Abandoning our Christian heritage of hymnody is short-sighted. Isaac Watts could say a great deal using common words that was scriptural and exalted English. Let’s retain our heritage that is valuable. Ed and Judy Rea Philip Paul Bliss P. Bliss (1838-1876) was an American hymn writer and Gospel singer who wrote the words and music… Read more
Enjoy a fresh, devotional look at hymn stories by way of the great hymns of the faith. The Music Mediation series includes Scripture readings, memory verses, and questions from each hymn.
The Background Story of “It Is Well with My Soul”
I have always loved the story of the hymn, “It Is Well with My Soul.” Recently, I came across a treasure archived in the Library of Congress pertaining to the background of this familiar hymn. As with any treasure, it’s of great value, especially, to those of us who love the study of our hymn heritage… Read more
Take My Life and Let It Be
Music Meditations Bible Reading: Romans 12 Memorize: Romans 12:1-2 While visiting with some friends at the Areley House in England in 1874, Frances Ridley Havergal became burdened for the many lost souls who had gathered. She prayed “Lord, give me all in this house,” and that is what He did. One by one she spoke… Read more
Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus
Music Meditations Bible Reading: Ephesians 6 Memorize: Ephesians 6:10-11 In Philadelphia, during the great revival of 1858, over 5000 gathered together to hear Rev. Dudley Tyng preach. As people gathered for this noonday prayer meeting, he used this opportunity to plead earnestly for each to “go now, ye that are men, and serve the Lord.”… Read more
Almost Persuaded
Music Meditations Biblical Reading: Acts 26Memorize: Acts 26:18 In the year 62 AD, a certain Roman citizen was cast into prison because of a multitude of accusations against him. At his hearing before Festus, he appealed to Caesar for justice and was held for trial at Rome. Shortly afterward he was asked to state before… Read more
Russian Hymn: The Story Behind “My Song” | Nicolai Ivanovich Melnikov
The background of the hymns and songs we sing can be quite fascinating. We recently released a choral octavo based on a Russian hymn that we felt had a story worth telling. May this piece remind us of the thousands of Christians who, in spite of great persecution, stood for the cause of Christ. The… Read more
It Is Well with My Soul
Music Meditations Bible Reading: II Corinthians 11:23-31, Philippians 4:1-23Memorize: Philippians 4:12, Psalm 46:1-3 Every church music leader has probably at one time or another told the heartfelt hymn story behind the song, “It Is Well with My Soul.” Every line of each verse seems to open a window into the relationship that Horatio G. Spafford… Read more