Free hymns and much more!
This is a clickable index of sheet music for more than 400 mostly public domain (some graciously provided by living composers and songwriters) and free God-centered hymns, anthems, choruses, and songs. Click on the links provided, and you will be taken to the repositories of public domain music that host the songs you are looking for. Web sources have also been compiled into a directory through which you can click to thousands of pieces of public domain music both sacred and secular. Also enjoy the YouTube videos, and the hymn mp3s (mp3s are only in the Easter List for now, but more will be coming soon). Say hello to the HIMbookshelf, where you can find out about and snag selections from offline public domain sources we've used here! Latest arrival: the entire collection of Spiritual Songs and Hymns, by Isaac Watts! Later than latest arrival: EVERYTHING Isaac Watts has from Project Gutenberg!
They're back -- The Christmas Box and Christmas YouTube box are now sitting below "Web Sources" -- enjoy!
And for all of you looking for music for men's choir, a new Web source -- eHymns.org (of course, we have selected the best of the best of the best and put it here -- check the Christmas Box for some great examples!)
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Contents at a Glance
HIMbook How-To
The Table of Contents is your GOOD friend
If you are looking for a particular piece of sheet music or hymn mp3s, the HIMbook is organized alphabetically (sorry, no search button yet), so click on the appropriate section in the Table of Contents to go to the proper letter. Or, do a CTRL-F; your browser will pop up your own personal search box; just type in the hymn you want (I've recently been alerted that CTRL+F doesn't work well on IE 6. A work-around is being sought). Or, check out "The Big Ones" for links to large-scale choral pieces including Handel's Messiah (just added videos to almost the whole thing as well!). Everything here is available for educational and religious use, and most of it is public domain (if you don't know why that is wonderful and FREE to you, do a quick right-click and open this lens in a new window).If you are a composer, lyricist, or arranger interested in being linked to, first check "The What and the Why" and then to the "Do You Want In" section. Read all the sections following, and follow the instructions.
Anybody wishing to know the rationale and methodology by which the HIMbook was put together might profitably follow the composer/lyricist/arranger reading track. No more is asked of modern composers than has been required of those of past centuries.
Music researchers, links to the source collections have been provided so that you can sink your inquiring minds into the thousands of pieces of music, sacred and secular, from which I have drawn the selections here.
And of course, everyone is welcome to just browse and explore. There are some nice YouTube features here, and a growing number of hymn mp3s. Many of the hymns linked to also have recordings at their various sites. There is a "New Additions" section (wedged between "Web sources" and "The A Section") so you can get up to date on what's new when you make a return trip to the HIMbook. And, be sure to check out what other lensmasters (that is, site builders, for those who don't speak Squidoo) have done around the subject of hymns and choral music.
If you're looking for God-honoring Christmas music, see the "Christmas Box," which is just below "Web Sources!"
The What and the Why
Which really comes down to Who, and in Whom
It happened one evening that I was looking through a hymnbook, something I've done hundreds of times before. But this time it frustrated me as it never did before, until I realized what was upsetting me. In that large hymnbook I had read pages and pages of hymns based on requests of God, promises to God, testimonies about what God did for an individual, testimonies of an individual's Christian life, et cetera, et cetera.Very few hymns focused on God Himself, the Person Who presumably we Christians come together to worship every Sunday.
I went from frustrated to dismayed, and grieved.
In my official function as creative director of a small music publishing company, it has long been my desire to put out a hymnbook -- in fact, the first music of my own that I ever had printed was a small collection of my own hymns. But those were the days before I knew anything about copyright permissions and the costs thereof that would be incurred if I had wanted to collect and reprint many of my favorite hymn selections. Nor did I know, in my tender youth, about public domain music. But, the idea had lain dormant in my mind and heart for a long time.
The catalyst for my idea for a hymnbook, my growing knowledge of public domain resources, and my passion for the Lord and His music to come together was that one evening of frustration, when God caused me to notice what I had never seen before. I thank Him for the frustration, and provision -- it is by His power, and for His glory, that He has permitted me to gather together this resource I call the HIMbook, for it is all about HIM.
This site is an offering, an offering of a sacrifice of doing good to God from both me and many other saints in Christ, most of whom are now in Heaven, who penned all the music here. It is also an offering of the sacrifice of faith toward God, for all Christians who are looking for music out here on the Wild Wild Web, that this (virtual) place be a help to them, now and in the future. This site is also given as a free gift to all my fellow heirs in Christ.
One word more, and the Web sources begin below this paragraph: part of the organization of the HIMbook was inspired by a dear Christian friend of mine who is researching the development of the hymn in general. All of the hymns linked to have bibliographic information a click or two from here, and many have brief history as well.
Web sources
All the sites on which all this music resides!
Here are all the home pages of the places and people where I found all this free sheet music (finally alphabetized, as it has become a usable directory). Please do read their policies for material usage before downloading the works they have made available by their great efforts, and do give credit where credit is due (as you will see done on this site)!
An early note about the Cyber Hymnal: you'll need to download a piece of software called NoteWorthy Composer Viewer, version 2.0, in order to download its scores. This is free, and the link to the page where you can download it is underneath the Cyber Hymnal link.
An early note about the Cyber Hymnal: you'll need to download a piece of software called NoteWorthy Composer Viewer, version 2.0, in order to download its scores. This is free, and the link to the page where you can download it is underneath the Cyber Hymnal link.
- ChristmasCarolMusic.org
- What I love about this source is that in one page you get lots of sheet music -- in four parts, melody and chords, transpositions for different instruments! If that's not enough, you get to hear recordings in four parts, melody alone, lyrics, and a list of recordings where the selected music appears. It just doesn't get any better than that!
- Choral Public Domain Library (ChoralWiki)
- This is the spot for BIG classical choral works right here -- get your copies of Handel's Messiah and other favorites, along with many other fine rarities going WAY back into the 17th century. And of course, there is a big collection of hymns here as well, in multiple languages.
- Cyber Hymnal
- This is a collection of hymns and hymn tunes that covers most of the familiar ground. Their indexing is a little different; since many hymn tunes have had different words set to them over the centuries (like "NICAEA," which is the best- known tune for "Holy, Holy, Holy," but also graces two more hymns), they allow you to copy and paste the hymn texts (instant songsheets) and download the scores WITHOUT words (also, they have some nice MIDIs) A bit more complex, perhaps, but hey -- sometimes you'll get three tunes for one hymn, and sometimes three hymns for one tune, and it is all FREE.
The Cyber Hymnal also has a collection of hymns in languages from Afrikaans to Zulu, with just about every language in between. I'm not qualified to delve those riches, but if you can, PLEASE do! - Cyber Hymnal Viewer for Scores
- This is the page from which you can download the free NoteWorthy Composer Viewer to view, print, and listen to scores from the Cyber Hymnal. I downloaded it, and it works very well.
NoteWorthy Composer also puts out a nice notation program, which you may need if you're interested in the "Do You Want In?" section below. - Gallery Music
- This is an excellent collection of English church music of the 18th and 19th centuries, along with historical data and additional resources, put together by Sue Glover, who also transcribed the sheet music found here.
- Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920
- This collection is hosted by the Duke University Libraries.
- HymnSite.com's HymnBase
- This site works a lot like the Cyber Hymnal, and there is some overlapping in hymn availability -- but all files are easily downloadable PDF's! So if you can't deal with the viewer you need for the Cyber Hymnal, see if you can find the hymn you want here!
Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want! - Lester S. Levy Sheet Music Collection
- This collection is hosted by Johns Hopkins University's Eisenhower Library.
Songs I found here are all readily usable PDF's. - Maine Music Box
- This collection is hosted by the Fogler Library of the University of Maine.
- Music for the Nation: American Sheet Music 1820-1860
- This collection is hosted by the Library of Congress, as a part of their larger "American Memory" exhibit. All the files are .tif files, but the image quality is very usable.
- Music For the Nation: American Sheet Music 1870-1885
- This collection is hosted by the Library of Congress, as a part of their larger "American Memory" exhibit. All the files are .tif files, but the image quality is very usable.
- Mutopia Project
- This site has very little large-scale choral music, but I did find a full score and parts to the "Hallelujah" Chorus here.
Of all the sites listed here, this one probably offers the most advanced functionality if you really get into it. I did a separate page on it, which you can find at http://www.squidoo.com/mutopia. - National Library of Australia Digital Collections
- This collection is hosted by the National Library of Australia.
- Sibley Music Library
- This library is but one of the many at the University of Rochester.
- SingHarmony
- This is the work of James E. Taylor, CEO of SingHarmony.com Inc., who puts out wonderful rehearsal CDs for harmony parts along with hosting some favorite choral works accompanied by keyboard.
- State Library of New South Wales (Australia)
- The State Library of New South Wales also has a lovely collection of downloadable sheet music.
- State Library of Tasmania (Australia)
- The State Library of Tasmania also has a lovely collection of downloadable sheet music as well.
The Christmas Box
Get your music for Christmas and Advent right here!
This box with the HIMbook's selections will be stationed in this spot until Dec. 25, after which it will be moved to the bottom of the HIMbook -- so if you want to start your hunt in January next year, you can!
These selections all get beyond the standard Christmas template -- they unpack the many meanings and blessings God gave to us in His Son.
Welcome this year to selections for men's ensemble from eHymns.com (and thank you to Manz Music Publishing for making them available for free)! We have:
1. "Angels Rejoiced and Sweetly Sung"
2. Two versions of "Glory to God in the Highest"
These selections all get beyond the standard Christmas template -- they unpack the many meanings and blessings God gave to us in His Son.
Welcome this year to selections for men's ensemble from eHymns.com (and thank you to Manz Music Publishing for making them available for free)! We have:
1. "Angels Rejoiced and Sweetly Sung"
2. Two versions of "Glory to God in the Highest"
- A Shout of Mighty Triumph
- This outrageously joyous hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal.
- All That Breathe, Your Lord Adore
- This wonderful hymn-anthem (very suitable for Christmas) is from the Sibley Music Library at the University of Rochester.
- Angels Rejoiced and Sweetly Sung
- This beautiful hymn arranged for men's choir is from eHymns.com. Manz Music Publishing is making it available for free, so print and enjoy!
- Be Ye Joyful, Earth and Sky
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
This would make a short and versatile addition to a service around the end of December . . . - Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
- This hymn by Charles Wesley is from ChristmasCarolMusic.org (see extended note in Web sources). However, the tune given there is rarely performed; it is often sung to the tune of "Hallelujah, What a Saviour!" And there is still another, more ancient-sounding tune. The MIDI of the sheet music provided here is at ChristmasCarolMusic.org; two alternates are posted in the YouTube Christmas Box.
- Down From His Glory
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal; the tune is adapted from the ever popular "O Sole Mio."
- Glory to God in the Highest (arr. A. Manz, Jr.)
- This hymn arranged for men's ensemble is hosted at eHymns.org. Manz Music Publishing has made it available for free, so print and enjoy!
- Glory to God in the Highest (Zion's Harp)
- This hymn arranged for men's ensemble is hosted at eHymns.org. Manz Music Publishing has made it available for free, so print and enjoy!
- Hark the Glad Sound! The Saviour Comes
- This joyful hymn is hosted in the Cyber Hymnal, and has five different tunes. So, copy and paste the words, and choose the one you like best -- one of them is in the YouTube Christmas Box.
- How Brightly Shines the Morning Star
- This majestic Advent hymn is from ChristmasCarolMusic.org. A rather full production of it can be found in the YouTube Christmas Box.
- How Can I Help But Love Him?
- This earnest hymn about the Saviour's coming, and why, is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
- In Nightly Stillness
- This Polish traditional hymn is from ChoralWiki.
- Let All Together Praise Our God
- This hymn documents the exchanges that took place when the Lord Jesus took on human flesh.
- O Sing a Song Of Bethlehem
- This song gives the entire life of the Lord Jesus Christ. The tune is the same as the most popular tune for "I Heard the Voice Of Jesus Say" -- "Kingsfold."
- Prepare the Way, O Zion
- This Advent hymn is from ChristmasCarolMusic.org.
- Saviour Of The Heathen, Known
- This hymn has one of those names we don't associate with the soft gushiness of the season (below, a different translation may work better), but it is the literal truth. So if you dare, this hymn by Martin Luther is available from the Cyber Hymnal.
- Savior Of The Nations, Come
- This is a different, milder translation ("Heathen" is often translated "Nations," meaning we Gentile folk) of the above hymn by Martin Luther, also available at the Cyber Hymnal.
- Shout the Glad Tidings
- Yet another outrageously joyful Christmas hymn found at the Cyber Hymnal.
- What Star Is This, With Beams So Bright (v. 1)
- This hymn is provided by living hymnwriter and arranger Deeann D. Mathews, who lovingly added her labors to the work of centuries in bringing this major-key version to you. This hymn touches on our responsibility in responding to the gift of God.
- What Star Is This, With Beams So Bright (v. 2)
- A majestic minor-key (and more difficult) setting of the same lovely hymn, hosted at ChoralWiki. When you get the link, scroll down until you find it . . . and do check out this version in the YouTube Christmas Box.
- The Saviour Comes, No Outward Pomp
- This thoughtful hymn about the Saviour's coming is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
The YouTube Christmas Box
Most of the Christmas/Advent selections in the HIMbook are off the beaten path (intentionally), so it's not easy to find video of them. But, what I find will be duly deposited here!
curated content from YouTube
New Additions
In case you missed it . . .
The Christmas Box and the YouTube Christmas Box are back, from October 15 to December 26! Watch for new additions coming soon (which will be listed here)!Just found a GREAT new Web Source -- thank you to Manz Music Publishing for offering not only SATB hymns free but loads and loads of hymns arranged for MEN at eHymns.com! Added "A Wonderful Savior,"
The A section
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Perhaps the most fascinating selection here is "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," famously penned by Martin Luther. The Cyber Hymnal has the original German, three translations from German to English, and translations in French, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Given the importance of Luther to the Reformation and its subsequent effects on Europe, and given that this song must have spread far and wide among Reformers, each with the emphases unique to their own languages, there is a research project waiting for somebody . . .
"A" links to hymns and choruses
- A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
- This famous hymn by Martin Luther is from the Cyber Hymnal, which also has a second, lesser-known alternative translation (from German) of Luther's best known musical contribution.
Like many hymns written before the 19th century, the pauses at the ends of phrases of the original music hark back to pre-metrical days -- that is, they last only long enough to allow a congregation to get a reasonable breath! But, most modern arrangements have smoothed this particular hymn out! - A Safe Stronghold Our God Is Still
- This third variant of Martin Luther's "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God" was translated by Thomas Carlyle, and is also available from the Cyber Hymnal. Copy and paste the words; you probably know the tune . . .
- A Song Of Praise
- This anthem is also from the "Music For the Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
This was adapted from a chorale in Haydn's The Seasons. - A Song Of Thanksgiving
- This challenging piece for chorus and orchestra (probably the most difficult in the HIMbook) is from the National Library of Australia's digitised (that's right, British spelling) sheet music collection. The link jumps to page 3.
- A Wonderful Savior
- This hymn about our wonderful Savior for men's choir is from eHymns.com. Manz Music Publishing is making it available for free, so print and enjoy!
- Above the Clear Blue Sky
- This hymn -- intended for children -- is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
- Adore and Tremble, For Our God
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
This is one of the grimmer hymns -- and Watts knew how to write such hymns -- in the HIMbook. Nonetheless, it would not be accurate to speak of God without speaking of the aspect of Him as Judge. - All Hail, Adored Trinity
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score for it.
Note: "Adored" is three syllables for this song (a-dor-ed). - All Hail The Power of Jesus' Name
- This is not the hymn we know; this is an anthem, from the Sibley Music Library at the University of Rochester.
- All Hail, Thou Resurrection!
- This resurrection-themed hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download one, two, three or all four tunes for it.
- All Hail To the Prince Of Life
- This resurrection-themed hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score for it.
- All Lands, to God In Joyful Sounds
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score for it.
- All My Hope In God Is Founded
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score for it.
- All People that On Earth Do Dwell
- This favorite old hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score for it (if you must. The original tune to the Doxology would do nicely, though the note values are slightly different. Check the YouTube feature below the B section, along with the MIDI at the Cyber Hymnal)
- All Praise To Our Redeeming Lord
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score for it.
- All That I Am I Owe To Thee
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score for it.
- All That's Good, and Great, And True
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download one, two, three, or four tunes for it.
- All The Happy Children
- This (happy!) hymn for children is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score for it.
- All Things Bright and Beautiful
- This hymn (originally designed for children) is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download one, two, or all four tunes for it (tune 2 is probably the best-known one today).
There is a a little controversy about one of the verses of this hymn . . . - Almighty Father, Unoriginate
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
Think of this as a tremendously expanded "Holy, Holy, Holy," combined with one of those big Renaissance tunes (and words: "Unoriginate" simply means, "without origin") from 1562. - Alpha, Omega
- This hymn is graciously provided by living hymnwriter Susan H. Peterson, and is hosted at the Cyber Hymnal. Copy and paste the words, download the score.
- Always and Ever
- This hymn is graciously provided by living hymnwriter Richard W. Adams, and is hosted at the Cyber Hymnal. Copy and paste the words (with the copyright notice; Mr. Adams requires it!), download the score.
- Amazing Grace
- This perhaps most-beloved hymn in the English language is from the Cyber Hymnal. There are some lesser known and beautiful verses that deserve to be brought back into usage.
- Amid the Thronging Worshippers
- This beautiful paraphrase of the latter half of Psalm 22 is from the Cyber Hymnal. Copy and paste the words, download the score.
- Among The Princes, Earthly Gods
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is from the Cyber Hymnal, and it is remarkable how this particular work of Watts speaks down the centuries to our own time, when so many set so much by certain political leaders. Copy and paste the words, download the score.
- An Endless Alleluia
- This hymn is from Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1875, edited by William Henry Monk. I found this venerable old Anglican hymnbook at the San Francisco Public Library.
- And Can It Be
- This hymn is hosted on Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns.
Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want! - Ascribe To The Lord Our God
- This hymn that paraphrases Psalm 29 is graciously provided by living hymnwriter Susan H. Peterson, and is hosted at the Cyber Hymnal. Copy and paste the words, download the score.
- Ask Ye What Great Thing I Know
- This hymn is found at the Cyber Hymnal. Copy and paste the words, download the score.
When I read this hymn I thought to myself, "May my answer be the same to anyone that asks me, 'What great thing do you know?'" There is only one true answer, and it is a Name above all names . . . - At All Times Praise The Lord
- This hymn is found at the Cyber Hymnal. Copy and paste the words, download the score.
The Cyber Hymnal notes that this hymn was written by a man whose feelings were running all against what he wrote. But his faith, as you will see, was strong. - At The Name Of Jesus
- This hymn is from Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1875, edited by William Henry Monk. I found this venerable old Anglican hymnbook at the San Francisco Public Library.
- Awake, And Sing The Song
- This joyful hymn is found at the Cyber Hymnal. Copy and paste the words, download the score.
- Awake, Awake, O Heart Of Mine
- This hymn by Fanny Crosby is found at the Cyber Hymnal. Copy and paste the words, download the score.
- Awake, Glad Soul
- This joyful Resurrection hymn is found at the Cyber Hymnal. Copy and paste the words, download one or both tunes for it.
- Awake, My Heart; Arise, My Tongue
- This hymn by Isaac Watts has been recently set to an old hymn tune by living arranger Michael Lonneke. The result can be found at the Cyber Hymnal; copy and paste the words, download the score.
- Awake, My Soul, With Gladness
- This 17th-Century Resurrection hymn is at the Cyber Hymnal. Copy and paste the words, download the score.
- Awake, My Soul, To Joyful Lays
- This hymn is at the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words and download one, two or three tunes for it (one of them is from the 16th century).
The theme of this hymn is the lovingkindness of the Lord. - Awake, My Tongue, Thy Tribute Bring
- This hymn is found at the Cyber Hymnal. Copy and paste the words, download the score.
The B section
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"Be Thou My Vision" is remarkable in the loving intimacy it depicts as possible between Almighty God and His people who are in Christ (see Ephesians 1:1-6, for starters). According to the history at the Cyber Hymnal, this prayer-like, impassioned hymn has been preserved to us over a journey of 13 centuries, and passed through many loving hands to bring it to the form we know today.
"B" links to hymns and choruses
- Be Joyful In God
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- Be Thou My Vision
- This beloved old hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- Be Thou, O God, Exalted High
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- Beautiful Savior
- This is an older version (a slightly different translation) of the ever-beloved "Fairest Lord Jesus," arranged for men's choir and hosted at eHymns.org. Manz Music Publishing is making it available for free, so print and enjoy!
- Before the Lord We Bow
- This hymn by Francis Scott Key is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
This hymn is a nice complement to the U.S. National Anthem, also penned by Key, and would also make a good Thanksgiving selection. - Begin, My Tongue, Some Heavenly Theme
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is arranged for men's choir and hosted at eHymns.org. Manz Music Publishing is making it available for free, so print and enjoy!
- Behold Now, Praise the Lord
- This anthem is also from the "Music For the Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
YouTube Feature: "All People That On Earth Dwell"
This video reminds me of myself, though I'm an overager pianist instead of an overager organist who gets the volume right on the second verse sometimes . . . enjoy the hint at key change in this arrangement.
All people that on earth do dwell (Old Hundreth)
Opening hymn on June 15, 2008 at Otey Memorial Parish, Sewanee, TN. Moller/Milner 2/9 unit pipe organ. Based on the Vaughn Williams setting...pretty close, but I couldn't find the music anywhere. The trumpet descant in the third verse and the fauxbourdon in the fourth should be fairly accurate.
Runtime: 247
3167 views
8 Comments:
curated content from YouTube
The C section
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"Come, Let Us Join Our Cheerful Songs" and "Come, Let Us Join Our Friends Above," considered together, give a panoramic view of the unity of the Church with God, and the commonality of worship among all beings, human and spirit, who know God. They also highlight how different Christians' perspective is (or should be) from that of their unsaved contemporaries on life, death, time, space, and separation from loved ones. I take the first in this pair of hymns as similar to the daily fellowship Christians can have in praising and worshipping God. I take the second of the pair as similar to the ideal fellowship of Christians who are grieving the loss of loved ones but still praising and worshipping, as suggested by the history at the Cyber Hymnal. In recent days I have found "Come, Let Us Join Our Friends Above" a personal comfort and encouragement.
"C" links to hymns and choruses
- Can a Little Child Like Me
- This hymn for children is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- Celebrate Immanuel's Name
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- Chautaqua Doxology
- This hymn is from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Children's Praise
- This is a cutie . . . also a hymn from the "Music for a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Christ The Lord Is Risen Today (v. 1)
- This favorite hymn by Charles Wesley (the best known) is in the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words and download the score.
Charles Wesley has an unknown co-writer on this one; stanzas 8-10 apparently came first, sometime in the 14th century . . . - Christ The Lord Is Risen Today (v. 2)
- This lesser-known but wonderful hymn by Fanny Crosby is in the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words and download the score.
- Come, Christians, Join and Sing
- This favorite old hymn (originally intended for children) is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- Come, Let Us Join Our Cheerful Songs
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the one, two, or all three tunes.
This hymn focuses on the activity of praise and worship of God being something that mortal beings and angels in Heaven participate in together. - Come, Let Us Join Our Friends Above
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download one or both tunes.
This hymn focuses on how saints above and below participate together in the praise and worship of God, as part of one Church. Both Charles Wesley, and Isaac Watts, the author of the previous hymn, touch on the theme of the unity of the Church with God, and the eternal commonality of worship by all beings that know God. Considered together, these two hymns perhaps give the sense of how the Christian's perspective on time, space, life, and death is quite different from that of the non-Christian. - Crown Him
- This rousing hymn is arranged for men's choir and is hosted at eHymns.org. Manz Music Publishing is making it available for free, so print and enjoy!
- Crown Him With Many Crowns
- This favorite old hymn is from Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1875, edited by William Henry Monk. I found this old Anglican hymnbook at the San Francisco Public Library.
The D section
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The version here of the "Doxology" is the original form of the one we know; it is quite different in metrical feel than what we sing today. It really takes you back to the day (1551 and 1674, to be exact, although in some folk traditions of Christian music the meter is still not held as absolute law) in which measures didn't matter as much, and singers resumed singing after a pause as soon as they had caught their breaths. "The God Of Abraham Praise" and "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," two other old hymns here in the HIMbook, show similar effects in some recordings.
"D" links to hymns and choruses
- Day-Star
- This hymn is available at ChoralWiki -- like the Cyber Hymnal, copy and paste the words, download the score.
Speaking of the Cyber Hymnal, it lists this hymn under "Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Heavens," and provides four alternate tunes. - Dearest Of All The Names Above
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
As is often the case with Watts, no trace of what would be considered political correctness even in his day exists in this song -- read that last verse for yourself! - Doxology (or, "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow")
- This (penultimate old favorite) hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
This version has the measure-line flexibility common to tunes of the 16th century and earlier, so I have posted a more "metrically even" version just below. - Doxology (or, "Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow"), v. 2
- This is a version of the Doxology which in metrical feel is more like we from the 20th and 21st centuries are used to, from ChoralWiki.
- Doxology On Redemption
- This hymn is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
YouTube feature: "Doxology"
This passionate guitar rendition of the best-known version of the Doxology shares in the metric sense of the original -- no bar lines and strict counts here!
Enjoy the bonus features by this artist, clickable from the video! Remember, if you do a right-click and open a new tab or window, you can leave the HIMbook open while enjoying the music!
Enjoy the bonus features by this artist, clickable from the video! Remember, if you do a right-click and open a new tab or window, you can leave the HIMbook open while enjoying the music!
curated content from YouTube
The E section
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If you ever get lost in trying to comprehend the incomprehensible that is God, "Eternal Being, Majesty" is the hymn for you. The author sets down all that he knows for sure as revealed in the Bible, and faithfully reports on his awe and wonder and ecstasy at JUST that. There is probably no more passionate hymn in this HIMbook.
"E" links to hymns and choruses
- Earth, With All Thy Thousand Voices
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download one or both tunes (one is by Haydn, the other by Barthelemon).
- Ere Yet The Dawn Has Filled The Skies
- This hymn from the 17th century is from the is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (endless songsheets) and download the score.
This hymn is another grand choice for Resurrection Sunday, as it connects those events quite smoothly to our walk with Christ -- or rather, "in Christ" -- today. - Eternal Being; Majesty
- This hymn is from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Eternal Light, Divinity
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (endless songsheets) and download the score.
- Eternal Monarch, King Most High
- This hymn (from the 13th Century!) is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (endless songsheets) and download the score.
- Eternal Power, Whose High Abode
- This vivid hymn by Isaac Watts is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (endless songsheets) and download the score.
- Eternal Son, Eternal Love
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (endless songsheets) and download the score.
- Eternal Source Of Every Joy
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (endless songsheets) and download the score.
This hymn beautifully describes God's upholding of all times and seasons, and would be ideal for an outdoor service any time of the year. - Eternal Spirit! We Confess
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (endless songsheets) and download the score.
- Eternal Wisdom, Thee We Praise
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- Exalt the Lord, His Praise Proclaim
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (endless songsheets) and download the score (adapted from Haydn's "Creation").
- Every Day We Will Bless Thee
- This lively hymn was written by living composer Deeann D. Mathews. Unlimited copies may be made for religious and educational purposes.
- Every Day Will I Bless Thee
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (endless songsheets) and download the score.
The F section
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It is the Christian's unique and treasured prerogative, in Christ, to be able to know Almighty God as Father, a sovereign, holy, immeasurably loving and powerful Father, Who has put into our hearts the very desire to know Him just that way. Little wonder, therefore, that so much hymnody cries out in song, "Abba, Father."
"F" links to hymns and choruses
- Fairest Lord Jesus (AUDIO BELOW)
- This favorite old hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
(April 2009: The Lord moved the heart of a coworker to loan me his recording equipment, which is how the audio below came to be . . . so if you enjoy what you hear, praise the Lord for His goodness along with me!) - Fairest Lord Jesus, Piano Improvisation (AUDIO)
- This is a piano improvisation on the hymn, "Fairest Lord Jesus." The original music comes from a Silesian folk song, and was first arranged to fit this hymn by James S. Willis around 1873. The solo piano piece is by Deeann D. Mathews, and is part of a collection of "Sunday Morning Preludes" she plays weekly at her church. Download and enjoy, but please give credit where credit is due if you decide to share it further (please don't make us have to sue you in the court of Heaven, for we have a strong Advocate there).
- Fairest Lord Jesus (FOR MEN'S CHOIR)
- This arrangement is hosted at eHymns.org. Manz Music Publishing is making it available for free, so print and enjoy!
- Father, In Whom We Live
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- Father, How Wide Thy Glories Shine
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- Father Of Glory, To Thy Name
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- Father Of Peace, and God Of Love
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- Father, Son, and Holy Ghost
- This hymn (that makes me cry) is arranged for men's choir and is hosted at eHymns.org. Manz Music Publishing is making it available for free, so print and enjoy!
The G section
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"God Most High, We Praise You," by living hymnwriter Susan H. Peterson, is a rare find. The hymn is based on Daniel 4:35, which happens to be the testimony about God of one King Nebuchadnezzar AFTER his seven years spent stark raving mad, eating grass with the beasts of the field, and after he looked up to God and received God's abundant grace and mercy. As far as I know, the testimony of King Nebuchadnezzar has not been hymnized before; quotes from Daniel in general seem to be rare (that would make an interesting research project for someone). But it is good that the words of the once-proud Babylonian king are brought to our remembrance through this hymn. May we all avoid the "stark raving madness" of this world by acknowledging our God for Who He is and rendering Him our obedience, praise, and love.
"G" links to hymns and choruses
- Give Thanks Unto The Father
- This hymn arranged for men's choir is hosted at eHymns.org. Manz Music Publishing is making it available for free, so print and enjoy!
- Glory Be To The Father
- This hymn (also known as the "Lesser Doxology") is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns. Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
- Glory To God On High
- This hymn for men's choir is available from ChoralWiki -- the tune is the same as "Come Thou, Almighty King," but the arrangement is quite expanded.
- Glory To God, the Holy One
- This anthem is also from the "Music for a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection. It is in three parts, for 2 trebles (or sopranos) and baritone. It is a bit challenging -- the music was arranged from Verdi's "Attila."
- God Is Love, His Mercy Brightens
- This hymn is also from the "Music for a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection. The last parts of verses two and four are obscured, but here they are, deciphered:
2. Man decays, and ages move
4. Hope and comfort from above - God Is Our Refuge
- This anthem is from the Sibley Music Library, at the University of Rochester.
- God Leads Us Along
- This beloved hymn is arranged for men's choir at eHymns.org. Manz Music Publishing is making it available for free, so print and enjoy!
- God Most High, We Praise You
- This hymn from The Cyber Hymnal is to the familiar tune of "Holy, Holy, Holy." You can copy and paste the words, download the score, but if you have "Holy, Holy, Holy," already . . .
This hymn was written by living lyricist Susan H. Peterson, who graciously donated this work into the public domain. - God, My King, Thy Might Confessing
- This hymn is from The Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download one or both tunes for it!
- God Only Wise, and Great, and Strong
- This hymn by Charles Wesley is from The Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score for it!
- God, Our Father, Made the Daylight
- This excellent little hymn for children is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score for it!
- God Our Father, We Adore Thee
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score for it!
- God, The Omnipotent
- This hymn (from Russia, with love in Christ) is arranged for men's choir and is hosted at eHymns.org. Manz Music Publishing is making it available for free, so print and enjoy!
- God Will Take Care Of You
- This beloved hymn is from HymnSite.com's HymnBase. Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
- God's Excellence
- This hymn was written by living composer Deeann D. Mathews, and was one of eight featured at Pepperdine University during the 2007 "Ascending Voice" symposium.
Unlimited copies may be made for religious and educational purposes. - God's Exaltation (v.1)
- This hymn is arranged for men's choir and is hosted at eHymns.org. Manz Music Publishing is making it available for free, so print and enjoy!
- God's Exaltation (v.2)
- This hymn is arranged for men's choir and is hosted at eHymns.org. Manz Music Publishing is making it available for free, so print and enjoy!
- Grace Greater Than Our Sin
- This hymn (that has an important question in it!) is from HymnSite.com's HymnBase. Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
- Grateful Praise
- This hymn is arranged for men's choir and is hosted at eHymns.org, and reminds us that not only should everything that has breath praise the Lord, but for every reason!
Manz Music Publishing is making this hymn available for free, so print and enjoy!
YouTube Feature: "Fairest Lord Jesus"
Enjoy these two young people . . . and remember, if you do a right-click and open a new tab or window, you can leave the HIMbook open while you enjoy the music!
curated content from YouTube
The H section
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One of the most remarkable (and delightful) things for me in putting together this section was to see how much hymnwriters have dwelled on the holiness of God. "Holy, Holy, Holy" -- that is, the version we know today -- is just the tip of the iceberg!
"H" links to hymns and choruses
- Hail Father, Son And Holy Ghost
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, and download the score.
This hymn by Charles Wesley is from his collection for children . . . that's a thought! - Hail Father, Son, And Spirit Great
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, and download the score if you must . . . it's the same tune as "O God, Our Help in Ages Past."
Charles Wesley loved to write about the Trinity . . . this one is from a whole collection (that I hope to find while library-trolling someday soon). - Hail Father, Whose Creating Call
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, and download the score.
This is another Wesley -- Samuel Wesley, Jr. - Hail, Gladdening Light
- This beautiful evening hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words and download the score.
- Hail, Holy Light! The World Rejoices
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, and download the score.
This is a meditation on the fact that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness. - Hail, Mighty Victor
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, and download the score.
This is a wonderful hymn for Resurrection Sunday. - Hail To The Lord's Anointed (v. 1)
- This hymn is from Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1875, edited by William Henry Monk. I found this Anglican hymnbook in the San Francisco Public Library.
- Hail To The Lord's Anointed (v. 2)
- This hymn, made here into an anthem, is from "The Maine Music Box" collection.
- Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, and download as many as five tunes for it.
This is another wonderful hymn for Resurrection Sunday. - Hail, Thou Source Of Every Blessing
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, and download as many as three tunes for it.
If you are a Gentile (that is, not a Jew), this song really gets to the heart of what we owe in particular to the Lord Jesus Christ. - Hallelujah! Let Praises Ring!
- This passionate old hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words and download the score.
This is another hymn from the 17th century, with a tune from the very late 16th century -- so watch out for the meter! - Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah (Kirkpatrick)
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, and download the score.
- Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah! (Psalter)
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, and download the score.
- Hallelujah, Praise The Lord!
- This hymn, graciously released into the public domain by living composer Susan H. Peterson, is hosted at the Cyber Hymnal. Copy and paste the words, download the score.
- Hallelujah! Raise, O Raise
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
- Hallelujah! What A Saviour!
- This hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns.
Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want! - He Feedeth His Flock
- This hymn by Fanny Crosby is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
This is a heart-melting song about our wonderful Good Shepherd. - He Giveth More Grace
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
This hymn beautifully highlights the inexhaustible grace of God. - He Never Said a Mumbalin Word
- This Black Spiritual was arranged and is graciously provided by Deeann D. Mathews. Unlimited copies may be made for religious and educational use.
(This was premiered to rave reviews at El Bethel Baptist Church on April 5, 2009 -- Palm Sunday) - He's The Lord of Lords
- This Black Spiritual is from Religious Folk Songs of the Negro, As Sung on the Plantations, 1909. I found this collection of Spirituals at the San Francisco Public Library.
- High In The Heavens, Eternal God
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words and discover this HIMbook record -- this hymn has NINE tunes, spanning from the 18th to the 21st centuries!
- His Eye Is On the Sparrow
- This most beloved hymn about the care of God, and the assurance that can give to the heart of every Christian is hosted at the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words and download the score.
- His Mercy Endures Forever
- This hymn based on Psalm 136:1-9 was written by living composer Deeann D. Mathews. Unlimited copies may be made for religious and educational use.
- Holiness Becomes Thy House
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so cut and paste the lyrics (instant song sheets) and download the score for it.
- Holy And Reverend Is the Name
- This beautiful hymn (with some extraordinary harmony, at least in the MIDI, for the 18th century) is from the Cyber Hymnal, so cut and paste the lyrics (instant song sheets) and download the score for it.
- Holy As Thou, O Lord, Is None
- This hymn is available from The Cyber Hymnal -- download the score, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
- Holy Father, We Adore Thee
- This hymn is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
- This hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's HymnBase. Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
- Holy, Holy
- This a cappella chorus (challenging, but rewarding) is also from the "Music For a Nation" American Sheet Music" collection.
- Holy, Holy, Holy (v. 1)
- This favorite hymn is available at ChoralWiki.
- Holy, Holy, Holy (v. 1.1)
- This beloved hymn is here reharmonized by living composer Deeann D. Mathews. More chromaticism and prominence given to minor chords in the scale make this arrangement a poignant companion to the original.
Unlimited copies may be made for religious and educational purposes. - Holy, Holy, Holy (v. 2)
- This hymn from the Lester S. Levy Collection has the same words as the better-known version of "Holy, Holy, Holy," but the tune is strikingly different (more challenging, but beautiful).
- Holy, Holy, Holy (v.3)
- This hymn available at ChoralWiki has the same words as the one we know today, but the tune is by Tchaikovsky, and more difficult than even v.2. But, it is strikingly beautiful.
- Holy! Holy! Holy! (Lambilotte)
- This anthem (still not the hymn known today) is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Holy, Holy, Holy (Roberts)
- This hymn/anthem is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection. It is not the hymn by this name we know today, but a beautiful work.
- Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord
- This short hymn is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection. The obscured words are written in strophic form beneath the sheet music.
- Holy! Holy! Holy Lord!
- This hymn is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of Hosts (Montgomery)
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so cut and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download one, two, or all three possible tunes for it!
- Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty (Holden -- also called "Sanctus")
- This short chorus is from the collection at the State Library of New South Wales (Australia).
- Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God of Hosts (Waldensian)
- This hymn/anthem is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty!
- This hymn/anthem is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Holy Spirit, Truth Divine
- This hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns.
Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want! - Honor and Glory, Almighty, Be Thine
- This anthem is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection. It is a bit challenging, in the form of a canon.
- Honor and Glory, Thanksgiving and Praise
- This hymn is available from The Cyber Hymnal -- download the score, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) . . .
- Hosanna, Loud Hosanna
- This hymn (excellent for children) is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns. Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
- How Firm A Foundation
- This favorite hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's HymnBase. Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
- How Gentle God's Commands
- This hymn is from Favorite Songs and Hymns for School and Home, from 1899, edited by J.P. McGaskey. I found this volume at the San Francisco Public Library.
"His yoke is easy and His burden is light" is the idea behind this hymn, and it is good to have a reminder sometimes . . .
The I section
Of late I have read quite a bit of argument about whether "I" statements are appropriate for corporate worship; some Christians would prefer more of an emphasis on "we." By no means can any attempt to settle the argument be made here -- I merely point out the deeply personal statements many of the hymnwriters in this section make, which yet are loved and cherished and rightfully appropriated by countless saints.
To me this suggests two things. There are many commonalities in the individual Christian's experience with God -- as it should be, since all Christians are in Christ -- with which he or she can fellowship with other believers. So much for the positive side; if you follow the history of some of these hymnwriters who seemed to have a burning passion for their Lord, you might begin to think that they made "I" statements because "we" was hard to come by -- their passion isolated them even from many of their fellow saints, then and now . . .
To me this suggests two things. There are many commonalities in the individual Christian's experience with God -- as it should be, since all Christians are in Christ -- with which he or she can fellowship with other believers. So much for the positive side; if you follow the history of some of these hymnwriters who seemed to have a burning passion for their Lord, you might begin to think that they made "I" statements because "we" was hard to come by -- their passion isolated them even from many of their fellow saints, then and now . . .
"I" links to hymns and choruses
- I Am Happy In Him
- This joyful hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- I Am He That Liveth
- This powerful hymn (great for Easter!) is arranged for men's choir and is hosted at eHymns.org. Manz Music Publishing is making it available for free, so print and enjoy!
- I Am His, And He Is Mine
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
It just boggles the imagination, and bows down the heart, and obliterates the pride, to really comprehend the idea that as a Christian, you belong to God, and God belongs to you -- God Himself and us, in so close a relationship. It boggles the angels' minds too, for they still desire to look into it, says the Bible . . . - I Believe In God the Father
- This hymn that paraphrases the Apostles' Creed is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- I Bless the Christ Of God
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- I Could Not Do Without Thee
- This hymn is from Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1875, edited by William Henry Monk. I found this old Anglican hymnbook at the San Francisco Public Library.
- I Heard the Voice Of Jesus Say
- This favorite hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download any of six possible tunes.
- I Know That My Redeemer Lives (Medley)
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- I Know That My Redeemer Lives (Wesley)
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- I Know That My Redeemer Lives FOR MEN'S CHOIR
- This hymn arranged for men's choir is hosted at eHymns.org. Manz Music publishing is making it available for free, so print and enjoy!
- I Know That My Redeemer Liveth
- This hymn (on this very common theme) is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- I Lift My Soul To God
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- I Love To Tell the Story
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- I Love To Think Of Jesus
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- I Set the Lord Before My Face
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- I Sing The Almighty Power Of God
- This is an (earlier?) variant of "I Sing The Mighty Power Of God," by Isaac Watts, hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns.
Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want! - I Sing the Mighty Power of God
- This hymn by Isaac Watts (which he had in a collection for children) is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download one or all four tunes. Tune #2 is the tune we know today.
- I Stand Amazed In the Presence
- This favorite hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- I Will Ever Sing Thy Praises
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- I Will Extol Thee, Lord On High
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- I Will Extol Thee, O My God
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- I Will Magnify Thee, O God
- This anthem for women's voices is part of the "Historic American Sheet Music" collection of the Duke University Libraries.
- I Will Praise Thee
- This hymn is also from the "Music for a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- I Will Praise Thee, O God
- This anthem is also from the "Music for a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- I Will Sing My Maker's Praises
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
This is a grave-sounding hymn (in a minor-key), but it fits with the command to praise God at all times, even when life hits its own "minor keys." - I'll Bless the Lord From Day To Day
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- I'll Praise My Maker
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download one of two tunes (one dates from 1525, the other a more modern 1800)
According to the history at the Cyber Hymnal, John Wesley died with this hymn on his lips. - I'll Speak the Honors of My King
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- Immortal Honors Rest On Jesus' Head
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download one or both tunes.
- Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
- This favorite hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- In Thee Is Gladness
- This hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns.
Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
"I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say"
So many choices!
There are six possible tunes at the Cyber Hymnal for this hymn, all of which are beautiful. I am partial to "Vox Dilecti" (first video); the key change, as the Cyber Hymnal points out, best illustrates the meaning of the hymn. "Kingsfold" is also very moving (and seems to be the popular favorite; it's the fourth video), and "Brunk" is to recommended for its cheerfulness (second video). But there are at least two other tunes as well, including an adaptation of the gospel song "Shine on Me" (third video) and so I have started a YouTube Plexo just below the I section to highlight the tunes I could find. Which one is for you? I provide. You decide.
YouTube Feature: "Holy Holy Holy"
Introducing the MacDonald Family Singers
Enjoy the genetically-enhanced harmony -- only God could have designed a match this good! Also enjoy their own original arrangement, which includes a striking section in a minor key in just the right spot1 And if you like what you hear, they have two albums that are FREE for download here!
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YouTube Double Feature:
"I Stand Amazed In the Presence" and "I Sing the Mighty Power of God"
This vocal-guitar version of "I Stand Amazed in the Presence" is both contemporary and faithful to the original, with wonderful energy.
By contrast, enjoy the warm traditional feel of this organ arrangement of "I Sing the Mighty Power of God."
And don't forget -- if you do a right-click, and open a new tab or window, you can leave the HIMbook open while enjoying the music!
By contrast, enjoy the warm traditional feel of this organ arrangement of "I Sing the Mighty Power of God."
And don't forget -- if you do a right-click, and open a new tab or window, you can leave the HIMbook open while enjoying the music!
curated content from YouTube
The J section
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The name of Jesus . . . in any language, there can be no more beloved and dear word to the Christian's ear. Here in the HIMbook, it comes in two forms -- many older hymns have it as "Jesu," which is identical to the Latin and German form to this day. Both of them derive (through Greek and Latin) from what was the Lord's proper Jewish name while He walked this earth -- Jehoshua (from whence we get Joshua) or Yeshua, meaning simply, "Salvation is of the Lord." How appropriate! It would be interesting to see if eventually I find a hymn that uses the Jewish form of the Lord's name . . . but of course, that will probably end up in the Y section.
"J" links to hymns and choruses
- Jehovah God, Thy Gracious Power
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- Jehovah, Let Me Now Adore Thee
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- Jehovah Sits Enthroned
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- Jehovah, Thee We Praise
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- Jesu, Our Hope, Our Heart's Desire
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
This is an very old hymn -- more than a millenium old! - Jesu, the Very Thought Is Sweet
- This beloved and ancient hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
This hymn is not listed without a caveat -- since the Bible says in Hebrews 13:5 "For He hath said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you," it is not necessary to pray for the Lord to remain or be with us if we are in Christ, which is the exact plea in the first line of the seventh stanza. Nevertheless, the hymn as whole is wonderful. - Jesus
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- Jesus, and Shall It Ever Be
- This renowned and oft-quoted hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- Jesus, Joy Of Our Desiring
- This favorite chorale, harmonized famously by J.S. Bach (under the better-known name, "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring"), is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns. Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
- Jesus, Hail! [A medley!]
- This medley for men's choir is hosted at eHymns.org. Manz Music Publishing is making it available for free, so print and enjoy!
- Jesus Is All the World To Me
- This favorite hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- Jesus Our King!
- This hymn is from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Jesus, Our Priest And King
- This hymn (that pulls no punches) is arranged for men's choir and hosted at eHymns.org. Manz Music Publishing is making it available for free, so print and enjoy!
- Jesus, Priceless Treasure
- This hymn, harmonized by J.S. Bach, is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns. Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
- Jesus! The Name High Over All
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
The Cyber Hymnal has a very touching history of how much this hymn has encouraged the hearts of God's people, particularly our Methodist brothers and sisters. - Jesus, The Very Thought Of Thee
- This 1,000-year old hymn is arranged for men's choir and hosted at eHymns.org. Manz Music Publishing is making it available for free, so print and enjoy!
- Jesus, The Very Thought Of Thee (Towner)
- This hymn is arranged for men's choir and hosted at eHymns.org. Manz Music Publishing is making it available for free, so print and enjoy!
The K section
K does not seem to yield as many possibilities in the English language as its neighbors J and L. This section will likely contain, someday, a long string of hymns beginning with the word "King." The two members of the K section thus far give good cheer as to the possibilities.
"K" links to hymns and choruses
- King Emanuel
- This Black Spiritual is from Religious Folk Songs of the Negro, As Sung on the Plantations, 1909. I found this collection of Spirituals at the San Francisco Public Library.
I smile at the truth plainly uttered in this line: "Oh, de King Emanuel is a mighty 'manuel . . ." yes, indeed He is. - King Of Kings
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
The L section
Francis Scott Key is best known for penning "The Star-Spangled Banner," but his hymns should be better known, and "Lord, With Glowing Heart I'd Praise Thee" is one of his finest in its simple truth. We all know we SHOULD praise the Lord, but without His Spirit flowing through us, we don't have the ability. Key is remarkable in his honesty in this hymn. "L" links to hymns and choruses
- Let All Men Praise the Lord
- This hymn/anthem from Mendelssohn's "Lobgesang" is available from "Music For the Nation: American Sheet Music."
- Let Us Praise Him
- This Black Spiritual is from Religious Folk Songs of the Negro, As Sung on the Plantations, 1909. I found this collection of Spirituals at the San Francisco Public Library.
Think about the faith a group of African slaves must have had to keep their minds, in the words of another Spiritual, "stayed on Jesus" in order to raise this joyous praise -- how is it, therefore, that some of us are so slow to respond with praise and thanksgiving to our Lord? - Like A River Glorious (AUDIO BELOW)
- This beloved hymn about the peace of God is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
(April 2009: The Lord moved the heart of a coworker to loan me his recording equipment, which is how the audio below came to be . . . so if you enjoy what you hear, praise the Lord for His goodness along with me!) - Like A River Glorious, Piano Improvisation (AUDIO)
- This is a piano improvisation on the hymn, "Like a River Glorious" and the original music was written by James Mountain in 1876. The solo piano piece is by Deeann D. Mathews, and is part of a collection of "Sunday Morning Preludes" she plays weekly at her church. Download and enjoy, but please give credit where credit is due if you decide to share it further (please don't make us have to sue you in the court of Heaven, for we have a strong Advocate there).
- Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending
- This hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns.
Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
This is the hymn for everyone whose hearts say, "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly"! It reminds me quite a bit of "Joy to the World," only with much more detail . . . - Lord, Thy Glory
- This anthem is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection. It is in three parts, mezzo-soprano, tenor, and bass.
- Lord, Thy Glory Fills the Heavens
- This anthem is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Lord, With Glowing Heart I'd Praise Thee
- This hymn/anthem by Francis Scott Key is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Love Is The Theme
- This hymn on the love of God (talk about a self-explanatory title) is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words and download the score.
- Love Of The Father
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words and download one or two tunes for it.
This hymn has been moving in our direction since the very early 11th century; the oldest tune is from 1623, so watch the meters! - Love Surpassing Human Love
- This hymn on the love of God (again, talk about a self-explanatory title) is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words and download the score.
This hymn makes an excellent Good Friday selection. - Low In The Grave He Lay
- This quintessential Resurrection hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
Enjoy the bonus poem by Cale Young Rice as well!
YouTube feature: "Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise"
This gorgeous organ rendition uses more static harmony than the original hymn, but you won't miss the chord changes!
And remember, if you do a right-click, and open a new tab or window, you can leave the HIMbook open while enjoying the music!
And remember, if you do a right-click, and open a new tab or window, you can leave the HIMbook open while enjoying the music!
curated content from YouTube
The M section
Isaac Watts is strongly represented in this section; he seemed to relish the fact that God was "My God," much beloved and desired. But Watts is not alone in this passion.
"M" links to hymns and choruses
- Magnify Jehovah's Name
- This anthem is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Majestic Sweetness Sits Enthroned
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal -- download the score, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
- Maker and Sov'reign Lord
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is from the Cyber Hymnal -- download the score, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
As usual, Isaac Watts pulls no punches . . . - Maker In Whom We Live
- This hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns.
Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want! - My God, How Endless Is Thy Love!
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is from the Cyber Hymnal -- download one or more of its three tunes, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
- My God! How Perfect Are Thy Ways
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal -- download the score, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
William Cowper's honesty about the difference between God's ways and our ways in this particular hymn will forever keep this hymn from being "popular." It would take a bold choir director or minister to bring this one forward on a Sunday morning . . . nonetheless, it describes a great deal of truth. - My God, I Love Thee
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal -- download one or more of four tunes, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
- My God, My King, Thy Praise I Sing
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal -- download the score, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
- My God, My King, Thy Various Praise
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is from the Cyber Hymnal -- download the score, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
- My God, My Portion, and My Love
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is from the Cyber Hymnal -- download the score, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
- My God, the Spring of All My Joys
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is from the Cyber Hymnal -- download the score, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
In this hymn, the only word to describe the mood is "overjoyed." - My Jesus, I Love Thee
- This hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns.
Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
This is a sweet song . . . it melts my heart just to read it, for if there was anyone worth loving in this universe, our Lord Jesus is The One.
The Big Ones: Handel's Messiah
The Messiah might be taken as one great HIMbook in and of itself, which is why the link to the entire masterpiece (hosted over at ChoralWiki) is provided. Here also are some favorite selections in arranged forms (keyboard, etc.)
The indexing is a little different in "The Big Ones" sections: sometimes I'll link to a whole page so you can choose what you need for yourself.
The indexing is a little different in "The Big Ones" sections: sometimes I'll link to a whole page so you can choose what you need for yourself.
- The Complete Messiah (full score)
- It's all on this page at ChoralWiki ... you could have pulled out all the other selections for yourself if you wanted to, but I'll save you some time.
I have not yet found the scores for the separate parts, but, I'm working on it . . .
(Alphabetical indexing resumes below) - Behold the Lamb Of God
- This version from SingHarmony comes with keyboard accompaniment.
- But Thanks Be To God
- This version from SingHarmony comes with keyboard accompaniment.
- Glory to God
- This version from SingHarmony comes with keyboard accompaniment.
- "Hallelujah" Chorus
- This is the full score version, with all vocal and orchestra parts available in zipped PDF files. So run on over to the Mutopia Project, unzip, and go!
- "Hallelujah" Chorus (multiple arrangements)
- This page at ChoralWiki has versions with keyboard accompaniments, as well as a couple of different editions to choose from.
- "Hallelujah Chorus," hymn-style, C Major
- This is a nice condensation of the famous chorus (in a key easier to sing for the average congregation/church choir) from Favorite Songs and Hymns, from 1899, edited by J.P. McGaskey. I found this volume at the San Francisco Pubilc Library.
- "Hallelujah" Chorus (keyboard)
- This version from SingHarmony comes with keyboard accompaniment.
- Let All the Angels Of God Worship Him
- This version from SingHarmony comes with keyboard accompaniment.
- Lift Up Your Heads, O Ye Gates
- This version from SingHarmony comes with keyboard accompaniment.
- Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs
- This version from SingHarmony comes with keyboard accompaniment.
- Worthy Is the Lamb That Was Slain
- This version from SingHarmony comes with keyboard accompaniment.
Messiah Performance Highlights
From the City College of San Francisco Chorale and Orchestra
This December 2008 performance was put on YouTube by Professor Joshua T. Law of City College of San Francisco, and it features the musicians and professors and professionals of my alma mater in action! Enjoy! Names of the soloists appear on screen (don't miss Mr. Law singing "But Who May Abide"!).
curated content from YouTube
More Messiah Performance Highlights
Nos. 10-20
With the exception of number 15, with which something messy is happening at YouTube. But it will be added when whatever is going wrong is fixed!
curated content from YouTube
Still More Messiah Performance Highlights
Nos. 21-31
With the exceptions of nos. 27 and 28, which were not performed.
curated content from YouTube
Yes, More Messiah Performance Highlights
Nos. 32-46
Several numbers in this sequence were not performed, but two favorites -- No. 44, the "Hallelujah" Chorus and No. 45, "I Know that My Redeemer Liveth" -- stand out!
curated content from YouTube
Still More Messiah Performance Highlights
Nos. 47-53 (finale)
No. 47, "The Trumpet Shall Sound" is the great favorite here.
curated content from YouTube
The Big Ones: Haydn's Creation
Though not as well-known as Handel's Messiah, the Creation contains some of the most outstanding praise to God ever put to music in the European Classical tradition. Perhaps best known is "The Heavens Are Telling," of which there are two versions here in the HIMbook. And of course there is more -- the Creation was published concurrently in English and in German, and so if you're into the German version, it's out there for you.
- Achieved Is The Glorious Work
- This chorus, arranged with piano accompaniment, is available from ChoralWiki.
- Praise The Lord, Ye Voices All
- This chorus, arranged with piano accompaniment, is available from ChoralWiki.
- The Heavens Are Telling (v.1 and v.2)
- Both versions of this favorite chorus are arranged for organ accompaniment, and are available from ChoralWiki. The major difference between the two versions is that the one titled "The Heavens Declare" is a more literal rendering of Psalm 19, upon which the piece is based.
The HIMbookshelf
Little "HIMbooks" drawn from my library-trolling adventures!
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Despite the abundant time I spend on the Internet, I am still a book person, and I spend a great deal of time in my local libraries checking out different books. Turns out that there are a lot of old collections of songs and hymns in those parts that are in the public domain, collections that yielded good material for the HIMbook. The material I have found is now scattered through the HIMbook in the appropriate sections, but here I have put the selections from the collections together in easily downloadable e-books, with links to the library records. Enjoy!
July 2009: Just found out that Isaac Watts' Spiritual Songs and Hymns is available from Project Gutenberg for free download. So, it's now linked to here!
Spiritual Songs and Hymns
And, here's the rest of Watts' work from Project Gutenberg:
The Psalms of David
Divine Songs
March 2009:
1. Selections fromFavorite Songs and Hymns for School and Home, 1899, and its library record.
2. Selections from Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1875, and its library record.
3.
The N section
In the HIMbook there are several cases of what I affectionately call "accidental hymns." "Be Thou My Vision" started as a piece of old prose somewhere in ancient Ireland. Part of "The Love of God" was found written on the wall of an asylum. From those obscure, extreme circumstances, God caused the hymns we know and love today to be brought forward.
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"No Distant Lord Have I" does not come from a background quite so obscure; as the Cyber Hymnal points out, its author did nothing more abnormal than to leave this world for Heaven in 1901, leaving his personal testimony of the intimate relationship he and the Lord he loved somewhere among his papers. But sometime between 1901 and 1927, someone looking through his papers saw his poem, and the rest, as they say, is history.
One further observation -- see if you can figure out what the best time to praise the Lord is, from the titles in this section!
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"No Distant Lord Have I" does not come from a background quite so obscure; as the Cyber Hymnal points out, its author did nothing more abnormal than to leave this world for Heaven in 1901, leaving his personal testimony of the intimate relationship he and the Lord he loved somewhere among his papers. But sometime between 1901 and 1927, someone looking through his papers saw his poem, and the rest, as they say, is history.
One further observation -- see if you can figure out what the best time to praise the Lord is, from the titles in this section!
"N" links to hymns and choruses
- Never Will I Cease To Love Him
- The hymn by Fanny Crosby is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- No Distant Lord Have I
- This beloved hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download one or more of the four alternate tunes for it.
This hymn is intimate testimony of the closeness the Lord Jesus shares with His own. - Now Be My Heart Inspired To Sing
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- Now Blessed Be the Lord Our God
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- Now, In a Song Of Grateful Praise
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- Now Let Every Tongue Adore Thee
- This short hymn (famously harmonized by J.S. Bach) is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
Note: I have never seen cymbals mentioned in the Bible among instruments played in Heaven. "Voices," which also has two syllables, has been my substitute in that line. - Now Let Our Cheerful Eyes Survey
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- Now Thank We All Our God
- This revered old hymn is from Favorite Songs and Hymns for School and Home, from 1899, edited by J.P. McGaskey. I found this volume at the San Francisco Public Library.
YouTube feature: "Majestic Sweetness Sits Enthroned"
The beautiful harmony of this hymn is nicely brought out in this piano solo version, though the piano is just a hair flat . . .
And remember, if you do a right-click and open a new tab or window, you can still enjoy the music and leave the HIMbook open!
And remember, if you do a right-click and open a new tab or window, you can still enjoy the music and leave the HIMbook open!
curated content from YouTube
The O section
It seems that minor-key music has been shunned or at least largely ignored in the average congregation today; I find myself more and more wanting to tell folks that God permits us to have twelve minor keys to go with the twelve major keys for a reason (and when you start getting into MODES, the possibilities really are endless). One of the reasons for my passion is "O The Deep, Deep Love Of Jesus," which is in this section. It is reason by itself to take a walk on the minor-mode side . . .
"O" links to hymns and choruses
- O Could I Speak the Matchless Worth
- This hymn available through ChoralWiki seems to be missing some measures in the alto parts, but they are easy enough to improvise in this glorious song.
- O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing
- This favorite hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns. Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
- O Gladsome Light, O Grace
- This hymn is available from ChoralWiki, and was written by Louis Borgeois, author of the famed Doxology.
- O God Of Hosts, The Mighty Lord
- This beautiful paraphrase of Psalm 84 is from Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1875, edited by William Henry Monk. I found this old Anglican hymnbook at the San Francisco Public Library.
- O God, Our Help In Ages Past (AUDIO BELOW)
- This favorite hymn by Isaac Watts (which surprised me, because I've been playing it for myself forever and a day, and never noticed!) is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns. Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
A little trivia for you Baroque music buffs: J.S. Bach took the tune of this hymn as a subject for a big organ fugue in E flat -- do look up the "St. Anne" fugue!
(April 2009: The Lord moved the heart of a coworker to loan me his recording equipment, which is how the audio below came to be . . . so if you enjoy what you hear, praise the Lord for His goodness along with me!) - O God, Our Help In Ages Past, Piano Improvisation (AUDIO)
- This is a piano improvisation on the hymn, "O God, Our Help in Ages Past." The original music was written by William Croft in the 18th century. The solo piano piece is by Deeann D. Mathews, and is part of a collection of "Sunday Morning Preludes" she plays weekly at her church. Download and enjoy, but please give credit where credit is due if you decide to share it further (please don't make us have to sue you in the court of Heaven, for we have a strong Advocate there).
- O God, The Rock of Ages
- This anthem is from the Sibley Music Library, at the University of Rochester.
This challenging anthem largely based on Psalm 90 contains a quotation -- a large one -- from the hymn "Rock of Ages." - O Holy Lord
- This chorus is from the Sibley Music Library, at the University of Rochester.
This music has many elements of the Negro Spiritual to it, having been composed by Nathanial Dett, a great arranger of Spirituals. - O Holy, Holy, Holy Lord
- This anthem is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- O Lord, How Manifold Are Thy Works
- This anthem is from the National Library of Australia's digitised (that's right, British spelling) sheet music collection.
- O Lord, I Will Praise Thee
- This anthem is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection. In its day, it was a first-prize winner in a sacred music contest.
- O Love Divine, What Hast Thou Done
- This hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns.
Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
This would make a real addition to any Good Friday service. - O Love, So Deep
- This hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns.
Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
My soul is moved every time I read this . . . and I grieve those whose hearts will not be moved by the love of our God!
This hymn dated from the 15th century, so be careful of the meter! - O Love, Who Formedst Me
- This hymn is from Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1875, edited by William Henry Monk. I found this old Anglican hymnbook at the San Francisco Public Library.
Think of this as a more God-centered version of "Take My Life, and Let It Be." - O Morning Star, How Fair And Bright
- This hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns.
Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want! - O Praise God In His Holiness (Buck)
- This hymn/anthem is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
The score itself starts on page three. - O Praise God In His Holiness (G.F.R.)
- This hymn (though it calls itself an anthem, the form is that of a hymn) is also from the "Music For the Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- O Praise Our Great And Gracious Lord
- This hymn is from Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1875, edited by William Henry Monk. I found this old Anglican hymnbook at the San Francisco Public Library.
- O Praise The Lord
- This anthem is from the National Library of Australia's digitised (that's right, the British spelling) sheet music collection.
- O Praise The Lord, All Ye Nations (Danks)
- This anthem is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- O Praise The Lord, My Soul
- This hymn is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection, in a subset called "Praise the Lord!" All 17 in this subset were composed or arranged by Robert Lowry, renowned American hymnwriter.
- O Praise The Lord, Ye Angels Of His
- This anthem is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
This is one of the more challenging pieces indexed here; the sopranos have to get up to the high G and the bass to the high E (!!!) rather early in the piece. - O Praise Ye The Lord
- This wonderful hymn of thanksgiving is from Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1875, edited by William Henry Monk. I found this old Anglican hymnbook at the San Francisco Public Library.
- O Sacred Head, Now Wounded (AUDIO BELOW)
- This favorite old hymn, famously harmonized by J.S. Bach, is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns. The site has frames, so just scroll down until you find this hymn, copy and paste the words, and download the score.
My finding of this is a blessing of God to me -- only a few nights ago I was troubled over not having found this hymn to put here in the HIMbook! Now it is here.
(March 2009: The Lord moved the heart of a coworker to loan me his recording equipment, which is how the audio below came to be . . . so if you enjoy what you hear, praise the Lord for His goodness along with me!) - O Sacred Head Now Wounded, Piano Improvisation (AUDIO)
- This is a piano improvisation on the hymn, "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded," and the original music was written by Hans Hassler many centuries ago. The solo piano piece is by Deeann D. Mathews, and is part of a collection of "Sunday Morning Preludes" she plays weekly at her church. Download and enjoy, but please give credit where credit is due if you decide to share it further (please don't make us have to sue you in the court of Heaven, for we have a strong Advocate there).
- O Serve The Lord
- This hymn by Fanny Crosby is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- O Sing His Praise
- This hymn (from a collection of Sunday School hymns) is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- O Sing A New Song To The Lord
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download one or both of the tunes. The older tune is reminiscent of Bach's "O Sacred Head Now Wounded."
- O Sing Ye Hallelujah
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- O The Deep, Deep Love Of Jesus
- This favorite hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download one or both of the tunes.
- O Thou God Of My Salvation
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- O Worship The King
- This favorite hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns. Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
- Oh, How I Love Jesus (AUDIO BELOW)
- This favorite hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns. The site has frames, so just scroll down until you find this hymn, copy and paste the words, and download the score.
(April 2009: The Lord moved the heart of a coworker to loan me his recording equipment, which is how the audio below came to be . . . so if you enjoy what you hear, praise the Lord for His goodness along with me!) - Oh, How I Love Jesus, Piano Improvisation (AUDIO)
- This is a piano improvisation on the hymn, "Oh, How I Love Jesus." The original author's name is unknown now to all but God, but the hymn itself dates to 1889. The solo piano piece is by Deeann D. Mathews, and is part of a collection of "Sunday Morning Preludes" she plays weekly at her church. Download and enjoy, but please give credit where credit is due if you decide to share it further (please don't make us have to sue you in the court of Heaven, for we have a strong Advocate there).
- Oh, Yes, Yonder Comes My Lord
- This Black Spiritual is from Religious Folk Songs of the Negro, As Sung on the Plantations, 1909. I found this collection of Spirituals at the San Francisco Public Library.
This Spiritual describes the events looks forward to Christ's return -- and I tell you, Isaac Watts' grim (but Biblical) imagery meets a simple, straightforward match in this piece! The slaves may not have been allowed to read, but they knew exactly what the Lord Jesus is going to do with His sword in that day, as it reads in Revelation 19 (only the sword proceeds from his mouth -- a reference to the Word of God -- rather than it being in His hand).
YouTube feature: "O The Deep, Deep Love of Jesus"
This a cappella performance is moving and earnest, and very tuneful.
Remember, if you do a right-click and open a new tab or window, you can enjoy the music and leave the HIMbook open!
Remember, if you do a right-click and open a new tab or window, you can enjoy the music and leave the HIMbook open!
curated content from YouTube
The P section
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The scope of "Praise to God, Immortal Praise," in discussing how God should be praised, is remarkable, reaching back in its two last stanzas to a little-known passage of the Old Testament -- Habakkuk 3:17-18. I find myself reading that passage more and more, and desiring to set it to music . . . it is a poignant reminder for these troubled times.
"P" links to hymns and choruses
- Praise God In His Holiness (McPhail)
- This short anthem is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
Look out -- there are many high G's in this piece! - Praise Him
- This hymn is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection. It is a beautiful hymn, unfortunately disfigured by a stamp across the top. But I have deciphered each of the obscured first lines:
1. Praise the Lord, who reigns above and keeps His courts below
2. Publish, spread to all around the Great Immanuel's name
3. Him in Whom they move and live, Let every creature sing - Praise Him Now and Forever
- This Christmas carol is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection. In its text, it is a little like "Joy to the World" and "It Came Upon the Midnight Clear" combined.
- Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven (v.1)
- This hymn is in Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1875, edited by William Henry Monk. I found this Anglican hymnbook in the San Francisco Public Library.
This hymn not only touches on the universality of God's praise, but the universality of reasons to praise God! - Praise, My Soul, The King Of Heaven (v. 1.1)
- This hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns.
Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
The music here is a (relatively) modernized version of v. 1. - Praise The Lord (Bordese)
- This hymn/anthem is also from the "Music for a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection at the Library of Congress.
- Praise The Lord (C.C. Case)
- This hymn is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection. A stamp obscures the first lines, but I have deciphered them:
1-2. Lift your praises to Jehovah
3. Praises for our every blessing - Praise The Lord (G.F.R)
- This hymn is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Praise The Lord (Sudds)
- This anthem is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Praise The Lord (Thomas)
- This anthem is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Praise The Lord, All Ye Nations (Fiske)
- This hymn/anthem is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Praise The Lord, Break Forth In Song
- This hymn by Fanny Crosby is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Praise The Lord, O My Soul (Bisbee)
- This anthem is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Praise The Lord, O My Soul (Wagner)
- This anthem is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection. It is among the more challenging selections in the HIMbook, perhaps because it was adapted from a quintet from a Wagner opera.
- Praise The Lord Who Reigns Above
- This hymn is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Praise To God, Immortal Praise
- This hymn is available from The Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the scores of its three alternate tunes.
- Praise Ye the Lord (Bridgman)
- This hymn is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Praise Ye the Lord (For Thanksgiving Day)
- This anthem is also from the "Music For the Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Praise Ye The Lord (Geibel)
- This anthem is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection. It is in three parts for soprano, tenor, and bass.
- Praise Ye The Lord (Harrington)
- This anthem is from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Praise Ye The Lord (Zumstein)
- This anthem is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Praise Ye The Lord God Almighty
- This anthem is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Praise Ye The Lord This Day (Kaiser)
- This anthem is from the Lester S. Levy Sheet Music Collection.
- Praise The Lord, Ye Heavens Adore Him (v. 1 and v. 2)
- This hymn (with two tunes included) is from Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1875, edited by William Henry Monk. I found the old Anglican hymnbook in the San Francisco Public Library.
- Praise The Lord, Ye Heavens Adore Him (v. 3)
- This hymn is from the collection at the State Library of Tasmania (Australia).
- Praise To The Lord, The Almighty
- This favorite hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns. Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
You'll notice that you can get only three out of five verses . . . copyright issues, you understand . . . - Psalm 93, Psalm 98, Psalm 117 (all on one page)
- These psalm tunes by Jonas Pratt were carefully transcribed by living editor and transcriber Sue Glover. Click through the links on the page, and enjoy the history!
The R section
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Rejoicing is a strong theme in Christian music -- and why not! Rejoicing and praising God can be seen going hand in hand in this section and others -- the more you know about God, the more you can praise Him, and the more joy you have in Him!
"R" links to hymns and choruses
- Raise His Praise
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so download the score, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
The words to this hymn are by living lyricist Franklin Hunter, who released this work to the public domain. - Reign, Massa Jesus, Reign
- This Black Spiritual is from Religious Folk Songs of the Negro, as Sung on the Plantations, 1909. I found this collection of Spirituals at the San Francisco Public Library.
- Rejoice and Be Glad!
- This ideal hymn for celebrating Christ's resurrection is from the Cyber Hymnal, so download the score, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
- Rejoice, Rejoice, Believer
- This hymn by Fanny Crosby is from the Cyber Hymnal, so download the score, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
- Rejoice, the Lord Is King
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so download one or more of its four tunes, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
- Rejoice Today With One Accord
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so download the score (that is, if you don't somewhere have the tune of "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"), copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
- Rejoice, Ye Righteous, In the Lord
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is from the Cyber Hymnal, so download the score, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
- Rise and Shine
- This favorite Black Spiritual (though perhaps not the most common version) is from Religious Folk Songs of the Negro, As Sung on the Plantations, 1909. I found this collection of Spirituals at the San Francisco Public Library.
I had to gently edit this one . . . these things fade with time . . . - Roll Out, O Song, To God!
- This commanding hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so download the score, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
The S section
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One can imagine what volumes of hymnody start with the word, "sing." The Christian always has a reason to obey the Biblical command to be speaking to himself or herself in "psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs" -- and indeed, "Sweet Is The Work, My God, My King."
"S" links to hymns and choruses
- Satisfied With Jesus
- This hymn is found at the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
It is amazing how many hymns and songs have been written on the idea of satisfaction with Jesus -- the subject is inexhaustible! One more from the public domain follows below. - Satisfied With Thee, Lord Jesus
- This hymn is found at the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
- See The Moming Sun Ascending
- This hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns.
Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
This is an excellent song with which to start the day. - Shall Hymns Of Grateful Love
- This hymn -- which poses some good questions for thought -- is found at the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
- Shout And Sing
- This hymn is found at the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
- Shout, For The Blessed Jesus Reigns
- This joyful hymn is found at the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
- Sing Aloud Jehovah's Praises
- This hymn is found at the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
- Sing, My Soul, To God Who Made Thee
- This hymn is found at the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, and download the score.
- Sing Once More Of Jesus
- This hymn by Fanny Crosby is found at the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words and download the score.
- Sing Praise To The God Who Reigns Above (v. 1)
- This hymn is from Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1875, edited by William Henry Monk. I found this Anglican hymnbook at the San Francisco Public Library.
- Sing Praise To The God Who Reigns Above (v. 2 and more!)
- This passionate hymn is found at the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words and download as many as five tunes (all from the 16th and very early 17th centuries, so be careful of the meter!) for it.
- Sing Praise To The Lord!
- This hymn is found at the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
- Sing Praises Unto The Lord
- This anthem by Gounod is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection -- also, enjoy "He That Shall Endure" by Mendelssohn, which just happens to be part of the same sheet music.
- Sing To The Lord A Joyful Song
- This hymn is found at the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words and download as many as three tunes for it.
- Sing To The Lord Jehovah's Name
- This hymn (to the tune of "O God Our Help In Ages Past") by Isaac Watts is found at the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words and download the score if you must . . .
- Sing To The Lord, Sing His Praise
- This hymn is found at the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
- Sing To The Lord, Ye Heavn'ly Hosts
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is found at the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
If anybody picks this up and sings this straightforward and stormy hymn in their church, I want to know about it! Drop me a line, because I love to meet courageous people . . . - Sing Unto God
- This hymn by Fanny Crosby is found at the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
- Sing We The Glory Of Our God
- This hymn is found at the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
- Sing We The King
- This hymn is found at the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
- Sing We The Song
- This hymn is found at the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
This grave hymn highlights the importance of continuing our praise even when circumstances are not favorable. - Sing With All The Saints In Glory
- This hymn (to the tune of Beethoven's "Ode to Joy") is found at the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, and download the score if you must.
- Sing Ye Praise, All Ye Redeemed Of the Lord
- This hymn/anthem from Mendelssohn's "Lobgesang" is also from the "Music For a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Songs of Praise
- This anthem is also from the "Music for a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- Stand Up And Bless The Lord
- This rousing hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns. Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
- Sweet Is the Work, My God, My King
- This hymn/anthem is also from the "Music for a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
The T section
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One notable thing about "The King Of Love My Shepherd Is": several versions of it have been set to music for solo or duet, including versions adapted from the music of Gounod and Mendelssohn, in the "Music for a Nation: American Sheet Music." The theme so beautifully expressed in that song -- the love of God (which is the title of a hymn all its own, arranged twice in the HIMbook) -- is inexhaustible.
"T" links to hymns and choruses
- The Ends Of All the Earth Shall Hear
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so cut and paste the lyrics (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- The Everlasting Hymn
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so cut and paste the lyrics (instant song sheets) and download the tune for it.
- The Everlasting Song
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so cut and paste the lyrics (instant song sheets) and download the tune for it.
- The God of Abraham Praise (v. 1)
- This favorite hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so cut and paste the lyrics (instant song sheets) and download the score.
The Cyber Hymnal also has a nice history of how this beloved hymn came to be written; like "The Love of God" (which you'll find further down), it has been moving in our direction for centuries, and springs from Jewish roots. But, please see the note about it in the "You must still want in!" section. This hymn in its original form, beloved though it is, is not here without caveats. - The God Of Abraham Praise (v. 1.1)
- This is a new take on the beloved old hymn in its original setting, edited and newly harmonized by living composer Deeann D. Mathews. The feel of this arrangement is graver than the original, as it but briefly leaves the tonality of E minor for its relative major, G. The optional descant on verse 6 shows some interesting possibilities in "defying gravity," however.
Unlimited copies may be made for religious and educational purposes. - The God of Abraham Praise (v. 2)
- This hymn is from the "Music for a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
This tune is not the minor-key one many of us are familiar with; this is an alternate tune (also available from the Cyber Hymnal) in G major. It is also much shorter, containing only three of the original 13 stanzas. - The Half Has Never Been Told
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words and download the score.
No matter how big the HIMbook gets, it is indeed true that when it comes to God and how great He is, the half will NEVER be told, because God's greatness is a subject that just can't be measured or divided or ever finished with . . . - The Head That Was Once Crowned With Thorns (v. 1)
- This hymn is from Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1875, edited by William Henry Monk. I found this Anglican hymnbook in the San Francisco Public Library.
This hymn emphasizes that all that we have is in Christ, which means, among other things, that as the Bible says, He has freely given us all things! - The Head That Was Once Crowned (v. 1.1)
- This hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns.
Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
This is a (relatively) modernized version of v. 1 above. - The Heavens Declare Thy Glory, Lord (v. 1)
- This hymn is also from the "Music for a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- The Heavens Declare Thy Glory, Lord (Watts)
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is available from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words and download one or both of its tunes.
- The Holy Anthem
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so cut and paste the lyrics (instant song sheets) and download one or both tunes for it.
- The Holy Name Of Jesus
- This hymn is also from the "Music for a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- The King Of Love My Shepherd Is
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download one or both tunes.
See note in "The T Section" about this hymn text and usages. - The Kingdom of Song (also known as "Come, Gather, All Tribes and All Nations)
- This beautiful hymn (with some extraordinary harmony, at least in the MIDI, for the 18th century) is from the Cyber Hymnal, so cut and paste the lyrics (instant song sheets) and download the score for it.
- The Lord Is King! (Crosby)
- This hymn by Fanny Crosby is from the Cyber Hymnal. Copy and paste the words and download the score.
- The Lord Is King! (Conder)
- This hymn is from The Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download scores for its four alternate tunes.
- The Lord Is King (Sudds)
- This anthem for men's voices is also from the "Music for a Nation" American Sheet Music" collection.
- The Lord Will Come! The Earth Shall Quake
- This hymn about the awesomeness of our Saviour and His future return is hosted at the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, and download one of two tunes for it. But be advised -- the most modern tune is from 1539; the older one is a cathedral chant whose age is unknown! Watch the meters!
- The Lord's My Shepherd
- This paraphrase of Psalm 23 in hymn form is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words and download as many as six tunes (the hymn was written in 1650, but the earliest tune available is from 1795) for it.
- The Love of God (v. 1)
- This favorite hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so cut and paste the lyrics (instant song sheets) and download the score.
The Cyber Hymnal also has a nice history of how this beloved hymn came to be written . . . you might say it's been worked on since the 11th Century, and springs from Jewish roots. - The Love Of God (v. 1.1)
- This is a reharmonization of the classic hymn, by living composer Deeann D. Mathews. Strong hints of folk harmony from the Southern states complement the charmingly repetitive original melody.
Unlimited copies may be made for religious and educational purposes. - The Majesty Of God
- This anthem (with echoes of Handel) was written by living composer Deeann D. Mathews.
Be warned -- the middle section is a real challenge! - The Mercy of God
- This hymn is also from the "Music for a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
Yes, the print is small -- get it, print it, blow it up -- you won't be sorry! - The Name Of Jesus
- This favorite hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download one or both tunes for it.
- The New Song
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words (instant songsheets) and download the score.
- The Praise Of Jesus' Name
- This hymn is also from the "Music for a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
There are some obscured words and music, but the melody and alto are clear, and the tenor and bass can easily be figured out. As for the words of the first two lines, here they are:
1. Loud swell in choral numbers the praise of Jesus' name
2. We blend our happy voices, we lift our heartfelt love - The Saviour Died, But Rose Again
- This triumphant Resurrection hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so copy and paste the words, download the score.
- There's a Wideness In God's Mercy
- This old favorite hymn is also from the "Music for a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection. The first line is obscured, but it is the same as the title.
- This Is The Day The Lord Hath Made
- This short but powerful hymn by Isaac Watts is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns. Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
- Thou Art Coming, O My Saviour
- This hymn is from Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1875, edited by William Henry Monk. I found this Anglican hymnbook in the San Francisco Public Library.
When I read this beautiful and passionate hymn about our Lord's sure return, all I can think of is "Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus -- come soon!" - Thou Art The Way
- This hymn is from Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1875, edited by William Henry Monk. I found this Anglican hymnbook in the San Francisco Public Library.
This is a worship hymn, because worship is saying about God what He says about Himself -- and He, in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ, said, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no man comes to the Father but by Me." This hymn says it right back to our Lord . . . - Thou Hidden Source Of Calm Repose
- This hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns.
Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
I struggle with the very last line of this hymn . . . I can see how a reading of Psalm 139, where it says that even if we could make our bed in Hell, God would still be there, made its appeal to Charles Wesley. But the Hebrew translated "Hell" in the Old Testament is the word "sheol," which would be better translated "the grave." God will never be a Christian's "Heaven in Hell," simply because no Christian is going to Hell. If I were using this song in my church, I'd find another way to fix that line so it still rhymes! - Thy Mercy Sweet
- This anthem is also from the "Music for a Nation" American Sheet Music" collection.
- 'Tis Finished! The Messiah Dies
- This hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns.
Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
This is another great hymn for Good Friday. - To God Be The Glory
- This favorite hymn by Fanny Crosby is from the Cyber Hymnal. Copy and paste the words (instant songsheets), download the score.
Andrae Crouch is the author of a wonderful song sometimes known as "To God Be The Glory," but the actual title is "My Tribute." "My Tribute" unfortunately will not enter the public domain for several decades . . . - To The Name Of Our Salvation
- This hymn is from Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1875, edited by William Henry Monk. I found this old Anglican hymnbook at the San Francisco Public Library.
- To Thee, O Comforter Divine
- This hymn is from Hymns Ancient and Modern, 1875, edited by William Henry Monk. I found this Anglican hymnbook in the San Francisco Public Library.
This is a rare hymn about the work of God the Holy Spirit. Please forgive the treble clef cut off on the left side at the top! - Trinity Hymn
- This hymn is also from the "Music for a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
YouTube feature: "The God Of Abraham Praise" (v. 1)
This is a spirited organ rendition based on the classic harmonization of this hymn.
And don't forget -- if you do a right-click and open a new tab or window, you can enjoy the music and still leave the HIMbook open!
And don't forget -- if you do a right-click and open a new tab or window, you can enjoy the music and still leave the HIMbook open!
curated content from YouTube
The U section
This sparse section contains one of the rarest of hymns. Although Psalm 110:1 is quoted in key parts of the New Testament in reference to the Lord Jesus Christ, the possibilities within it and in related passages (prophetic in nature) have not often been hymnized. But then, the themes developed in "Unto My Lord Jehovah Said" are not those that ever shall be "popular" on this earth in this age.
"U" links to hymns and choruses
- Unto God Our Savior
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so download the score, copy and paste the words.
- Unto My Lord Jehovah Said
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so download the score, copy and paste the words.
The V section
In this sparse section is contained a concise statement of the life of the Christian counting as true in His position in Christ -- "Victorious." In this hymn, two lines -- "Where the mourners wept around/Faith looks up, with glory crowned." Indeed, for having counted as dead with Him, we too shall be raised with Him, eternally victorious over sin and death. Little wonder in the passion of this hymn!
"V" links to hymns and choruses
- Victorious
- This aptly named Resurrection hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so download the score, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
The W section
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There is something mildly amusing about Fanny Crosby's "Wake Every Tuneful String" when just reading the title of it. From our earthly perspective we can think of a few strings and people who might just as well be told to turn over and go back to sleep for the sake of our earthly ears! But God listens to the tuning of the heart, as Fanny Crosby so well points out.
A little anecdote related to that: Christian opera great Jerome Hines wrote in his autobiography (This Is My Story, This Is My Song, pages 87 and 88) that one time when he was scheduled to sing at a Salvation Army meeting, a woman preceded him that had one of those memorable voices . . . and not a good memory, by mere earthly standards. He could not understand why they would let HER sing before him, although even he noticed that the expression of her face testified of the love of God coming through her. When she finished, he got up, stretched his muscles, and started singing -- and was struck with a sudden case of laryngitis, mid-song! After he went back to his seat, totally embarrassed, the Lord said to him, "I am not interested in your beautiful voice, but in your message." The great opera singer never forgot the lesson -- and we shouldn't either!
"W" links to hymns and choruses
- Wake Every Tuneful String
- This hymn by Fanny Crosby is from the Cyber Hymnal, so download the score, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
- Was There Ever a Friend So True?
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so download the score, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
- We All Believe In One True God
- This hymn by Martin Luther is from the Cyber Hymnal, so download the score, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
- We Believe In One True God
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so download the score, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
- We Come Unto Our Fathers' God
- This hymn (with music by Martin Luther) is from the Cyber Hymnal, so download the score, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
- We Give Immortal Praise
- This hymn/anthem is also from the "Music for a Nation: American Sheet Music" collection.
- When I Survey The Wondrous Cross (v.1) AUDIO BELOW
- This favorite hymn by Isaac Watts is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns. Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
- When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (v. 1) AUDIO
- This is a piano improvisation on "Who Is He in Yonder Stall," the original music for which was written by Lowell Mason.
The solo piano piece is by Deeann D. Mathews, and is part of a collection of "Sunday Morning Preludes" she plays weekly at her church. Download and enjoy, but please give credit where credit is due if you decide to share it further (please don't make us have to sue you in the court of Heaven, for we have a strong Advocate there). - When I Survey The Wondrous Cross (v. 1.1) AUDIO BELOW
- This hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns -- same as above, except the tune is now in 3/4 (waltz) time.
Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want! - When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (v. 1.1) AUDIO
- This is a piano improvisation on "Who Is He in Yonder Stall," the original music for which was written by Lowell Mason.
The solo piano piece is by Deeann D. Mathews, and is part of a collection of "Sunday Morning Preludes" she plays weekly at her church. Download and enjoy, but please give credit where credit is due if you decide to share it further (please don't make us have to sue you in the court of Heaven, for we have a strong Advocate there). - When Morning Gilds The Skies
- This beloved old hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns. The site has frames, so scroll down to this hymn, copy and paste the words, and download the score.
- Who Is He In Yonder Stall (AUDIO BELOW)
- This hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical List of Methodist Hymns. The site has frames, so scroll down to this hymn, copy and paste the words, and download the score.
This makes an excellent Christmas hymn, but you would do just as well to sing it all year around, so for the moment I'm not putting it in the Christmas Box . . .
(March 2009: The Lord moved the heart of a coworker to loan me his recording equipment, which is how the audio below came to be . . . so if you enjoy what you hear, praise the Lord for His goodness along with me!) - Who Is He In Yonder Stall (AUDIO)
- This is a piano improvisation on "Who Is He in Yonder Stall," the original music for which was written by Benjamin R. Hanby.
The solo piano piece is by Deeann D. Mathews, and is part of a collection of "Sunday Morning Preludes" she plays weekly at her church. Download and enjoy, but please give credit where credit is due if you decide to share it further (please don't make us have to sue you in the court of Heaven, for we have a strong Advocate there).
The Y section
"Ye" and "Y'all" are two words that really should come back into standard usage, in my opinion. They are gender-neutral and inclusive and thus very, very modern. In a sense they are also eternal, since there is no distinction made in the Body of Christ between men and women, races or classes -- all share in Christ, and all will be engaged eternally in God's worship and praise. The six "Ye" selections point out different aspects of this truth. "Y" links to hymns and choruses
- Ye Gates, Lift Your Heads
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so download the score, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
- Ye That Stand In the House Of the Lord
- This anthem is from the National Library of Australia's digitised (British spelling) sheet music collection.
- Ye Righteous, In the Lord Rejoice
- This hymn is from the Cyber Hymnal, so download the score, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
- Ye Servants Of God
- This hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical Index of Methodist Hymns. The site has frames, so scroll down to this hymn, copy and paste the words, and download the score.
- Ye That Obey Th'Immortal King
- This hymn by Isaac Watts is from the Cyber Hymnal, so download one or more of its three tunes and copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
- Ye Watchers And Ye Holy Ones
- This hymn is hosted at Hymnsite.com's Alphabetical Index of Methodist Hymns.
Searching this is a bit complicated, because HymnSite.com uses frames. When you hit the homepage, look for the "Hymn Index" button, then scroll down until you find what you want!
This hymn emphasizes the command to praise the Lord to everybody who has a voice, from eternity past to eternity future (although, alas, not everyone will obey)! - Yes, God Is Good
- This hymn (originally for children) is from the Cyber Hymnal, so download the score, copy and paste the words (instant songsheets).
YouTube Double Feature:
"To God Be the Glory" and "The Love of God"
This gorgeous organ arrangement of "To God Be the Glory" includes chimes for good measure in one section. Enjoy! (And he isn't kidding when he says headphones make it special!)
This Southern Gospel piano rendition of "The Love of God" is eminently singable. In feel it is closest to version 1.1.
This Southern Gospel piano rendition of "The Love of God" is eminently singable. In feel it is closest to version 1.1.
curated content from YouTube
Do YOU want in?
The HIMbook welcomes Christian composers, songwriters, and arrangers!
If you are reading this and you have a hymn, trio, chorus, anthem, or similar type of song suitable for congregational or choral singing, I'd love to link to you.BUT, as always, there are certain guidelines that have to be upheld.
On the technical side:
1. Sheet music is REQUIRED for expanded choral music (that is, more complicated than a simple hymn), and STRONGLY recommended for everything else.
2. Recordings are optional, but STRONGLY recommended.
Yes, I realize that there are a lot of choir directors who learn songs from recordings or singing in choirs and go back and teach their choirs what they heard. But, there's no way to reproduce that kind of thing online, and many people's ears are not good enough to accurately remember and reproduce complex music accurately. So, if you have an anthem, a chorale, or a hymn with more advanced harmony, you'll need to have sheet music so the largest number of people can utilize it.
By the same token, a recording -- even if it's just a MIDI -- is always helpful, so long as it represents your works accurately.
3. Your sheet music must be downloadable as PDF's or TIF's, of standard size.
Don't ask me to link to anything that is not usable to most computer users, or that looks good on screen but prints either at the size of a house or the size of a mouse. A person going to your site should be able to click, print, and go to rehearsal or service without any fuss.
Most music notation files (and word processor files, for that matter) can be turned into PDF's quickly and easily with the Cute PDF Writer, which is available as a free download. Cute PDF is what I use, and it is a snap.
4. Songs not in English are acceptable, but you'll have to provide a translation I can link to as well.
The HIMbook gladly welcomes Christian composers, songwriters, and arrangers that write in other languages than English, but at the same time, I anticipate that most users of the HIMbook will have English as their primary language. A good translation will therefore make your works more easily accessible and usable.
On the legal/financial side:
1. Your works must be available for FREE.
2. You are responsible for whatever copyright maintenance you need.
Don't ask me to link to anything you're offering for sale. Don't ask me to link to anything you don't want reproduced and used for educational, teaching, and worship services by folks coming to this site.
Wherever you have your works posted, you'll need to have a notice posted for viewers to see that says, yes, you CAN download said works and use them for educational and/or religious purposes, with all other rights reserved if you so desire -- and if you want to be even more generous and put your works into the public domain, post that too. Or, you can do the whole Creative Commons thing . . . whatever you choose, you need to provide clarity and assurance to potential users that they can download and make copies of your works for at least educational and religious purposes without you coming after them for copyright infringement. I will check for this notice before posting your link.
And now, a public service announcement: PLEASE make sure you have applied adequate copyright protections to your work before putting them ANYWHERE on the Internet (and if you don't know how to do that, please read this lens, specifically the areas on copyright). You want people to use your songs, not steal them outright.
Still want in?
Now comes the hard part . . .
Okay, now that we've dealt with the technical and legal matters, here is the part that gets people upset: THEOLOGY AND DOCTRINE. Christian music has been communicating both truth and error for centuries, and as steward of this little piece of virtual real estate, I am responsible before God to not point people to more error.
Please take the time to look over what is already here in the HIMbook. That will give you a lot of positive examples of what fits here. Here are some other benchmarks:
If you do not believe (and therefore write from the perspective) that the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and rose the third day, then you are not a Christian and the HIMbook is not the right venue for you. Consider acceptance of the Gospel as a minimum requirement to be linked to here.
Proceeding from that, a thoughtful belief in the Gospel and the Savior it speaks of indicates several other issues to be avoided when considering what songs you want linked to. The Christian has a resurrected, glorified Savior, now at the right hand of God the Father (Acts 7:55-56, Hebrews 1:3). Therefore, while it is important to recognize that our Savior took on human form, walked among His creation, and died on the cross at Calvary, any song that presents Him still doing those activities (e.g. "Glory to the newborn King") or glorifying the objects by which He accomplished His earthly activities (e.g. "The Old Rugged Cross") will be summarily rejected.
Of course, it is always appropriate to thank the Lord Jesus Christ (and of course God the Father) for all His works in song, and to praise Him for the attributes His works show -- His power, His love and grace, His mercy, His care, and many, many other things. Which brings us to No. 2:
A quick reading of the Psalms would give you a good template for praise. As mentioned above, praise is speaking appreciation to God because of His attributes as they are shown in His works toward us. We thank the Lord for giving us each day; we praise Him for His goodness and mercy that He shows by giving us each day. In other words, if you want your song linked to in the HIMbook, you'll need to link the standard praise expressions to some actual praise -- talk about all the great attributes God has and shows to us in what He does for us!
Worship is expressing appreciation for God for who He is, without regard for what He does for us -- in other words, worship is repeating back to God what He says about Himself separate from what He does for you personally. "How Great Thou Art" is a good example of a worship song. That is a case of a person seeing the omnipotence of God in Creation, and His mercy and love in His sending His Son, and responding to God, "Yes, You ARE great!" -- thereby agreeing with God's opinion of Himself. That is worship. Such songs are not common, but if you have one, it will be gladly linked to here.
Of course it is entirely possible to thank, praise, and worship God (and highly sought after in song) at the same time. For example, taking "How Great Thou Art" as an example, you could see the stars and worship God for the power and glory He expresses through the creation and maintenance of the universe, then thank God for allowing you to witness God's expression of power and then praise God for His goodness in letting you see it. You could go further, thanking God for giving you His Spirit whereby you can understand that the universe declares the glory and power of God, and then praise Him . . . and on and on. But this brings us to benchmark 3:
While I was examining the wonderful collection at the University of Australia's library, I came across a hymn that hailed the Lord Jesus Christ as descending "from high Olympus' throne." That is probably a rare expression of the all-too-common confusion about who God is. I realize that there is disagreement on the point, but such will not be exhibited in the HIMbook!
The God of the Bible declares Himself as the only true God, eternally existing in three coequal Persons -- that is, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit -- yet One in essence. This is the doctrine of the Trinity, Three-In-One. In addition God declares Himself to be a personal God, not an it, not a force. And He declares Himself as masculine, not feminine -- God Himself, not a goddess. Heaven -- not Mt. Olympus or any such place -- is His throne room, yet He also dwells intimately with and within those that have accepted Christ as their Savior. If your understanding of God is different, the HIMbook is not the proper venue for you.
Please take the time to look over what is already here in the HIMbook. That will give you a lot of positive examples of what fits here. Here are some other benchmarks:
1. This is NOT an interfaith project.
If you do not believe (and therefore write from the perspective) that the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and rose the third day, then you are not a Christian and the HIMbook is not the right venue for you. Consider acceptance of the Gospel as a minimum requirement to be linked to here.
Proceeding from that, a thoughtful belief in the Gospel and the Savior it speaks of indicates several other issues to be avoided when considering what songs you want linked to. The Christian has a resurrected, glorified Savior, now at the right hand of God the Father (Acts 7:55-56, Hebrews 1:3). Therefore, while it is important to recognize that our Savior took on human form, walked among His creation, and died on the cross at Calvary, any song that presents Him still doing those activities (e.g. "Glory to the newborn King") or glorifying the objects by which He accomplished His earthly activities (e.g. "The Old Rugged Cross") will be summarily rejected.
Of course, it is always appropriate to thank the Lord Jesus Christ (and of course God the Father) for all His works in song, and to praise Him for the attributes His works show -- His power, His love and grace, His mercy, His care, and many, many other things. Which brings us to No. 2:
2a. Saying "Praise the Lord" is not praise.
A quick reading of the Psalms would give you a good template for praise. As mentioned above, praise is speaking appreciation to God because of His attributes as they are shown in His works toward us. We thank the Lord for giving us each day; we praise Him for His goodness and mercy that He shows by giving us each day. In other words, if you want your song linked to in the HIMbook, you'll need to link the standard praise expressions to some actual praise -- talk about all the great attributes God has and shows to us in what He does for us!
2b. Saying "Worship the Lord" is not worship.
Worship is expressing appreciation for God for who He is, without regard for what He does for us -- in other words, worship is repeating back to God what He says about Himself separate from what He does for you personally. "How Great Thou Art" is a good example of a worship song. That is a case of a person seeing the omnipotence of God in Creation, and His mercy and love in His sending His Son, and responding to God, "Yes, You ARE great!" -- thereby agreeing with God's opinion of Himself. That is worship. Such songs are not common, but if you have one, it will be gladly linked to here.
Of course it is entirely possible to thank, praise, and worship God (and highly sought after in song) at the same time. For example, taking "How Great Thou Art" as an example, you could see the stars and worship God for the power and glory He expresses through the creation and maintenance of the universe, then thank God for allowing you to witness God's expression of power and then praise God for His goodness in letting you see it. You could go further, thanking God for giving you His Spirit whereby you can understand that the universe declares the glory and power of God, and then praise Him . . . and on and on. But this brings us to benchmark 3:
3. Let's be clear on who the God is that we are thanking, worshipping, and praising.
While I was examining the wonderful collection at the University of Australia's library, I came across a hymn that hailed the Lord Jesus Christ as descending "from high Olympus' throne." That is probably a rare expression of the all-too-common confusion about who God is. I realize that there is disagreement on the point, but such will not be exhibited in the HIMbook!
The God of the Bible declares Himself as the only true God, eternally existing in three coequal Persons -- that is, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit -- yet One in essence. This is the doctrine of the Trinity, Three-In-One. In addition God declares Himself to be a personal God, not an it, not a force. And He declares Himself as masculine, not feminine -- God Himself, not a goddess. Heaven -- not Mt. Olympus or any such place -- is His throne room, yet He also dwells intimately with and within those that have accepted Christ as their Savior. If your understanding of God is different, the HIMbook is not the proper venue for you.
You must still want in!
Because you're still reading!
If you're comfortable with the technical, legal, and general theology/doctrine areas, there are just a few more benchmarks, because there are some very common conventions expressed in Christian music down through the centuries that just won't make it here. Some, like the tendency of Christmas hymns to address the Lord Jesus as if He were still a baby and not seated on God the Father's right hand, have already been addressed. But, two or three others bear repeating.
The HIMbook is about HIM, God Almighty. Songs linked to here are selected for their focus on Him through (accurately) describing God and His attributes, along with thanksgiving, praise, and worship. This is not to say that all requests are outlawed -- but, if you have four stanzas in your work, at least three, along with any refrain, should be focused on God and His attributes and/or giving God thanks, praise, and worship.
Much could be said about this, but much of the error and confusion in Christendom today stems from Christians confusing what God has promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob with what God has promised to those who are in Christ. The Old Testament fully develops God's intention to give the Promised Land to the Jews forever -- that promise still stands and will be fulfilled. The New Testament fully develops what is promised to the Christian; what we call "Heaven" is more accurately described as the New Jerusalem, and is referenced first in John 14:1-3 and extensively described in Revelation 21 and 22. To confuse Canaan with the New Jerusalem is to deny God's promise to the Jews by attempting to usurp that promise, and to ignore God's provision for the eternal dwelling of the Christian. The HIMbook is not the place to deny and ignore God in a single blow. Therefore, equations of the "Promised Land" with "Heaven" will not be accepted -- and, by extension, no other expression that the Church has somehow replaced Israel in God's promises will be allowed.
Since the Christian is not going to "Canaan" upon his or her death, he or she will not be crossing Jordan. This common convention is an extension of the confusion mentioned in 2a, and is not allowed. However, since death is considered a border or dividing place, general mentions of crossing death's river or sea, by way of metaphor, are allowed, so long as there is no inference of reaching "Canaan."
I won't belabor this; I realize these conventions, un-Biblical though they are, have at least a 1,700-year head start on the HIMbook. But, they are not allowed a foothold here.
It also follows that the musical creation of a Nativity scene at which the wise men from the East are adoring the baby is also out of the question. Matthew 2:9-11 clearly shows that the Lord Jesus was a young child, living in a house as opposed to lying in a manger, when the wise men arrived.
If you mean to have a Christmas hymn or anthem here, it is REQUIRED that you not leave your discussion of the Lord Jesus' first advent with Him proverbially lying in the manger. There are or will be some positive examples posted here to give you ideas of how to get beyond the standard Christmas template.
Related to this is another trouble spot -- be careful how you reference Mary. The Bible makes it very clear that Mary married and had other children after the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that there is only one mediator between God and man, the Lord Jesus Christ. That renders much of the hymnody and choral work about Mary ineligible for the HIMbook.
Ephesians 1:3 says that God has already blessed us with ALL spiritual blessings in Christ -- He could not possibly give more grace, peace, hope, and love, or more of His Holy Spirit than He already has. Our response should be to count that as true, by faith, and to rely upon and enjoy it -- which, of course, would give us even more opportunities for thanksgiving, praise, and worship to our very generous God.
1. Don't give half a stanza of praise and then drop into six stanzas of something else.
The HIMbook is about HIM, God Almighty. Songs linked to here are selected for their focus on Him through (accurately) describing God and His attributes, along with thanksgiving, praise, and worship. This is not to say that all requests are outlawed -- but, if you have four stanzas in your work, at least three, along with any refrain, should be focused on God and His attributes and/or giving God thanks, praise, and worship.
2a. Songs confusing "Canaan" and the "Promised Land" with "Heaven" are unacceptable.
The only old hymn in the HIMbook that violates benchmarks 2a and 2b is version 1 of "The God Of Abraham Praise," in its original 13 stanzas. One might say it is here as the exception that proves the rule. As you will see on the Cyber Hymnal, "The God of Abraham Praise" came about because of a Christian hymnwriter who encountered the creeds and poetry of two devout Jews along with the traditional Jewish melody now called "Leoni." The hymnwriter desired to write a hymn that honored the Jewish legacy while being Christian in its emphasis, and in all but the fifth, sixth, and seventh stanzas (out of 13) he succeeds. But, he forgot that while it made perfect sense for Moses Maimonides and Daniel ben Judah to look forward to reaching the land "where milk and honey flow, and oil and wine abound," it makes no sense for the Christian, who is not promised any such thing! Take note, therefore, that version 1.1 of "The God of Abraham Praise" has only six stanzas and excludes the fifth, sixth, and seventh verses, and version 2, which also has a different tune and only three verses, excludes the problematic verses.
Much could be said about this, but much of the error and confusion in Christendom today stems from Christians confusing what God has promised to the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob with what God has promised to those who are in Christ. The Old Testament fully develops God's intention to give the Promised Land to the Jews forever -- that promise still stands and will be fulfilled. The New Testament fully develops what is promised to the Christian; what we call "Heaven" is more accurately described as the New Jerusalem, and is referenced first in John 14:1-3 and extensively described in Revelation 21 and 22. To confuse Canaan with the New Jerusalem is to deny God's promise to the Jews by attempting to usurp that promise, and to ignore God's provision for the eternal dwelling of the Christian. The HIMbook is not the place to deny and ignore God in a single blow. Therefore, equations of the "Promised Land" with "Heaven" will not be accepted -- and, by extension, no other expression that the Church has somehow replaced Israel in God's promises will be allowed.
2b. References to crossing the Jordan are unacceptable.
Since the Christian is not going to "Canaan" upon his or her death, he or she will not be crossing Jordan. This common convention is an extension of the confusion mentioned in 2a, and is not allowed. However, since death is considered a border or dividing place, general mentions of crossing death's river or sea, by way of metaphor, are allowed, so long as there is no inference of reaching "Canaan."
3. References to "Christmas morn," "cold winter night," and "we three kings" are not acceptable.
I won't belabor this; I realize these conventions, un-Biblical though they are, have at least a 1,700-year head start on the HIMbook. But, they are not allowed a foothold here.
It also follows that the musical creation of a Nativity scene at which the wise men from the East are adoring the baby is also out of the question. Matthew 2:9-11 clearly shows that the Lord Jesus was a young child, living in a house as opposed to lying in a manger, when the wise men arrived.
If you mean to have a Christmas hymn or anthem here, it is REQUIRED that you not leave your discussion of the Lord Jesus' first advent with Him proverbially lying in the manger. There are or will be some positive examples posted here to give you ideas of how to get beyond the standard Christmas template.
Related to this is another trouble spot -- be careful how you reference Mary. The Bible makes it very clear that Mary married and had other children after the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that there is only one mediator between God and man, the Lord Jesus Christ. That renders much of the hymnody and choral work about Mary ineligible for the HIMbook.
4. Songs that ask God to give what He has already given are unacceptable.
Ephesians 1:3 says that God has already blessed us with ALL spiritual blessings in Christ -- He could not possibly give more grace, peace, hope, and love, or more of His Holy Spirit than He already has. Our response should be to count that as true, by faith, and to rely upon and enjoy it -- which, of course, would give us even more opportunities for thanksgiving, praise, and worship to our very generous God.
All right, get in already!
Don't fill my guestbook with your links, though . . .
Squidoo frowns on that sort of thing. Instead, introduce yourself, give some feedback on the HIMbook, and leave me a way to contact you if you're interested.
If you are a COMPOSER, and I link to your work, it will be listed in its proper alphabetical order.
If you are an ARRANGER, and you have made an arrangement of a hymn listed here, your link will be listed underneath the original, which will then bear the mark, "v. 1," for version 1. Yours will be delineated 1.1, or 1.2, etc., with your name listed in the information accompanying the link.
If you are a COMPOSER, and you have put new music to an older hymn text (must be pre-1923), your work will be delineated v. 2, or v. 3, etc. It will come after any arrangements of the original melody. Your name will be listed with the information accompanying the link.
If you are a LYRICIST, and you have put new words to an older hymn tune (must be pre-1923), your work will be listed in its proper alphabetical order, with note made of the origins of the original tune, and your name listed with the information accompanying the link.
If you are a COMPOSER, LYRICIST, or ARRANGER, and you wish to have this site link to your arrangement or change of a work NOT listed here, you will need to provide proof that either the original work is in the public domain OR that you obtained the proper permissions to use the original from the present copyright holders.
If you are a PERFORMER, or you have non-commercial video you think would fit well with the HIMbook (YouTube and GodTube work, and we can work with several other sites that host video as well, along with MySpace and other personal spots), the video must contain public domain music only. All concert bootlegs are completely out of the question; excerpts from concerts and commercial video are not allowed unless YOU or your fellow performers are the ones featured. Scenes of you, your church, and your associates glorifying God through song are really what fits well here.
If you are a COMPOSER, and I link to your work, it will be listed in its proper alphabetical order.
If you are an ARRANGER, and you have made an arrangement of a hymn listed here, your link will be listed underneath the original, which will then bear the mark, "v. 1," for version 1. Yours will be delineated 1.1, or 1.2, etc., with your name listed in the information accompanying the link.
If you are a COMPOSER, and you have put new music to an older hymn text (must be pre-1923), your work will be delineated v. 2, or v. 3, etc. It will come after any arrangements of the original melody. Your name will be listed with the information accompanying the link.
If you are a LYRICIST, and you have put new words to an older hymn tune (must be pre-1923), your work will be listed in its proper alphabetical order, with note made of the origins of the original tune, and your name listed with the information accompanying the link.
If you are a COMPOSER, LYRICIST, or ARRANGER, and you wish to have this site link to your arrangement or change of a work NOT listed here, you will need to provide proof that either the original work is in the public domain OR that you obtained the proper permissions to use the original from the present copyright holders.
If you are a PERFORMER, or you have non-commercial video you think would fit well with the HIMbook (YouTube and GodTube work, and we can work with several other sites that host video as well, along with MySpace and other personal spots), the video must contain public domain music only. All concert bootlegs are completely out of the question; excerpts from concerts and commercial video are not allowed unless YOU or your fellow performers are the ones featured. Scenes of you, your church, and your associates glorifying God through song are really what fits well here.
Talk to me, folks!
Thoughts, comments? Suggestions of new Web sources? Put it all here!
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- clemendows@yahoo.com clemendows@yahoo.com Sep 7, 2009 @ 6:48 am
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- praise praise Sep 6, 2009 @ 7:47 am
- You sure spent a lot of time and energy on this great lens, 5*! Please visit my lens at your leasure, I write spiritual poetry.
Debra
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- CCGAL CCGAL Jul 10, 2009 @ 9:04 am
- I can see I'll be back here again and again - so much to explore! Excellent work.
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- BarbRad BarbRad Apr 27, 2009 @ 2:38 am
- Thank you for putting together such a wonderful source for those of us who still love the old hymns. You have put so much work into this I wish I could give you ten stars.
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- BarbRad BarbRad Apr 27, 2009 @ 2:38 am
- Thank you for putting together such a wonderful source for those of us who still love the old hymns. You have put so much work into this I wish I could give you ten stars.
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- SammySpam SammySpam Feb 23, 2009 @ 2:10 am
- A holy lens indeed, so much information on this page, God himself would be proud.
Coming from a catholic school i recognised a few of these, it brought back some fond memories, thankyou very much. Great lens!
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- WhitU4ever WhitU4ever Feb 21, 2009 @ 9:41 am
- Beautiful lens!!! Love the music, and love what God has done in your heart! 5*'s favorited and lensrolled!
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- OhMe OhMe Feb 13, 2009 @ 1:45 pm
- This lens is now a featured lens on My Favorite Sunday School Songs.
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- Betty Betty Feb 12, 2009 @ 6:06 pm
- Unbelievable amount of work - and love - into this! Fantastic organization and approach!
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- Betty Betty Feb 12, 2009 @ 6:06 pm
- Unbelievable amount of work - and love - into this! Fantastic organization and approach!
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- OhMe OhMe Feb 12, 2009 @ 4:17 pm
- Oh me! Oh My! I could spend hours on here. You knew it, didn't you. I am definitely lensrolling to my Sunday School Songs, 5* and fav. Great work. I love it.
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- AslanBooks AslanBooks Feb 1, 2009 @ 10:28 am
- Thank you for listing your lens on The Squidoo Ink Pot -- http://www.squidinkpot.com.
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- BobbyBOOMBOOMBickerson BobbyBOOMBOOMBickerson Jan 31, 2009 @ 8:03 pm
- I think this is a great page, I rated it 5 star. And I hope you'll keep adding more...right here on this page!
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- BlackroseBugg BlackroseBugg Jan 31, 2009 @ 5:07 pm
- An astounding body of work here. People who are in need of these works should have no trouble finding exactly what they require. Nicely laid out and organized, although *cringe* the Holy Holy Holy you tube would not play - said embedding prohibited by request - and the doxology was buffered, not streaming, making it annoying to hear three notes, pause, four more notes, pause... I hate to sound critical -this overall is a grand lens, but what good is it if I notice these things and don't mention them? Not meaning to be mean, believe me. Just hoping to make an outstanding lens that little bit better.
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- ddixonart ddixonart Jan 5, 2009 @ 6:59 pm
- Lovely lens. It's apparent you put your heart into this page.
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- anthropos anthropos Dec 31, 2008 @ 10:45 pm
- You sure covered a lot in this lens. Great job.
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- ElizabethJeanAllen ElizabethJeanAllen Dec 23, 2008 @ 4:24 pm
- Merry Christmas from the Totally Awesome Lenses Group.
Lizzy
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- JaguarJulie JaguarJulie Dec 18, 2008 @ 5:50 pm
- Just dropping by again to see what else you might have added to your lens and check out everyone;s critiques. Hope you have a wonderful holiday and most prosperous new year.
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- thrivingmom thrivingmom Dec 4, 2008 @ 8:26 am
- Thank you for using Thrivingmom's Critique Service. Here's your critique:
This is a great and unique lens. You have an extensive directory here. The first thing I would do for improvement is pick a heading for each letter and stick with it. Your first one uses quotes then the rest don't. You also have a mix of letters with 's and letters without it. Your lens will read more smoothly if you title each lettered directory in the same way.
Also, another suggestion, I would replace the letter images in each text module with actual pictures to help break up all the text. Maybe use religious paintings or just inspirational photographs. You can then use Glen's lens to put in some html to add large and catchy capital letters for each section.
You put in a lot of work here and it shows!
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- poutine poutine Dec 2, 2008 @ 7:20 am
- Very good content in this lens.
A 5
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- businessblossom businessblossom Dec 1, 2008 @ 3:14 pm
- Thank you, thank you again to everyone that is checking out the page and looking around and enjoying the resources -- do spread the word!
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- StephenC StephenC Nov 26, 2008 @ 6:00 pm
- Loved the lens. Truly enjoyed reading and perusing around. Well done!
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- PetMemorialWorld PetMemorialWorld Nov 23, 2008 @ 6:35 am
- Wow impressive lens - and a great ministry you have.
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- businessblossom businessblossom Nov 11, 2008 @ 7:03 pm
- Thanks again to everyone that is responding -- and Walter, I'll hit you back shortly (if not today, tomorrow) by e-mail.
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- Walter Saul Walter Saul Nov 9, 2008 @ 8:53 pm
- A fascinating new concept!
What do you think about the relationship between free downloads and the CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International) licensing program? It would seem to me that these two items are not in conflict - one could download music free, yet still report to CCLI (or another such licensing agency) that he is using this particular song. You can reach me at waltersaul@sbcglobal.net.
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- JaguarJulie JaguarJulie Nov 9, 2008 @ 8:20 am
- Wow again! This is loaded with content. Clever title, HIMbook -- like it!
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- businessblossom businessblossom Oct 23, 2008 @ 12:33 pm
- Thank you, thank you to everyone who has added and commented and bookmarked . . . it's greatly appreciated!
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- ElizabethJeanAllen ElizabethJeanAllen Oct 22, 2008 @ 7:13 pm
- Welcome to the Totally Awesome Lenses Group.
Lizzy
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- tdove tdove Oct 21, 2008 @ 10:29 pm
- Thanks for joining G Rated Lense Factory!
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- Caseyfern Caseyfern Oct 17, 2008 @ 2:31 am
- This is a phenomenal work, a beautiful place to have landed inadvertently in a happy accident. Bookmarked and 5*'d so I can keep up with what you're doing with this. Thank you for the tremendous effort you've put into this lens to date and for what I'm sure you will invest in the future. (And thanks for the gigglefest of commentary on my Words & Phrases lens!)
The "Easter List" (still growing)!
Why not a box like the "Christmas Box"? Read on . . .
As some of you know, the Christmas box is now at the bottom of the page, not to be thought about (at least by the searching public; I add to it whenever I find something that would fit it) until after Halloween. By contrast, every Sunday should be a day that we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ together (and every Monday, and every Tuesday . . . ), so these hymns are not to be pulled out of their place and forgotten until next year! So, I'm giving links here to the different sections in which the hymns of the Easter list reside, section by section.
A Section:
"All Hail, Thou Resurrection!"
"All Hail to the Prince of Life" (Good Friday)
C Section
Two hymns titled "Christ the Lord Is Risen Today" -- one you know, and one you should know . . .
E Section:
"Ere Yet the Dawn Has Filled the Skies"
H Section:
"Hail, Mighty Victor"
"Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus" (Good Friday)
"He Never Said a Mumbalin' Word" (Negro Spiritual, perfect for Good Friday)
I Section:
"I Am He That Liveth"
O Section:
"O Love Divine, What Hast Thou Done"
"O Sacred Head, Now Wounded" (Good Friday) MP3 ADDED
L section:
"Love Surpassing Human Love" (Good Friday)
"Low In the Grave He Lay"
T Section:
"The Saviour Died, and Rose Again"
" 'Tis Finished! The Messiah Dies"
W Section:
"When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" (Good Friday) TWO MP3s ADDED
"Who Is He In Yonder Stall?" (also works for Christmas) MP3 ADDED
The YouTube Easter Box
Christian musicians are enthused about the Resurrection (and hey, we ought to be!), so the question is choosing among so much good material . . . so many choices to be made!
Christ The LORD Is Risen Today ! Chimes with Key Elevation - EASTER HYMN
Runtime: 200
4586 views
32 Comments:
curated content from YouTube
Webrings!
Getting to know folks, getting to know all about folks . . .
by businessblossom
Well, hello, my fellow lensmasters and good readers! My name is Deeann D. Mathews, and I'm the Creative Director of Praising Pilgrims Music, a small m... (more)
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