5 Hymns for the Ages

You may be a lifelong hymn-singer or new to singing the old hymns, but either way, it is amazing to look at the music inspired by the Holy Spirit over the ages. We can learn so much from what has gone before us. I find it humbling to be able to sing music that has been sung by the saints, in some instances, for close to a thousand years.  Here are a few of my personal favorites, both lyrically and musically. 

“Be Thou My Vision” – Dallan Forgaill

Probably my all time favorite hymn, this ancient Irish hymn was penned by an 8th Century Monk, Dallan Forgaill, as a tribute to St. Patrick, and his wholehearted loyalty to God. St. Patrick was a man zealous for the things of God. He defied an Irish King’s edict that restricted the lighting of candles on Easter Eve. Patrick chose to honour God in spite the threat of death. The King was so impressed with his devotion, he let him continue his missionary work.  

Intensely personal, this hymn is a prayer of reliance, and dependance on the Lord. It truly is a picture of what the Christian life should look like – abiding in Christ.

“Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise; thou mine inheritance, now and always; thou and thou only first in my heart, high King of heaven, my treasure thou art.”

 

“Be Still, My Soul” – Kathrina von Schlegel

This poignant hymn, written by Kathrina von Schlegel in 1752, is perhaps the greatest sermon on suffering and loss that I have ever heard. I absolutely love the line, “Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay from His own fullness all He takes away.” The music was written by Jean Sibelius and taken from work, “Finlandia”.

“Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake to guide the future surely as the past. Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake; all now mysterious shall be bright at last. Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know his voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.”

 

“I Feel the Winds of God Today” – Jesse Adams

I have a special affinity to hymns sung to old Celtic or English folk tunes. There is something haunting, and yet earthy about these old melodies. The “Kingsfold” tune sung to I Feel the Winds of God Today, is one of my favorites. We have the great English composer, Ralph Vaughn Williams, to thank for rediscovering this English folk tune and arranging it to the hymn. The lyrics, written by Jesse Adams in 1906, use the imagery of a seafaring ship to parrallel our life journey with the Lord. 

“If ever I forget your love and how that love was shown, lift high the blood-red flag above;  it bears your name alone. Great pilot of my onward way,  you wilt not let me drift; I feel the winds of God today; today my sail I lift.”

*Note: I couldn’t find a good video recording with vocals, so this video is instrumental only.

 

“Jerusalem the Golden” – Bernard of Cluny

 

“Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” – Joachim Neander

Written by Joachim Neander in 1680, this is a hymn that has stood the test of time (over 300 years) to remain one of the most beloved praise hymns in the Church. I like everything about this hymn. A great melody, and great words that show forth the glory and loving kindness of God. As we sing these words, we join with the voices, in many languages, of millions who have gone before us, and those across the globe, to sing these great words of thanksgiving and honor to the God who created us, protects us, and befriends us.