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Hymns

What Shall We Sing?

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  • Stephen Rees

This article discusses congregational singing. It notes New Testament passages like Ephesians 5:18 and Colossians 3:16, and the Old Testament Psalms. Along the way, commentary is offered on modern songbooks and hymnody.

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Hymn for during Epiphany and Lent

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  • John E. Hamersma

This article introduces a number of hymns that can be used in public worship during Epiphany and Lent.

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"I" in Psalms and Hymns

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  • Gert Kwakkel

Looking at the use of first person singular in the Psalms, this article shares some understanding as to how it may be understood and why it is not individualistic. Thus, the Psalms can be sung by the church. Applying this to the selection of hymns for church singing, the author shares some features that must characterize a church hymn.

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Faithful or Faddish? Weighing the Strengths and Weaknesses of Praise Choruses

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  • Mark Lemmenes

Do praise choruses contribute to the expression of our worship of God? This article outlines the strengths and weaknesses of such choruses.

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Singing a New Song: A Review of Three New Denominational Hymnals

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  • Alfred V. Fedak

This article is a review of three new hymnals: the United Methodist Hymnal, Presbyterian Hymnal, and Trinity Hymnal.

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Abide with Me

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  • Sally Davey

This article is a biography on Henry Francis Lyte. Focus is given to his hymns and how they contributed to the spread of the gospel. His well-known hymn is "Abide with Me."

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What Is a Hymn?

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  • Edith M. Clarkson

What constitutes a good hymn text? This article suggests that good hymns have six general characteristics.

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Two Churches – Two Tunes

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  • Robert DeYoung

Through a number of questions and answers, this article considers a wise way of selecting and introducing a new hymnal to a congregation.

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The Gospel According to Christmas Carols

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  • Nathan Busenitz

This article shows how Christmas carols can be used to share the gospel. It mentions several of the great carols and the deep truths they convey.

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So Which Hymns Should We Sing?

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  • Michael A. Flinn, Bernie Vaatstra

What makes a good hymn? Hymns must express biblical truth, be suitable for congregational singing, and be simple rather than complex.

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Worship Music Beyond Only the Psalms

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  • Bob Burridge

This article gives reasons why the Psalm singing should not be exclusive in church music, but how other songs can be included in the worship service.

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"Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise"; "O Sing to the Lord"; "Like the Murmur of the Dove's Song"; "Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading"

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  • Annetta Vander Lugt

This article introduces a number of hymns to be used in public worship: "Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise," "O Sing to the Lord," "Like the Murmur of the Dove's Song," and "Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading."

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Songs for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany

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  • Bert Polman

This article introduces a number of hymns for use in public worship during Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany.

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Hymns and a Psalm: "Prepare the Way of the Lord," "When Jesus the Healer," Psalm 1

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  • Emily R. Brink

This article introduces two hymns and a psalm that can be used in corporate worship: "Prepare the Way of the Lord," "When Jesus the Healer," and Psalm 1.

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A Fresh Look at Martin Luther's "A Mighty Fortress"

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  • Esther Crookshank

This article looks at Martin Luther's "A Mighty Fortress" and suggests ways in which the English text could be clarified.

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Hymns: "Lord, You Give the Great Commission," "Holy God, We Praise Your Name," and "What Shall I Render to the Lord?"

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  • Merle R. Mustert

This article introduces a number of hymns for use in corporate worship: "Lord, You Give the Great Commission," "Holy God, We Praise Your Name," and "What Shall I Render to the Lord?"

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Hymns and a Psalm: "Holy, Holy, Holy," "There Is a Balm in Gilead," Psalm 65

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  • Jan Overduin

This article introduces two hymns and a psalm for use in the public worship of the church: "Holy, Holy, Holy," "There Is a Balm in Gilead," Psalm 65.

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The Canticles of Christmas: Singing the Songs of Zechariah, Mary, the Angels, and Simeon

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  • Timothy D. Wilds

The singing of canticles has been a part of Christian worship for centuries. This article reflects on the "Canticles of Christmas" as a refreshing departure from as well as an excellent alternative to today's trendy musicals. The songs of Mary, Zechariah, the angels, and Simeon are reflected upon as rich songs of worship.

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Musical Resources for Singing Scripture

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  • John D. Witvliet

This article introduces a number of resources that could be used in singing in public worship.

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Hymns – "On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry," "The Song of Simeon," "Rejoice in the Lord Always"

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  • John D. Witvliet

A number of hymns for use in public worship are introduced in this article: "On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry," "The Song of Simeon," "Rejoice in the Lord Always."

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Hymns – “Tell Your Children,” “How Firm a Foundation,” and “Sing to the Lord of Harvest”

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  • Norma de Waal Malefyt

This article introduces a number of hymns to be used in worship services: “Tell Your Children,” “How Firm a Foundation,” and “Sing to the Lord of Harvest.”

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Organ Music for Funerals: A Selected Bibliography of Organ Collections

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  • Martha B. Tibbe

This article offers a selected bibliography of organ music to be used at funerals.

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Hymns and a Psalm: "God of the Prophets," "When Morning Gilds the Sky," and Psalm 113

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  • James Hart Brumm

This article introduces two hymns and a psalm for use in worship services: "God of the Prophets," "When Morning Gilds the Sky," and Psalm 113.

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What We Sing Is Not What He Wrote: Evolution of "God of the Prophets"

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  • James Hart Brumm

This article introduces the history of the lyrics of the hymn "God of the Prophets."

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Hymns and a Psalm: "Jesus Lives and So Do We," "All Creatures of Our God and King," and Psalm 18

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  • Wilma Vander Baan

This article introduces Psalm 18 and a couple of hymns for singing in public worship: "Jesus Lives and So Do We," "All Creatures of Our God and King."

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Hymn – O Come, O Come, Immanuel

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  • David C. Schaap

This article introduces the hymn "O Come, O Come, Immanuel," for use in public worship.

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Bridges to Praise: Three Songs in the Praise and Worship Style

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  • Marie Elzinga, Steven C. Elzinga

This article introduces three songs in the praise and worship style: "Father, We Love You," "Change My Heart, O God," and "Give Thanks."

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Hymnal – Songs of Rejoicing

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  • Emily R. Brink

This article gives a short review of the hymnal Songs of Rejoicing that provides hymns to be used in worship services.

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Hymns and a Psalm for Lent, Easter, and Pentecost: "The Lord Is Risen, Yes, Indeed," "Eternal Spirit, God of Truth," and Psalm 116

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  • John W. Ourensma

This article introduces a number of hymns and Psalms to be used in worship services around Lent, Easter, and Pentecost: Psalm 116, "The Lord Is Risen, Yes, Indeed," and "Eternal Spirit, God of Truth."

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Hymns: “Earth and All Stars,” “Built on the Rock,” “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”

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  • Alfred V. Fedak

This article introduces a number of hymns for use in public worship: “Earth and All Stars,” “Built on the Rock,” “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need.”

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Alternatives to "O Perfect Love"

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  • Roy Hopp

This article suggests hymns to be sung at a wedding ceremony. 

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Hymns and a Psalm: "O Holy Spirit, By Whose Breath," "Seek Ye First," and Psalm 81

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  • Emily R. Brink

This article introduces a number of hymns and a psalm for use in public worship: "O Holy Spirit, By Whose Breath," "Seek Ye First," and Psalm 81.

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Hymns for Lent, Easter, and Ascension: "See, Christ Was Wounded," "Alleluia! Alleluia! Give Thanks," and "Here from All Nations"

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  • Marnie Segger, Joachim Segger

This article introduces a number of hymns for use in worship services: "See, Christ Was Wounded," "Alleluia! Alleluia! Give Thanks," and "Here from All Nations."

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Hymns and a Psalm: "Comfort, Comfort Now My People," "The King of Glory," and Psalm 72

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  • Roy Hopp

In this article a number of hymns and a psalm are introduced: "Comfort, Comfort Now My People," "The King of Glory," and Psalm 72.

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Hymns and a Psalm: "May the Mind of Christ," "Now Thank We All Our God," and Psalm 114

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  • Emily R. Brink

Readers are introduced to the hymns "May the Mind of Christ," "Now Thank We All Our God," and Psalm 114 as songs that could directly involve children in worship.

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Various Hymns for Worship

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  • Verlyn Schultz

This article introduces the hymns "O Sons and Daughters," "Holy Spirit, Truth Divine," and Psalm 134 as liturgical music.

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Hymns for Worship

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  • Emily R. Brink

This article introduces a number of hymns and a psalm for use in corporate worship.

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Hymns for Easter and Ascension Day

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  • Jacobus Kloppers

This article introduces a number of hymns to be used at Easter and the celebration the ascension of Christ.

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Singing Scripture – A Healthy Revival

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  • Bert Polman

For centuries Christians have been singing both the psalms and other portions of Scripture (canticles). This article offers a reflection on Scripture songs as part of Christian worship.

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Hymns, Form and Language

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  • J. R. Watson

This article looks at the way that the form and language of hymns are designed to capture the religious experience of the singer.

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Bernard of Clairvaux “O Sacred Head”

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  • William Boekestein

This article gives a biography of Bernard of Clairvaux and the history behind the writing of his song "O Sacred Head." It discuss the need for such a message for the church today.

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Personalizing the Hymnal: Educating the Congregation through Bulletin Notes

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  • Curt Gesch

This article demonstrates how new hymns can be introduced in a congregation through bulletin notes.

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Book Review – How Shall I Sing to God?

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  • John D. Witvliet

The author reviews in this article Brian Wren's How Shall I Sing to God? The book is a thought-provoking introduction to contemporary hymnody,

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In Hac Fossa Me Reconde

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  • Sigfrid Estborn

This is a study in comparative hymnology. It wants to trace the roots of the imagery of the hymn "Rock of Ages."

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Hymn Singing in Victorian England

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  • John A. Haverland

Around 400,000 hymns were written during the reign of Queen Victoria. What we can learn from this history? This article looks at the history of some of these hymns, drawing lessons for the church today.

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Gather Us In; Taste and See; Holy, Holy, Holy Lord; Holy Is the Lord; Go, My Children, with My Blessing; Hallelujah, We Sing Your Praises

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  • Emily R. Brink

This article introduces a number of hymns that can be used in public worship that includes the Lord's Supper: "Gather Us In," "Taste and See," "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord; Holy Is the Lord," "Go, My Children, with My Blessing," and "Hallelujah, We Sing Your Praises."

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Some Aspects of the British Reception of German Music in the Nineteenth Century

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  • John S. Andrews

This article considers the musical background of German hymns in current English hymnals. It gives some general notes on the Victorian-era.

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William Cowper: God Moves in a Mysterious Way

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  • Sally Davey

This article is a biography of William Cowper. Focus is given to his hymns and how they benefited the spread of the gospel. His well-known hymn is "God Moves in a Mysterious Way."

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Morning and Evening – Hymns of John Keble

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  • Sally Davey

This article is a biography of John Keble. Focus is given to his hymns and how they benefited the spread of the gospel.

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'Blest Be the Tie That Binds'

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  • Sally Davey

This article is a biography of John Fawcett. Focus is given to his hymns and ministry and how they benefited the spread of the gospel.

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If Thou but Suffer God to Guide Thee … The Life and Hymn Translations of Catherine Winkworth

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  • Sally Davey

This article is a biography of Catherine Winkworth and the role she played in translating the hymns for the English speaking Christians, especially the hymn by Joachim Neander.

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Take My Life and Let It Be … Ever, Only, All for Thee Frances Ridley Havergal and Her Hymns

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  • Sally Davey

This article is a biography on Frances Ridley Havergal. Focus is given to her hymns and how they benefited the spread of the gospel.

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Psalms for the Nation of Scotland

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  • J. R. De la Haye

This article is about the background and character of the Scottish Psalter.

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It Came upon the Midnight Clear; Angels We Have Heard on High; In the Lord, I'll Be Ever Thankful; Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light; Psalm 97

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  • Emily R. Brink

This article introduces a number of hymns and Psalm 97 for singing in a corporate worship service: "It Came upon the Midnight Clear"; "Angels We Have Heard on High"; "In the Lord, I'll Be Ever Thankful"; "Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light." 

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Songs for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany

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  • Emily R. Brink

This article introduces a number of hymns for use in corporate worship during Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany: "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light," "Gloria, Gloria," "Glory, Glory, Glory!" and "Glory to God."

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Hymns: "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus," "Arise, Shine, For Your Light Is Come," and "I Come with Joy to Meet My Lord"

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  • Davis Folkerts

This article introduces a number of hymns to be used in public worship: "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus," "Arise, Shine, For Your Light Is Come," and "I Come with Joy to Meet My Lord."

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The Afscheiding’s Commitment to Psalm-Singing

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  • Barrett L. Gritters

Is the singing of hymns a deviation from God’s word? This article discusses the viewpoint of the Secession churches (of the Netherlands in the 1900's) on the singing of Psalms and hymns in the worship service.

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Nobody ever came to Christ because he knew he was one of the elect: he came because he needed Christ and because he wanted Christ Ernest F. Kevan
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