A hymn is a devotional song. We usually associate it with a song of praise to God, although it could be one of allegiance to a nation or even a cause. Hymns that motivate are often written for secular reasons, even though God may be invoked. Some of the most beloved songs in America were written to advance the Christian faith, both for believers and for outsiders that the Church wanted to invite in.
The Greek word from which we get our 'hymn' means a song of praise. We have ancient examples of devotional music from Greece and Egypt. A hymnal is a collection of worship songs, written to express thanksgiving, belief, repentance, joy, or pure worship of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Most churches have hymnals; some sing acapella and some have magnificent choirs and accompanists.
A good example of a motivational hymn written for a secular purpose is 'The Battle Hymn Of The Republic'. It was written by Julia Ward Howe in the middle of the American Civil War, using a traditional tune and 'Glory, Glory, Hallelujah' chorus. This hymn, written to equate the Union cause with the judgement and victory of Jesus as found in 'end times' books in the Bible, was immediately popular and has remained so. Most 'Baby Boomers' learned this song in school.
The story behind many of our best-loved hymns is as inspiring as the words themselves. 'Amazing Grace' was written by a former sailor and slave trader to describe his conversion and salvation experiences. John Newton became an Anglican minister and a formidable opponent of the British slave trade, which was abolished during his lifetime.
Today television, radio, and the internet are great resources for those who love this kind of music. Gospel hours, spiritual classics, and popular Christian music flood the airways. Cable television has special channels for traditional and modern worship music and song. YouTube has great renditions of favorite songs and clips of talent shows when a contestant wows the audience with a hymn of praise. You can visit Mennonite churches, monasteries, and convents to hear amazing renditions of songs of faith.
'How Great Thou Art' and 'Holy, Holy, Holy' tells us of the majesty of God. 'What A Friend We Have In Jesus' and 'Jesus Loves Me' are about the loving savior who is closer than a brother. "At The Cross' and many other songs remind believers about what their salvation cost in terms of human suffering and God's sacrifice.
Peace and joy are other aspects of the Christian life that are extolled in song. 'I Come To The Garden Alone' and 'Blessed Assurance' try to tell others of personal experiences with a personal God. Many churches put the Psalms to music and sing the biblical words back to the One who inspired them.
Seasons of the year or of life are celebrated in spiritual song. We all love the traditional Christmas carols. The Easter service is many people's favorite, as the triumphant songs of Christ's resurrection lift voices and hearts. Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate God's provision, and funerals a time to celebrate a life on earth that is now being continued in Heaven. Singing songs of praise and worship make our lives richer.
The Greek word from which we get our 'hymn' means a song of praise. We have ancient examples of devotional music from Greece and Egypt. A hymnal is a collection of worship songs, written to express thanksgiving, belief, repentance, joy, or pure worship of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Most churches have hymnals; some sing acapella and some have magnificent choirs and accompanists.
A good example of a motivational hymn written for a secular purpose is 'The Battle Hymn Of The Republic'. It was written by Julia Ward Howe in the middle of the American Civil War, using a traditional tune and 'Glory, Glory, Hallelujah' chorus. This hymn, written to equate the Union cause with the judgement and victory of Jesus as found in 'end times' books in the Bible, was immediately popular and has remained so. Most 'Baby Boomers' learned this song in school.
The story behind many of our best-loved hymns is as inspiring as the words themselves. 'Amazing Grace' was written by a former sailor and slave trader to describe his conversion and salvation experiences. John Newton became an Anglican minister and a formidable opponent of the British slave trade, which was abolished during his lifetime.
Today television, radio, and the internet are great resources for those who love this kind of music. Gospel hours, spiritual classics, and popular Christian music flood the airways. Cable television has special channels for traditional and modern worship music and song. YouTube has great renditions of favorite songs and clips of talent shows when a contestant wows the audience with a hymn of praise. You can visit Mennonite churches, monasteries, and convents to hear amazing renditions of songs of faith.
'How Great Thou Art' and 'Holy, Holy, Holy' tells us of the majesty of God. 'What A Friend We Have In Jesus' and 'Jesus Loves Me' are about the loving savior who is closer than a brother. "At The Cross' and many other songs remind believers about what their salvation cost in terms of human suffering and God's sacrifice.
Peace and joy are other aspects of the Christian life that are extolled in song. 'I Come To The Garden Alone' and 'Blessed Assurance' try to tell others of personal experiences with a personal God. Many churches put the Psalms to music and sing the biblical words back to the One who inspired them.
Seasons of the year or of life are celebrated in spiritual song. We all love the traditional Christmas carols. The Easter service is many people's favorite, as the triumphant songs of Christ's resurrection lift voices and hearts. Thanksgiving is a time to celebrate God's provision, and funerals a time to celebrate a life on earth that is now being continued in Heaven. Singing songs of praise and worship make our lives richer.
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