Some of My Favorite Hymns (With Links!)

This blog is dedicated to my friend, Dana Holcomb Adkerson, as we share a love for traditional hymns.

Traditional hymns are more than just songs; they are woven tapestries of Christian history, theology, and personal devotion. They have been sung in times of celebration, sorrow, and deep contemplation, offering a profound connection to the faith of generations past. The hymns listed below are testaments to enduring trust, glorious hope, and the transformative power of divine grace.

Here, we explore a selection of enduring hymns, each with a unique story and a message that continues to resonate today.

Comfort, Assurance, and Eternal Hope

These hymns offer solace, reminding us of God's presence in life's darkest moments and the promise of a glorious future beyond our earthly struggles.

It Is Well with My Soul: This hymn is perhaps the most powerful testimony to faith over circumstance. Written by Horatio Spafford in 1873 after a shipwreck tragically claimed the lives of his four daughters, the verses affirm a peace that surpasses understanding. It stands as an enduring anthem for believers facing profound grief. Song link: https://youtu.be/0nJ6wQpLmuo?si=_z-Fo9RO0keFq6EG

Abide With Me: A solemn, moving prayer for God’s constant presence, especially in the fading light of life. Written by Henry Francis Lyte as he faced his own imminent death, its request—"Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes"—has made it a profound comfort at funerals and times of great distress. Song link: https://youtu.be/YvZsOTJEUUc?si=1ThLvCbU73gB5dYX

The Old Rugged Cross: The hymn "The Old Rugged Cross," written by George Bennard in 1912, focuses on the profound and personal significance of Jesus' sacrifice on Calvary. It contrasts the cross, which was initially an "emblem of suffering and shame," with the spiritual wonder and attraction it holds for the believer. The central theme is the decision to cherish and cling to the cross and its meaning, looking forward to the day of redemption when it will be exchanged for an eternal crown. Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JS9P8d2iOc&list=RD-JS9P8d2iOc&start_radio=1

Does Jesus Care: A comforting reminder for anyone feeling overlooked in their struggles. This hymn asks and immediately answers the question: Christ notices and cares deeply about our smallest pains, anxieties, and personal difficulties. Song Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-owfQklsgMs&list=RD-owfQklsgMs&start_radio=1

When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder: The uplifting gospel hymn "When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder" is a powerful expression of hope and anticipation for the Christian's reward in heaven. The lyrics vividly describe the final reckoning, where God calls the names of the faithful, who are promised eternal life and rest from their earthly labor. The song's core promise is the singer's fervent desire to be present and respond, "I'll be there!" when their name is spoken at the great assembly. Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7qOLe9gfVE&list=RDz7qOLe9gfVE&start_radio=1

A Titanic Hymn: The traditional hymn often associated with the sinking of the Titanic is "Nearer, My God, to Thee." Though it was never definitively confirmed as the last song played, the belief that the band did speaks volumes. It reflects the deep human desire to draw closer to God, even in the final moments of life. Song Link: . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qirv9rFsD80&list=RDQirv9rFsD80&start_radio=1

Amazing Grace: Arguably the most famous hymn in the world, it was penned by former slave trader John Newton. It is a profound celebration of unmerited grace—the transforming power that saves and guides the soul through every danger. Song Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cIm6_oLPZyM&list=RDcIm6_oLPZyM&start_radio=1

How Great Thou Art: This hymn, translated from a Swedish poem and set to a beautiful folk melody, is a global anthem of adoration. It calls us to marvel at the vastness and intricacy of God's creation—from the stars in the sky to the mountains and forests—and culminates in praise for Christ's sacrifice. Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2frxJB_JX8&list=RDt2frxJB_JX8&start_radio=1

Be Thou Exalted: A direct and powerful song of praise and adoration, commanding the worshiper to lift up the Lord’s name above all things. Song Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JjAdAug0GA&list=RD1JjAdAug0GA&start_radio=1

Ave Maria: While traditionally a prayer (often set to classical music by composers like Schubert or Gounod), this piece honors the Virgin Mary and has been an integral part of Christian worship and devotion for centuries. Song Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXUg9ttnw8c&list=RDUXUg9ttnw8c&start_radio=1

For God So Loved the World: A clear and beautiful musical setting of the fundamental biblical message from John 3:16, offering the essence of the Gospel in song form. Song Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Mlucocr7vY&list=RD9Mlucocr7vY&start_radio=1

Guidance, Provision, and the Walk of Faith:

These selections reflect on God's active role in leading and sustaining believers through life's unpredictable journey.

He Leadeth Me: Inspired by the familiar imagery of Psalm 23, this hymn affirms the comfort and direction provided by the Divine Shepherd, trusting that God’s hand guides us "by waters still, through troubled sea." Song Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0nDUpXmdig&list=RDD0nDUpXmdig&start_radio=1

God Will Take Care of You: A simple yet profoundly reassuring message. It reminds us that no matter the hardship or anxiety, God’s attention, wisdom, and love are sufficient for every daily need. Song Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watchv=jIBqCVWjqV8&list=RDjIBqCVWjqV8&start_radio=1

On Eagle's Wings: Though more recent than many others on this list, this popular contemporary piece has crossed into traditional worship, drawing its strength from Scripture (Isaiah 40:31) and speaking of God's power to lift and sustain us in times of weakness. Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvpjxfWrjzY&list=RDMvpjxfWrjzY&start_radio=1

The Story of Salvation and Redemption

These hymns focus on the pivotal events of Christ's life, death, and resurrection, which form the core of Christian belief.

At Calvary: A contemplative and vivid focus on Christ’s sacrifice. It emphasizes the moment of redemption on the cross, acknowledging that it was there that the debt of sin was paid in full. Song Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVwBKV_OYBc&list=RDaVwBKV_OYBc&start_radio=1

Christ Arose: An unbridled, joyful celebration of the Resurrection! Its famous, rousing chorus declares: "Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o'er His foes!." Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BYMCZNHPmg&list=RD6BYMCZNHPmg&start_radio=1

The Garden (I Come to the Garden Alone: This hymn is a beautiful, intimate piece focusing on personal fellowship with Jesus, evoking the quiet, prayerful atmosphere of Gethsemane or a post-resurrection meeting. THIS IS MY PERSONAL FAVORITE HYMN! Song Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RadBma-4P4&list=RD8RadBma-4P4&start_radio=1

Invitation and Commitment

These final hymns present a challenge or an invitation to the listener to commit to a life of faith.

Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing: A cornerstone hymn of both praise and humble confession. It is loved for its heartfelt honesty, famously containing the line: "Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love." It is a call to rededication. This is my mother's favorite song and her favorite singer that did it. Song Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3w9nvXuVnk&list=RDg3w9nvXuVnk&start_radio=1

Bringing in the Sheaves: The traditional harvest hymn "Bringing In the Sheaves" uses the metaphor of gathering crops to represent the spiritual labor of sharing the Christian gospel. The lyrics encourage believers to work diligently, sowing seeds of faith and hope despite the challenges of the present moment, or "weeping." The reward for this faithful effort is the joyous culmination of the harvest, when they will return, triumphant and happy, "bringing in the sheaves." Song Link:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u67Lb1RyXTU&list=RDu67Lb1RyXTU&start_radio=1

These hymns represent a timeless legacy of faith expressed through music. Whether you are seeking comfort, celebrating God's majesty, or reflecting on the path of salvation, the verses and melodies of these traditional songs continue to offer an enduring foundation for the soul.

BONUS HYMN: I wanted to add a favorite, as I have been there twice! The hymn The Little Brown Church in the Vale is a song of deep nostalgia and simple, rural faith, celebrating a small, unassuming church nestled in a beautiful valley. The lyrics evoke a fond memory of this beloved place, described as the dearest spot from the singer's childhood. It extends an invitation to return to this peaceful sanctuary, where the bell's clear ringing calls people to worship. Song Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1zFJ21OcEg&list=RDu1zFJ21OcEg&start_radio=1 Visit the real place at https://littlebrownchurch.org/