101 More Hymn Stories

"Hymn singing reflects a congregation's spiritual vitality and their response to God's grace.

(Foreword by Cliff Barrows) More inspiring stories behind the hymns of past and contemporary favorites.

The purpose of these dramatized hymn stories is to encourage a rediscovery by God's people of the events that underly some of the great hymns of our spiritual heritage.

Award-winning author Kenneth W. Osbeck tells the dramatic stories behind twenty-five gospel songs, including "The Old Rugged Cross"; "His Eye Is on the Sparrow"; and "Precious Lord, Take My Hand."

In this special seasonal edition, bestselling author Robert J. Morgan shares the incredible stories behind traditional holiday hymns of faith, including Christmas, Easter, and more. Is there a festive season of the year that is complete without one of your favorite hymns? Not only do hymns connect you to great memories, but they also reveal the faith of those who lived throughout history. As Robert Morgan explored the stories behind some of the best-loved hymns, he found fascinating accounts of tribulations, triumphs, struggles, and hope—ordinary people who connected with God in amazing ways, sharing their experiences through song. Included inside this special edition are: 150 devotional-style stories with the words and music to each hymn Includes hymns for holidays including Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and more Jagged edged paper, giving it a classic feel Includes a complete hymn index by title, first line, and songwriter Perfect for use as a daily devotional, teaching illustration, or for song leaders and music ministers Discover the inspiration behind your favorite hymns. Find new favorites as you relate to the people whose walk of faith led them to write these classic songs of praise. Share these stories with your family, friends, and church, and find more depth and meaning as you worship God through song.

A fresh cover for a classic book--over 300,000 in print!

"Be Still, My Soul is a collection of 175 of the most popular hymns and the stories behind them. Many hymns were the result of incredible life experiences- from the heart cry of a repentant slave trader to the renewed hope of a survivor of attempted suicide. In this devotional you will experience the passion and joy contained in these melodies."--

Hymns are more than beautiful musical compositions; they provide us with a heightened language for praising and speaking to God, all while teaching us theology that reflects both the depth and complexity of Our Lord. Sacred hymns in our day have given way to “fifth-rate poetry set to fourth-rate music,” as C.S. Lewis once remarked. At times, the music used in worship can make us feel as though the culture is usurping the Church rather than being transfigured by it. There is a clear and present need to resurrect those distinctively different songs with a distinctively different vocabulary for people who want to live distinctive lives as followers of Christ. In these pages, Fr. George William Rutler introduces and reflects upon dozens of the greatest hymns written from the earliest years of the Church through the Twentieth Century. The text and composition of each hymn is included, as well as inspiring accounts of their authors and composers, fascinating stories and historical events connected with them, and notes on the significant contributions each one made to theology and music. Fr. Rutler has recovered here a rich musical legacy that will help us to give glory to our God who is Lord of all.

Hymn Restoration introduces a new generation to the musical treasures of Christian history. Dino Kartsonakis has selected 101 of the best hymns, and presented them alongside devotions that expand on their themes. May you be uplifted in your faith!