Have a Favorite Hymn?


I wonder if you have a favorite hymn?  I grew up in a church that primarily sang the Gospel songs of the late 1800s and early 1900s — the Fanny Crosby and Ira Sankey era of happy tunes mixed with happy words:  Standing on the Promises, Blessed Assurance, Shall we Gather at the River (when we had baptisms), Onward Christian Soldiers (at Vacation Bible School), Rescue the Perishing, Bringing in the Sheaves, and so forth.

In college, I learned a whole new type of hymnody — the great English and German hymns, which now I love the most.  They have a sturdier construction, a deeper foundation, and, as a rule, a higher overarching melodic theme.  I like the majestic ones the best — words and music expressing God’s greatness and glory.

Recently I’ve been putting together a list of my favorite hymns.  We should all do this so we’ll know what to sing at our funerals!  My list is rather long, so there may only be time for a verse or two from each one. 🙂

1. When Morning Gilds the Skies
2. All Creatures of Our God and King
3. Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart
4. Rejoice, the Lord is King
5. If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee
6. I Sing the Might Power of God
7. Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty
8. Join All the Glorious Names
9. Of the Father’s Love Begotten
10. I Sing the Mighty Power of God

11. And Can it Be?
12. Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners
13. The Lord’s My Shepherd
14. The King of Love My Shepherd Is
15. Like a River Glorious
16. All the Way My Savior Leads Me
17. Lord, Speak to Me
18. Now Thank We All Our God
19. Crown Him with Many Crowns
20. Now the Day is Over

21. Holy, Holy, Holy
22. Come, Thou Almighty King
23. All Hail the Power of Jesus Name
24. Great is Thy Faithfulness
25. A Mighty Fortress
26. Christ the Lord is Risen Today
27. How Firm a Foundation
28. He Leadeth Me
29. Be Thou My Vision
30. God Will Take Care of You

For the history behind these hymns and hymnists, click here.