August 5, 2014 (Tuesday)
Amazon.com has an audio cd series for sale, entitled “America’s 25 Favorite Hymns.” They say those hymns are:
1. How Great Thou Art 2. Great Is Thy Faithfulness 3. Amazing Grace 4. All Hail The Power Of Jesus’ Name 5. ‘Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus 6. Victory in Jesus 7. What a Friend We Have in Jesus 8. Holy, Holy, Holy 9. Fairest Lord Jesus 10. The Old Rugged Cross 11. He Lives 12. I’d Rather Have Jesus 13. Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee 14. It Is Well With My Soul 15. Blessed Assurance 16. Sweet Hour Of Prayer 17. O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing 18. In the Garden 19. I Need Thee Every Hour 20. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God 21. Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me 22. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty 23. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus 24. Just as I Am 25. To God Be the Glory
All the hymns on the list are all favorites of mine. My own list would probably include contemporary music, such as that written by the Gaithers. It would be difficult, however, to pick only one from the list as my most favorite. They are all great. They all speak to the heart. They all magnify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and inspire love and devotion to Him.
“God’s people have sung hymns in honor of the Almighty since the time of Moses and before (Exodus 15:1). David sang the “new song” God gave him and taught others to sing “a hymn of praise to our God” (Psalm 40:3). Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn together at the Last Supper (Mark 14:26). The early church sang hymns as part of their regular gatherings (1 Corinthians 14:26). Paul and Silas, with their feet in stocks in a Philippian jail, were “praying and singing hymns to God” (Acts 16:25).” (Source: http://www.gotquestions.org/what-are-hymns.html#ixzz39U5ygolp).
I’m sure Bill Muskopf won’t mind my mentioning that he and Ethel found the hymnal to be a comforting source of devotional thoughts in recent weeks. A pastor-mentor of mine told me many years ago that the hymnal is the best book of religious poetry in my library.
Today we thank God for all those whose hymns and songs continue to inspire us and encourage us as they build up our faith, hope and love.
What’s your favorite? Why?