Providing literary analysis and historical background, Leland Ryken invites us to experience great hymns as powerful works of devotional poetrysavoring elements that we easily miss when singing them.

Experience daily the timeless truths contained in the many celebrated songs of the Christian faith. Each day's devotional includes the text of a classic hymn or song, the inside story about the author or origin of the song, and a related Scripture passage. Be refreshed and strengthened each day by the mighty words that have uplifted God's people through the ages.

Hymn singing is vital to both the beliefs and emotion of worship in all religions, especially Protestant Christianity. With the rising popularity of contemporary worship, traditional hymnody is in danger of being lost to Christian memory. This book reflects the intellectual excellence, the religious devotion, and the widespread influence of over two hundred hymns. Many have very poignant life situations which prompted the writing of hymns or poems that musicians composed to enhance the singability or the majesty of the lyrics. Haynes has done careful research into the life and specific occasions when inspiration led to the gift of a hymn to posterity. These vignettes are meaningful for private devotional use and in worship bulletins to make hymn singing more meaningful.

Hymns are a form of worship and prayer that are capable of expressing what mere words alone cannot. Many favorite Christian hymns and their authors have incredible stories that will make you listen to and sing these songs in an entirely different way. Our team spent thousands of hours researching and finding the most inspiring stories that will uplift those who take time to read or listen.