Friday Classic Hymns
Every Friday I take an old classic hymn, tell the story behind it, analyze the lyrics and then sing it! Select one below and may you be blessed as you watch.
Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus
The last words of a dying preacher inspired his colleague to write "stand up stand up for Jesus".
Precious Lord, Take My Hand
The father of gospel music, Thomas A. Dorsey, wrote the classic hymn 'Take My Hand Precious Lord' while dealing with a great personal tragedy.
I’ll Fly Away
A brilliant classic hymn about flying away to heaven and being freed from earth's shackles! But does it glorify death, and deny life's goodness? Hear the story of Alfred E. Brumley writing this song and let's look at the lyrics and then sing it together.
Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus - story behind the hymn
This classic hymn has a tragic story of loss and heartache - but through it all, the author Louis M.R. Stead found that trusting Jesus was the answer! She also became a missionary to my own country of South Africa.
When The Roll is Called Up Yonder
A Sunday School teacher named James M. Black met a lost young girl and invited her to his class. Her absence at one of their future lessons led to this classic hymn about our names being read out one day in glory! Hear the story and a deep look at the words in today's episode.
Man of Sorrows What a Name!
Philip P. Bliss was a brilliant singer and hymnwriter whose life came to a tragic end shortly after writing this classic hymn about Christ the Man of sorrows. Hear the story, and a deep look at his lyrics, on today's episode.
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Today's Friday Classic Hymn is "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing". A lovely song written by an earnest Christian man named Robert Robinson, who ended up losing his way. Hear the story, the song, and the meaning of the lyrics on today's episode here.
Battle Hymn of the Republic
A favorite classic hymn with roots in the American civil war. A liberal (for the day) woman wrote these stirring words about the second coming of Christ, using lots of imagery from Revelation. What a powerful and moving song! Hear the history, an analysis of the lyrics, and a performance of all 6 original verses on today's episode.
Softly and Tenderly
A talented songwriter and musician wrote this beautiful song, which DL Moody said he would have loved to have written! Many lives have been touched by these special words. Has yours?
O How I Love Jesus
This classic hymn has got simple but profound words and a singable melody. How joyful to sing "O how I love Jesus, because He first loved me!" The verses are deep and meaningful. Hear the history of this great hymn on today's episode.
Crown Him With Many Crowns
A classic hymn inspired by words in Revelation - but these days we sing some words from the original, and some from a rewritten version. Hymnals differ in the verses they publish! Either way, it is a powerful song giving Christ the glory that is His.
Rock of Ages
Augustus Toplady wrote this brilliant old hymn. First a fan of Wesleys, he ended up becoming their enemy! And yet his classic hymn was probably influenced by a Wesleyan hymnal which spoke of the Rock of Ages.
Jesus Lover of My Soul
A classic Charles Wesley hymn. Did he write it in a storm? When a bird flew into his office? When he was chased by a crowd after preaching? Whichever story is true, Wesley’s great hymn is comforting to us as we seek to live out our faith.
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus
A favourite hymn written by a brilliant musician, based on some powerful words she once read in a tract about turning your eyes upon Jesus, and the things of earth growing strangely dim.
Jesus Loves Me, This I Know
A classic children's hymn, Jesus Loves Me was written as part of a novel in a scene with a dying child. The woman who wrote it is deeply respected by the American military.
All Things Bright and Beautiful
A classic hymn written to teach children about the Creator God! But did you know the writer was accused of classism because of the lyrics? Discover the story of 'All Things Bright and Beautiful' and have a closer look at the words here today.
Breathe On Me Breath of God
A brilliant man with simple faith wrote the classic hymn "Breathe on Me Breath of God". His lyrics about the Holy Spirit have inspired many over the decades!
Be Thou My Vision
The story behind the great hymn Be Thou My Vision is an intriguing one, dating back many centuries.
Trust and Obey
A great song written by John Sammis and Daniel Towner, who heard somebody say something special at an evangelical meeting held by DL Moody. What a great song that sums up the Christian life! Listen and be blessed.
To God Be the Glory
Fanny Crosby, blind from a young age writes about the wonder she looks forward to when she sees Jesus. Plus she writes of salvation and the glory God deserves in this favourite hymn - which was almost forgotten until Billy Graham revived it.