This hymnal is comprised of 550 hymns which are considered the core repertoire of many churches. To these were added 300 titles of all genres appropriate for congregational worship, including contemporary, folk, gospel, New English Renaissance, and high church hymns.

Christian scholars write to inspire renewed interest in actively praying, reciting, and singing the Psalms in personal and corporate times of worship, citing its biblical basis and historical emphasis.

This hymnal supports the full range of actions in worship. It is designed to serve those involved with group singing, worship planning, praise teams and choirs, choral conductors, personal and family devotions, pastoral care, and small groups. In addition to hymns and psalms, the second half of the hymnal includes prayers, litanies and liturgies.