Singing through the Hymnal: week 44!

Verse: 1 Samuel 3:10

Hymn: Speak, O Lord


                Last week, we had a hymn of confession, and this week, we have a hymn of petition. This is a hymn I could happily sing before every sermon I hear. I love how this hymn is a plea for us (the church) to hear God speak through His Word. I also love that this is written in 4 parts. It is unusual to find a modern hymn that is written with such beautiful poetry and beautiful part writing. I also hold a special place in my heart for this hymn, because it was sung at my wedding.

           
                                                                  Fun Facts

Text: Stuart Townend (1963-)/ Kristyn Getty (1980-)

• Stuart committed his life to Christ at age 13
• plays piano and guitar and lead music at his church
• Kristyn comes from a family committed to the Gospel
• She married Keith and has helped strengthen the church around the world with her singing, smile, and Gospel message. 
• She has 3 daughters and is expecting baby #4 next spring!

Tune: Keith Getty (1974-)

• The musical and textual qualities of Keith's modern hymns are some of the best of this century
• for more info on his music go to their website. They have some great resources and their Christmas tour is coming up. If you haven't ever gone to one of their Christmas concerts, you should this Christmas!

I wanted to share some of Stuart Townend's words of six guidelines

 for writing an excellent Christian song - not that many of us are writing, but I think it helps to know the philosophy and theology of those who write what we sing. Townend and Getty always take great care with text and music. I believe much of what they wrote will bless the church for generations. It is an exciting time to be part of the church and see these men at work!

1. Study the Scriptures

2. Be Poetic, not pompous

3. Combine objective truth and subjective response

4. Look for musical dynamics

5. Make every line count

6. Prune it mercilessly

To Think About....

• Explain to your children that even though we cannot see God or hear Him like we hear and see one another, God has given us His Word. You may have many people in your life that teach you truths of the Bible, but you need to LISTEN to hear. This is one of the reasons it is important to strive to take away distractions while our children are hearing the Word of God. Granted, they can hear while they play or color, but special importance should be placed on listening to the Word of God.
• Pray with your children that God will help you to not only listen to God's Word, but that you will obey God's Word.
• Read Proverbs 2:1-5 with your family

An extra hymn for the week is Amazing Grace. We have just been singing this with our Sola Gratia, so it should be familiar to you. It is one of the world's most beloved hymns - probably because of the simple melody and the gripping text. We all identify with Newton - being sinners and needing salvation by grace. Newton's story is beautiful and amazing, not because he was a beautiful and amazing person (quite the opposite, really), BUT because God loved him - the sinner, the slave trader, the unlovely. God saves those least deserving of love. There are really no words to describe how terrible slavery is... aren't you thankful that our God reaches down and saves sinners. What hope would we have otherwise? Talk to your children about how all sin is serious and deserves God's righteous judgment. Tell them the story of John Newton and writing Amazing Grace. This was his personal testimony and is ours as well.

"John Newton, clerk, once an infidel and Libertine, a servant of slavers in Africa, was, by the rich mercy of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, preserved, restored, pardoned, and appointed to preach the faith he had so long labored to destroy." - John Newton wrote this for his own tombstone.



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

    Resource Corner

Here is a resource I have enjoyed reading this weekend. It is an easy read and if you are at all involved in music at your church, I highly recommend it.