Another hymn from the collection “Olney Hymns”, written by John Newton with poet William Cowper, this collection became quite popular in England and America as it captured the spirit and theology of the Evangelical revival that was happening in those days through the ministries of George Whitefield, the Wesleys, and many others1. Enjoy the below words and arrangement!
How sweet the name of Jesus sounds In a believer’s ear! It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds, and drives away our fear.
It makes the wounded spirit whole And calms the troubled breast; ’tis manna to the hungry soul, And to the weary, rest.
O Jesus, shepherd, guardian, friend, My Prophet, Priest, and King, My Lord, my Life, my Way, my End, Accept the praise I bring.
How weak the effort of my heart, How cold my warmest thought; But when I see you as you are, I’ll praise you as I ought.
Till then I would your love proclaim With every fleeting breath; And may the music of your name Refresh my soul in death.
Son of a captain in the British Royal Marines, Joseph Scriven was born in Ireland in 1819. After receiving his university degree from Trinity College in London, he enrolled in a military college to prepare for an army career. However, poor health forced him to give up that ambition, where he became a teacher in his hometown instead. On the night before Scriven’s scheduled wedding, his fiancé drowned. In his deep sorrow, Joseph realised that he could only find the solace and support he needed in his dearest friend, Jesus. After starting a new life in Canada, Scriven experienced more death in his life, losing his second fiancée Eliza Rice. After this, he turned to his faith where he found not just solace, but a mission and he dedicated his life to serve the poor and needy. 10 years later when he found out his mother was ill but could not visit her, he wrote a comforting letter, enclosing the words of the below written poem, with the prayer that these brief lines would remind her of a never failing friend she had in Jesus1.
What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer! O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear, All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer. Can we find a friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share? Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care? Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer. Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer! In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.
The text of this hymn was originally in Welsh, “Dyma gariad fel y moroedd,” written by William Rees (1802–1883), first published in an addendum to a collection of hymns by William Williams (1717–1791.) By one account, Rees was “one of the most versatile and gifted Welshmen of the nineteenth century and exercised a powerful influence on politics, religion, poetry, and literature in Wales.” Rees’ text played a prominent role in the Welsh revival of 1904–1905, led by evangelist Evan Roberts (1878–1951) of Glamorganshire. As with any great evangelistic movement, its success was closely associated with music and musicians1.
Here is love, vast as the ocean, Loving-kindness as the flood, When the Prince of Life, our Ransom, Shed for us His precious blood. Who His love will not remember? Who can cease to sing His praise? He can never be forgotten Throughout heav’n’s eternal days.
On the mount of crucifixion Fountains opened deep and wide; Through the floodgates of God’s mercy Flowed a vast and gracious tide. Grace and love, like mighty rivers, Poured incessant from above, And heav’n’s peace and perfect justice Kissed a guilty world in love.
Let me, all Thy love accepting, Love Thee, ever all my days; Let me seek Thy kingdom only, And my life be to Thy praise; Thou alone shalt be my glory, Nothing in the world I see; Thou hast cleansed and sanctified me, Thou Thyself hast set me free.
In Thy truth Thou dost direct me By Thy Spirit through Thy Word; And Thy grace my need is meeting As I trust in Thee, my Lord. Of Thy fullness Thou art pouring Thy great love and pow’r on me Without measure, full and boundless, Drawing out my heart to Thee.
This hymn was originally written by August Toplady (1740), however has been updated and made popular by modern music group Sovereign Grace, with an added refrain and bridge. This is a great hymn to sing on days you take Communion at church to reflect on the sacrifice Christ made for our sins.
Now why this fear and unbelief? Has not the Father put to grief His spotless Son for us? And will the righteous Judge of men Condemn me for that debt of sin Now canceled at the cross?
Refrain Jesus, all my trust is in Your blood Jesus, You’ve rescued us Through Your great love
Complete atonement You have made And by Your death have fully paid The debt Your people owed No wrath remains for us to face We’re sheltered by Your saving grace And sprinkled with Your blood
Refrain
Bridge How sweet the sound of saving grace How sweet the sound of saving grace Christ died for me
Be still my soul and know this peace The merits of your great high priest Have bought your liberty Rely then on His precious blood Don’t fear your banishment from God Since Jesus sets you free
Today’s hymn was written by well known preacher in 1853, Charles Spurgeon. I found this version on Soundcloud that I’m sure you’ll enjoy!
When once I mourned a load of sin; When conscience felt a wound within, When all my works were thrown away; When on my knees I knelt to pray, Then, blissful hour, remembered well, I learned Thy love, Immanuel.
When storms of sorrow toss my soul; When waves of care around me roll; When comforts sink, when joys shall flee; When hopeless griefs shall gape for me, 0ne word the tempest’s rage shall quell– That word, Thy name, Immanuel.
When for the truth I suffer shame When foes pour scandal on my name; When cruel taunts and jeers abound; When “Bulls of Bashan” gird me round, Secure within Thy tower I’ll dwell– That tower, thy grace, Immanuel.
When hell enraged lifts up her roar When Satan stops my path before; When fiends rejoice and wait my end When legioned hosts their arrows send, Fear not my soul, but hurl at hell, Thy battle cry, Immanuel.
When down the hill of life I go; When o’er my feet death’s waters flow; When in the deep’ning flood I sink; When friends stand weeping on the brink, I’ll mingle with my last farewell Thy lovely name, Immanuel.
When tears are banished from mine eye; When fairer worlds than these are nigh; when heaven shall fill my ravished sight; When I shall bathe in sweet delight, One joy all joys shall far excel, To see Thy face, Immanuel.
This hymn was composed by Nicolaus Ludwig, Graf von Zinzendorf in 1739 and translated into English by John Wesley in 1740. This song speaks of the benefit of double imputation we have as Redeemed Christians – not only that Christ takes our sin, but that Christ’s righteousness is credited to us. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:21″for our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God”. I’ve included a modern version, as well as a traditional version for you to enjoy, but the words alone will bring much joy in your heart!
Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness My beauty are, my glorious dress; ’Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed, With joy shall I lift up my head.
Bold shall I stand in Thy great day; For who aught to my charge shall lay? Fully absolved through these I am From sin and fear, from guilt and shame.
Thus Abraham, the friend of God, Thus all the armies bought with blood, Saviour of sinners, thee proclaim, Sinners, of whom the chief I am.
This spotless robe the same appears When ruined nature sinks in years; No age can change its glorious hue. The robe of Christ is ever new.
The holy, meek, unspotted Lamb, Who from the Father’s bosom came, Who died for me, e’en me to atone, Now for my Lord and God I own.
Lord, I believe Thy precious blood, Which, at the mercy seat of God, Forever doth for sinners plead, For me, e’en for my soul, was shed.
Lord, I believe were sinners more Than sands upon the ocean shore, Thou hast for all a ransom paid, For all a full atonement made.
When from the dust of death I rise To claim my mansion in the skies, Ev’n then this shall be all my plea, Jesus hath lived, hath died, for me.
Jesus, the endless praise to Thee, Whose boundless mercy hath for me— For me a full atonement made, An everlasting ransom paid.
Thou God of power, Thou God of love, Let the whole world Thy mercy prove! Now let Thy word o’er all prevail; Now take the spoils of death and hell.
O let the dead now hear Thy voice; Now bid Thy banished ones rejoice; Their beauty this, their glorious dress, Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness.
The text for the hymn was written and the tune composed both by Lewis Edgar Jones, who was born at Yates City, IL, on Feb. 8, 1865. Graduating from Moody Bible Institute in the same class with well-known revival evangelist Billy Sunday, Jones became active in YMCA work which he did for the rest of his life, serving first as physical director in the YMCA at Davenport, IA, and then as general secretary in Ft. Worth, TX. The song was produced while Jones was attending a camp meeting at Mountain Lake Park, MD1.
Would you be free from the burden of sin? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood; Would you o’er evil a victory win? There’s wonderful power in the blood.
Refrain There is power, power, Wonder-working power In the blood of the Lamb; There is power, power, Wonder-working power In the precious blood of the Lamb.
Would you be free from your passion and pride? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood; Come for a cleansing to Calvary’s tide; There’s wonderful power in the blood.
Refrain
Would you be whiter, much whiter than snow? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood; Sin stains are lost in its life-giving flow; There’s wonderful power in the blood.
Refrain
Would you do service for Jesus your King? There’s power in the blood, power in the blood; Would you live daily His praises to sing? There’s wonderful power in the blood.
Refrain There is power, power, Wonder-working power In the blood of the Lamb; There is power, power, Wonder-working power In the precious blood of the Lamb.
This hymn was written by Fanny Crosby, born 1820, who is one of the most renowned hymn writers, often writing under different pseudonyms. Many of Fanny Crosby’s gospels songs were inspired by things that happened to her, or conversations she had, during her long life. Biographer Bernard Ruffin quotes from Miss Crosby’s book Memories of Eighty Years, concerning one such: “Fanny was talking to one of her neighbours, who complained bitterly of his poverty. “If I had wealth I would be able to do just what I wish to do; and I would be able to make an appearance [i.e. an impression] in the world.” Fanny replied, “Well, take the world, but give me Jesus.” She later turned that comment into the below song. As you likely know, Fanny Crosby was blind. However, she not only refused to count this as a disability, but was able to testify that it gave her certain advantages. She saw things with the eyes of faith, and with a poet’s insight, that others of us so often miss. It’s not surprising that many of her gospel songs refer either to this spiritual sight, or to the joy that would be hers when the first face she sees in Glory will be that of her Saviour1.
Take the world, but give me Jesus, All its joys are but a name; But his love abides forever, Through eternal years the same.
Refrain Oh, the height and depth of mercy! Oh, the length and breadth of love! Oh, the fullness of redemption, Pledge of endless life above!
Take the world, but give me Jesus, Sweetest comfort of my soul; With the Saviour watching o’er me, I can sing, though thunders roll.
Refrain
Take the world, but give me Jesus; In his cross my trust shall be ‘Till with clearer, brighter vision Face to face my Lord I see.
Henry Francis Lyte was born in Scotland, 1793. His father abandoned his mother and him and later, he was orphaned at 9 years old with no support. He was invited by Rev. Robert Burrows into his home, accepted as part of his family, and had his education paid for. Henry studied at Divinity School, was ordained at 21 and began preaching at St. Munn’s Church in Taghmon, Ireland. This hymn was written in 1824, when he ministered to Rev. Abraham Swanne who was dying. They both studied the Scriptures together and realised they were both blind guides. After coming to a saving knowledge of Christ, Henry was inspired to write this hymn1.
Jesus, I my cross have taken, All to leave and follow Thee. Destitute, despised, forsaken, Thou from hence my all shall be. Perish every fond ambition, All I’ve sought or hoped or known. Yet how rich is my condition! God and heaven are still my own.
Let the world despise and leave me, They have left my Saviour, too. Human hearts and looks deceive me; Thou art not, like them, untrue. O while Thou dost smile upon me, God of wisdom, love, and might, Foes may hate and friends disown me, Show Thy face and all is bright.
Man may trouble and distress me, ‘Twill but drive me to Thy breast. Life with trials hard may press me; Heaven will bring me sweeter rest. Oh, ’tis not in grief to harm me While Thy love is left to me; Oh, ’twere not in joy to charm me, Were that joy unmixed with Thee.
Go, then, earthly fame and treasure, Come disaster, scorn and pain In Thy service, pain is pleasure, With Thy favor, loss is gain I have called Thee Abba Father, I have stayed my heart on Thee Storms may howl, and clouds may gather; All must work for good to me.
Soul, then know thy full salvation Rise o’er sin and fear and care Joy to find in every station, Something still to do or bear. Think what Spirit dwells within thee, Think what Father’s smiles are thine, Think that Jesus died to win thee, Child of heaven, canst thou repine.
Haste thee on from grace to glory, Armed by faith, and winged by prayer. Heaven’s eternal days before thee, God’s own hand shall guide us there. Soon shall close thy earthly mission, Soon shall pass thy pilgrim days, Hope shall change to glad fruition, Faith to sight, and prayer to praise.
This song was written by Erdmann Neumeister, pastor of a Lutheran Church in Hamburg, Germany, in 1718. He wrote about 650 hymns, but wrote this hymn to be sung at the end of a sermon on Luke 15:2. That verse tells about the Pharisees and scribes grumbling, “This man (meaning Jesus) receives sinners and eats with them.” About 150 years later, Emma Bevan, a British woman who was the wife of a prominent banker and was fluent in German, translated this old hymn into English. Though this hymn has gone through a few changes since it was first written about 300 years ago, the message has remained the same1. Jesus still receives sinful men; what a glorious hymn to meditate on this Lord’s Day!
Sinners Jesus will receive; Sound this word of grace to all All who languish dead in sin, All who linger, all who fall.
Refrain Sing it o’er and over again; Christ receiveth sinful men; Make the message clear and plain: Christ receiveth sinful men.
Come, and He will give you rest; Trust Him, for His Word is plain; He will take the sinfulest; Christ receiveth sinful men.
Refrain
Now my heart condemns me not, Pure before the law I stand; He who cleansed me from all spot, Satisfied its last demand.
Refrain
Christ receiveth sinful men, Even me with all my sin; Purged from every spot and stain, Heaven with Him I enter in.
Hymn of the Day 