Behind the Hymn: Fairest Lord Jesus
Fairest Lord Jesus is a song of mystery. The author and origin of the song are unknown. The song seems to have originated as a folk song in Germany and other areas of Europe. Some…
Behind the Hymn: One Day
One Day was written by John Wilbur Chapman. Chapman was born on June 17, 1859 and came to understand salvation from D. L. Moody. Moody later encouraged him to enter full-time evangelism. Chapman was elected…
Behind the Hymn: Living for Jesus
Despite his lack of formal education, Thomas Obadiah Chisholm became a teacher at the age of sixteen. By the age of twenty-one, he was associate editor for his hometown newspaper Franklin Advocate. He became a…
Behind the Hymn: He Hideth My Soul
He Hideth My Soul was written by Fanny Crosby, a popular hymn writer. He Hideth My Soul may have been Crosby’s prayer throughout her life. While a renowned songwriter, her life was not easy. As…
Lessons from King David: Rape of Tamar
The ramifications of David’s sin with Bathsheba had long reaching power. David had a daughter named Tamar. Her half-brother, Amnon, was so in love with her that he could not stop thinking about her. So,…
Behind the Hymn: God Be With You
Dr. Jeremiah Rankin was the Pastor of First Congregational Church in Washington, D. C. He was looking for a farewell hymn to close the worship service. Nothing really worked and the closest possibility was Bless…
Behind the Hymn: Be Still My Soul
Be Still, My Soul was a favorite of Eric Liddell, of Chariots of Fire fame. As he lay dying, this was the last song he requested. Katharina von Schlegel wrote the original lyrics in German.…
Behind the Hymn: We’ll Work Till Jesus Comes
We’ll Work till Jesus Comes was written by Elizabeth K. Mills. The song was originally published in 1829, under “Anonymous”. Some historians believe the song may be an American folk song. However, other books since…
Behind the Hymn: Softly and Tenderly
Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling was written by William Lamartine Thompson. Softly and Tenderly is one of his best known compositions, alongside Jesus is All the World to Me. Softly and Tenderly first appeared…
Behind the Hymn: Jesus is All the World to Me
Jesus is all the world to me was written by Will Lamartine Thompson. William Lamartine Thompson was born on November 7, 1847 in East Liverpool, Ohio. He was the youngest of seven children born…
Behind the Hymn: Take my life and let it be
Francis Havergal grew up the youngest child of a Church of England minister and hymn writer. She was born around Christmas 1836. She led an active life, even while dealing with fragile health. From a…
Song Story: Lead Me, Guide Me
Lead Me,Guide Me was written by Doris Akers. Doris Mae Akers was born on May 21, 1923 in Brookfield, Missouri. She was one of ten children born to Floyd and Pearl Akers. In the…
Hymn Story: Sitting At the Feet of Jesus
Sitting at the Feet of Jesus, tells the story of Mary, sitting and listening at Jesus feet. Can you imagine the lessons and wisdom she learned from the Lord? The account is found in Luke…
Hymn Story: Lift High the Cross
Lift High the Cross was written by George Kitchin in 1887. At the time he wrote the song, Kitchin was the Dean of Winchester for the Church of England. “It has been suggested that the…
Behind the Hymn: Let Others See Jesus In You
I had a request for the song history on “Let Others See Jesus in You”. The gentleman shared a special memory of his grandmother. “Her personal favorite was “Let Others See Jesus in You.” We…
Behind the Song: Reach Out to Jesus
Reach Out to Jesus was written by composer Ralph Carmichael. Ralph Carmichael was born on May 27, 1927 in Quincy, Illinois. He was the son of a Pentecostal minister. As a child, he learned to…
Behind the Doxology: Gloria Patri
The Gloria Patri is another doxology sung by many denominations from the Catholics to the Orthodox to the Presbyterians and Lutherans to the Methodists and Baptists. This is often referred to as the Lesser…
Behind the Doxology: Gloria in Excelsis Deo
“Gloria in excelsis Deo” is a doxology based on the words the angels sang to the shepherds. {Luke 2:14} “Gloria in excelsis Deo” is often referred to as the Greater Doxology. {Gloria Patri is…
Behind the Doxology: Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow is a popular Doxology in the protestant church. The song was often sung as a blessing when the offering was returned. But, what is a doxology? The word…
Behind the Song: Getting Used to the Family of God
Getting Used to the Family of God is another Gaither song that I often love to sing along with The Family of God. While the titles of these songs are similar, they are two very…