Imagine a time when hymnals contained only lyrics, leaving singers to rely on memory for melodies, leading to musical chaos in congregations. Despite these challenges, hymnals served as treasure troves of spiritual expression. In this episode, we’ll delve into key moments in hymnody history, from James White’s hymnal for believers eagerly awaiting Christ’s return to…
Category: OPEN YOUR HYMNALS TO
Mary Dana’s hymn “I’m a Pilgrim” encapsulates the timeless theme of the spiritual journey towards a heavenly destination. Through its poignant lyrics, Dana utilizes various literary devices and biblical references to convey the pilgrim’s yearning for a celestial home. Let’s delve into a stanza-by-stanza analysis of this spiritually rich hymn. Stanza 1 “I’m a pilgrim,…
Mary Dana-Shindler, the author of Adventist-beloved hymn “I’m a Pilgrim” wrote countless of inspiring poetry inspite of the tragedies she went through. How was she able to do this? Join us as we explore the inspiration she gleaned from her experience and how we too can apply these things in our life today! Episode 1:…
Few hymns evoke such immediate devotion and raw emotion as “Guide me, O Thou Great Jehovah.” Its poignant lyrics, resonating with both vulnerability and unwavering faith, have resonated across centuries and continents. But the journey of this beloved hymn, much like the pilgrimage it describes, is a fascinating story of personal struggles, divine inspiration, and…
The name Adventist was born out of the belief that Christ is coming soon, literally. Hence, it is not really a surprise when Seventh-day Adventists sing hymns that feature just that. However, this belief is not privy to Adventists alone. Many other denominations believed it and sang it. And in the case of Presbyterian minister,…
Have you ever encountered a hymn that, beneath its familiar surface, holds a treasure trove of theological intrigue? That’s the case with “Christ the Lord, All Power Possessing,” (SDAH 415) a Seventh-day Adventist hymn that transcends mere praise and becomes a journey through pivotal moments in Jesus’ ministry, all united by the evocative phrase “on…
‘The most important hymnwriter among Baptists in America in the eighteenth century was John Leland.’ (Music and Richardson, 2008) But John Leland, the original writer of ‘O When Shall I See Jesus’, was not only a hymn writer. He was also one of the leading Baptist ministers and evangelists during his time. One of the…
“I’m a Pilgrim and I’m a Stranger” was a written by a woman who’s life was beset with tragedies; she lost sister, brother, son, and husband in the span of a few years. Instead of getting depressed and hopeless, she turned her attention to prayer and writing and with her words inspired many others. She…
Amazing Grace has gone on to become one of the most powerful songs in the world and a favorite hymn for many because it offers up a universal message of hope and redemption. Some people argue that part of the huge appeal of the hymn is the incredible backstory that brought it to life. John…
Growing up as a kid in an Adventist home, I usually have memories of hymns being sung in family worships. This hymn is not usually sung at home tho, but I have faint recollections of it being usually sung in evangelistic meetings, especially after the preacher has made an appeal for baptism. It is not…