40 Favorite Hymns On The Christian Life

Providing literary analysis and historical background, Leland Ryken invites us to experience great hymns as powerful works of devotional poetrysavoring elements that we easily miss when singing them.

"Slow down and enjoy great hymns in a new way with Leland Ryken as your literary and historical guide. These works of devotional poetry contain rich and powerful theological truths"--

"We sometimes overlook the artistry of Christmas carols and other seasonal hymns. Leland Ryken's historical background and literary analysis shows these songs to be powerful works of devotional poetry"--

"Recognizing the multifaceted nature of Christian churches today, this exceptional collection of 600 hymns offers an outstanding worship resource for any congregation. From classic anthems to beloved gospel standards, and from the most popular hymns of the major Christian denominations to new worship favorites particularly suited to congregational singing, it features the best of the best for every tradition and every generation. High quality bindings ensure decades of use by congregations, small groups, and individuals. Includes core "must-have" hymns from the major Christian denominations. Seven helpful indices including the most thorough topical index available. 600 classic anthems, beloved gospel standards, and new worship favorites. The most extensive seasonal selection available. Attractive bindings complement any sanctuary decor. Some music publisher-produced hymnals bulk up on lesser-known songs for which they own the rights. Hymns in The Christian Life Hymnal were chosen because they represent the best of the best throughout the years and across the Christian spectrum." -- Publisher.

"We sometimes overlook the artistry of Christmas carols and other seasonal hymns. Leland Ryken's historical background and literary analysis shows these songs to be powerful works of devotional poetry"--

Understanding the culture of living with hymnbooks offers new insight into the histories of poetry, literacy, and religious devotion. It stands barely three inches high, a small brick of a book. The pages are skewed a bit, and evidence of a small handprint remains on the worn, cheap leather covers that don’t quite close. The book bears the marks of considerable use. But why—and for whom—was it made? Christopher N. Phillips’s The Hymnal is the first study to reconstruct the practices of reading and using hymnals, which were virtually everywhere in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Isaac Watts invented a small, words-only hymnal at the dawn of the eighteenth century. For the next two hundred years, such hymnals were their owners’ constant companions at home, school, church, and in between. They were children's first books, slaves’ treasured heirlooms, and sources of devotional reading for much of the English-speaking world. Hymnals helped many people learn to memorize poetry and to read; they provided space to record family memories, pass notes in church, and carry everything from railroad tickets to holy cards to business letters. In communities as diverse as African Methodists, Reform Jews, Presbyterians, Methodists, Roman Catholics, and Unitarians, hymnals were integral to religious and literate life. An extended historical treatment of the hymn as a read text and media form, rather than a source used solely for singing, this book traces the lives people lived with hymnals, from obscure schoolchildren to Emily Dickinson. Readers will discover a wealth of connections between reading, education, poetry, and religion in Phillips’s lively accounts of hymnals and their readers.

Over one million copies sold! Have you ever wanted to learn more about hymns, but weren’t sure where to start? Bestselling author Robert J. Morgan shares the incredible stories behind the beloved traditional hymns of faith. Each week millions of Christians around the world use hymns composed by believers from every era and branch of Christianity to join voices in praise—singing psalms and hymns and making melody in their hearts to praise the Lord. Pastor Robert Morgan’s goal is to keep these traditional hymns vital and meaningful to all generations. Then Sings My Soul will help readers reacquaint themselves with 150 beloved hymns of the faithful. These devotional-style stories show the emotion and drama behind the hymns of faith that have changed many lives throughout history—from the people whose faith led them to write these wonderful hymns to the people whose faith was affected by reading, hearing, and singing them. As we sing a new song to the Lord, let’s not forget the old ones. It’s the sturdy old hymns of the faith that strengthen and steady us when we are weary and worn. They’re the ones we sing when rising troubled in the night. Then Sings My Soul contains: Words and music to 150 traditional hymns Short, devotional-style stories providing context on each hymn Hymn index for easy reference Perfect for use as a daily devotional, teaching illustration, or for song leaders and music ministers An instant classic with more than 1.3 million copies sold, Then Sings My Soul is designed to be personally reflective. These lyrics and stories behind them will speak to your soul, strengthen your faith, and deepen your understanding of God as you worship Him through song.