature sing" (I think it's a christmas song) because I always liked hearing my dad sing the bass part that was a little after the regular part. But that's about the only one I can think of.

[Terrywoodenpic]

The first hymn that I can remember stopping and thinking about, I heard sung by a group of Americans and Chineese in a flat in Hongkong.
It was the Old Rugged Cross. That was back in the 50's. At that time I only knew Hymns from
Anchient and Modern, and the English Public school Hymn Book.

Terry
_____________________________________
Blessed are the pure of heart, they shall behold their God.

[Melody]

If you want to hear the music for it, go here. There's also an explanation of the author's reason for writing. When life seems to be closing, this song brings me incredible peace.


IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL
When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain

It is well, with my soul,
It is well, with my soul,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

Refrain

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

Refrain

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

Refrain

But, Lord, ‘tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh trump of the angel! Oh voice of the Lord!
Blessèd hope, blessèd rest of my soul!

Refrain

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

Refrain

[CaptainXeroid]

Originally Posted by Aqualung

...I like the one that says "let heaven and nature sing" (I think it's a christmas song)...

Joy to the World, one of my favorites too.

I sing in the choir and play handbells, so music is very much a part of our ministry. If I had to pick one, it would be Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee. I find it incredibly uplifting and happy. I even use the tune as a ringtone on my cellphone at times.

I think I've linked it before, but The Cyber Hymnal is a great online source for tunes and lyrics.

[Terrywoodenpic]

Originally Posted by Melody

If you want to hear the music for it, go here. There's also an explanation of the author's reason for writing. When life seems to be closing, this song brings me incredible peace.
Refrain

Thank for that Melody
And for the link I have bookmarked it


Terry
______________________________
Blessed are the pure of heart, they shall behold their God.

[michel]

There are so many I could call my favourites; it's almost impossible to narrow the choice to one. I do love the innocence and sheer simplistic beauty of this one though....

Refrain

All things bright and beautiful,

All creatures great and small,

All things wise and wonderful:

The Lord God made them all.

Each little flower that opens,

Each little bird that sings,

He made their glowing colors,

He made their tiny wings.

Refrain

[Most hymnals omit the following verse]

The rich man in his castle,

The poor man at his gate,

He made them, high or lowly,

And ordered their estate.

Refrain

The purple headed mountains,

The river running by,

The sunset and the morning

That brightens up the sky.

Refrain

The cold wind in the winter,

The pleasant summer sun,

The ripe fruits in the garden,

He made them every one.

Refrain

The tall trees in the greenwood,

The meadows where we play,

The rushes by the water,

To gather every day.

Refrain

He gave us eyes to see them,

And lips that we might tell

How great is God Almighty,

Who has made all things well.

Refrain

Thank you for the link Captain X; I can see I'll have a few hours of fun with this site.

[jonny]

I'll start with this one, but I'm sure I'll add more later.

One of my favorite hymns is the Spirit of God. I have loved singing it since I was little.

A moment I will never forget is when we dedicated the conference center a few years ago. After the dedicatory prayer, the 32,000 people in attendance did the Hosanna Shout - Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna! To God and the Lamb! - and then the Tabernacle Choir sang the Hosanna Anthem. After this, the congregation sang, "The Spirit of God."

I couldn't be at the conference center in person, but I watched the meeting on TV at my grandmother's house. There were only a few of us sitting in the TV room singing together, but I felt united as I praised God and Christ with millions of people throughout the world. Few times in my life have I felt so close to God.

The Spirit of God like a fire is burning;
The latter day glory begins to come forth;
The visions and blessings of old are returning;
The angels are coming to visit the earth.

Chorus:
We'll sing and we'll shout with the armies of heaven:
Hosanna, hosanna to God and the Lamb!
Let glory to them in the highest be given,
Henceforth and forever: amen and amen!

The Lord is extending the saints' understanding—
Restoring their judges and all as at first;
The knowledge and power of God are expanding
The vail o'er the earth is beginning to burst.

Chorus

We call in our solemn assemblies, in spirit,
To spread forth the kingdom of heaven abroad,
That we through our faith may begin to inherit
The visions, and blessings, and glories of God.

Chorus

How blessed the day when the lamb and the lion
Shall lie down together without any ire;
And Ephraim be crown'd with his blessing in Zion,
As Jesus descends with his chariots of fire!

Chorus

[I Panicked! At the Disco]

My favorite hymn is "Sing and Be Happy". It goes like this:


If the skies above you are gray
You are feeling so blue
If your cares and burdens seem great
All the whole day through
There's a silver lining that shines
Up in Heaven's fair land
Look by faith and see it, my friend
Trust in his promises grand

Chorus:

Sing and you'll be happy today
Press along to the goal
Trust in him who leadeth the way
He is keepin' your soul
Let the world know where you belong
Look to Jesus and pray
Lift your voice and praise him in song
Sing and be happy today