Monday, June 26, 2017

Singing through the Hymnal: week 26




Verse: Psalm 90:1
Hymn: O God, Our Help in Ages Past


           One of the many reasons to sing praise to God is that He is our hope. This week, we will sing a famous hymn called O God, Our Help in Ages Past. This is another hymn that has been sung by the church for generations and has wonderful truths to pass down to our children in the next generation. I will work on the first stanza with my children and hopefully continue to work on this over the next few weeks.
     
   



I often think of Hebrews 11 when I think of hope. Faith and hope are tied closely together. Use this week as an opportunity to talk to your children about what hope and faith mean. The words of this hymn will help guide you into conversation. God is timeless and never changes. This fact should give us great hope as we live in a world that seems to be spiraling out of control. Even though our world changes and we all change, God never changes. This God who never changes, has delivered us. He always keeps His promises. This is our hope!

                                                                  Fun Facts

Text: Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
  • this is a paraphrase of Psalm 90. Read this to your children this week. 
  • Watts wrote this hymn about the God who is timeless and remains the same throughout all generations. This should give us great comfort in the uncertainty of our culture
  • This hymn (because of the nature of the text) has been used for very important occasions in our world - BBC aired it when Britain entered World War II and at the funeral of Winston Churchill. 
Tune: William Croft (1678-1727) ST. ANNE
  • organist, composer, singer and was the foremost church musician of his day
  • Buried at Westminster Abbey
  • the tune is named for the church in London where he served.

Remember to order you copy of the hymnal we are singing through if you still need a hymnal!



    Things to think about ...
    • Read Psalm 90 
    • Remember who God is and what He has done for His people
    • Remember God's promises for the future
    • Think of times when God has kept His promises to you and your family. Have your children think of ways God has answered their prayers. If they can't remember any - maybe make a prayer chain or something tangible that they can see and touch to know that God keeps His promises 

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