This first installment in the new Portraits in Song Series is an outstanding collection of hymnwriters and arrangers. Each of these solos may be performed separately, or -- paired with the brief biographical information -- together, creating an excellent recital or special worship program. Titles: Amazing Grace (Althouse) * Blessed Assurance (Drennan) * Holy, Holy, Holy (Hayes) * I Sing the Mighty Power of God (Page) * It Is Well with My Soul (Page) * Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (Larson) * My Life Flows On in Endless Song (Shafferman) * O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing (Wagner).

The stories behind many favorite hymns are as inspiring as the hymns themselves! Well with My Soul reveals the incredible circumstances that led to songs such as "Like a River Glorious," "There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood," "It Is Well with My Soul," and "Let the Lower Lights Be Burning." Readers will meet Frances Ridley Havergal, William Cowper, Horatio Spafford, and Philip P. Bliss, who overcame great tragedy and trial to pen some of Christendom's greatest hymns of faith. Their hymns and their stories will draw readers nearer to the God who can make everything well with our souls.

Consider the worshipful lyrics of "Holy, Holy, Holy"; the comforting assurance of "His Eye Is On the Sparrow"; the trusting submission of "Have Thine Own Way, Lord"; the bold declaration made by "O for a Thousand Tongues." They are some of our greatest hymns--and some of the most powerful words in Christendom. Lyrics that help us grasp the reality of faith, set to beautiful music that speaks to our hearts. The stories behind the hymns are powerful as well. In this book the authors have detailed the intriguing and often tragic circumstances from which many of our best-loved hymns came. They are stories about the private struggles and personal triumphs these men and women hymn writers experienced--stories that give their already-meaningful songs added significance. Great Christian Hymn Writers is a wonderful resource for worship services, devotional talks, and home schools, as well as for use in your private devotions. And it's worthwhile reading for anyone who's interested in learning where these hymns came from and how it is that they continue to affect us so much.

In this special seasonal edition, bestselling author Robert J. Morgan shares the incredible stories behind traditional holiday hymns of faith, including Christmas, Easter, and more. Is there a festive season of the year that is complete without one of your favorite hymns? Not only do hymns connect you to great memories, but they also reveal the faith of those who lived throughout history. As Robert Morgan explored the stories behind some of the best-loved hymns, he found fascinating accounts of tribulations, triumphs, struggles, and hope—ordinary people who connected with God in amazing ways, sharing their experiences through song. Included inside this special edition are: 150 devotional-style stories with the words and music to each hymn Includes hymns for holidays including Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and more Jagged edged paper, giving it a classic feel Includes a complete hymn index by title, first line, and songwriter Perfect for use as a daily devotional, teaching illustration, or for song leaders and music ministers Discover the inspiration behind your favorite hymns. Find new favorites as you relate to the people whose walk of faith led them to write these classic songs of praise. Share these stories with your family, friends, and church, and find more depth and meaning as you worship God through song.

"Hymn singing reflects a congregation's spiritual vitality and their response to God's grace.

This volume by Gracia Grindal introduces English-speaking readers to several significant yet unsung Lutheran women hymn writers from the sixteenth century to the present. After a brief introductory discussion of Elisabeth Cruciger, the first woman hymn writer of the Reformation, Grindal provides fascinating profiles of these talented Scandinavian women who "preached from home": Dorothe Engelbretsdatter, Birgitte Hertz Boye, Berthe Canutte Aarflot, Lina Sandell, Britt G. Hallqvist, and Lisbeth Smedegaard Andersen. Grindal not only gives a biographical account of each woman her life, her piety, her times but also offers sparkling new English translations of each writer s key hymns. In the last chapter Grindal recounts her own inspiring journey as a Lutheran woman hymn writer. Her Preaching from Home will open the door to a world previously unknown to most North Americans.