Have you been curious about the origin of the hymns we sing during our worship? Each week we have three to five songs spaced appropriately throughout the service. They are selected with several considerations. Often, they are connected to the Old or New Testament reading or lesson. Special seasons, such as Advent or Lent, or events such as the Lord's Supper call for particular themes, or sometimes, specific songs. Care is taken to select hymns which are familiar to most, and I am proud to say that our congregation delivers a strong presentation of the songs, week by week.
Last Sunday, we sang "My Jesus, I Love Thee," text by William Featherston, and musical setting by Adoniram Gordon. Featherston wrote those words at the age of 16! Likely, this hymn followed his conversion to Christianity, and it first appeared in a British hymnal in 1864. It is based on 1John 4:19, "We love Him because He first loved us."
One of my favorite "prayer for connection" hymns is "Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah." These words of assurance were penned by William Williams in 1745, and the music was written by John Hughes. It is based of Isaiah 43:2, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you." Williams had completed medical school and was about to begin a career as a physician. However, a moving conversion experience caused him to change directions, and he became an itinerant preacher for over 40 years. He preached the gospel to many very large crowds, but now, is principally remembered for having written over 800 hymns. "Guide Me. . ." is a strong message of connection to the Savior. It has several stanzas that are not typically included in hymnals. One that contains a statement of hope, which all Christians share, is the following:
Musing on my habitation, musing on my heav'nly home;
Fills my soul with holy longings: Come, my Jesus, quickly come.
Vanity is all I see; Lord, I long to be with Thee.
These are but two examples of rich words from people of faith. The hymnal is such a source of inspiration, hope, love, faith, and praise. I am thankful for the efforts of those who have devoted creative efforts which hold such deep meaning for those who sing the words and the music. (My thanks to Robert J. Morgan, author of THEN SINGS MY SOUL.)
– Bob Holquist