Lisa Loraine BakerContributing Writer

10 Classic Hymns of Praise

1. Amazing Grace

Celtic Woman Sings Amazing Grace, and It’s Simply Amazing! from celtic-woman on GodTube.

This hymn appears on most favorite classic hymns lists. “Amazing Grace” captures a stunning mix of humanity’s need and God’s provision.

The lyrics were written by John Newton (1725-1807). It is commonly known Newton once captained a slave-trading ship. A lesser-known fact is John Newton was held captive for a time by a slave trader. Once in ministry, Newton wrote over 50 hymns, many with William Cowper. In the U.S. Library of Congress, the melody writer is listed as “unknown.” Still, legend holds Newton’s tune for “Amazing Grace” found its roots in a West African Sorrow Chant he may have heard emanating from the slave holds of the ships he piloted.

Scripture references abound for this hymn, including Genesis 15:1, Exodus 15:6, 1 Samuel 7:12, 1 Chronicles 17:16-17, and Psalm 3:1-6.

2. He Will Hold Me Fast

‘He Will Hold Me Fast’ – Beautiful New Song from Keith and Kristyn Getty from universalmusicgroup on GodTube.

Ada R. Habershon and Robert Harkness wrote this hymn in 1906; it speaks of Christ’s sufficiency through anything and everything. It fell out of regular use until the mid-twentieth century. It’s recently had a second resurgence as worship leaders such as the Gettys and Selah include it in their repertoire.

The main Scripture reference for this hymn of praise is printed on the original sheet music: Psalm 139:10.

3. Jesus Paid it All (I Hear the Savior Say)

Alvina M. Hall wrote this hymn in 1878 on the flyleaf of The New lute of Zion, a collection of sacred music. The author pondered the cross’s meaning while sitting in the choir loft of her church, which led to the words of this hymn.

The Scripture references in this hym are many, including Isaiah 1:18; Ezekiel 11:19; Mark 10:45; Ephesians 1:7.

4. Come, Ye Sinners, Poor, and Needy

Joseph Hart wrote this hymn in 1759. Hart was passionate in his repentance, as this hymn displays.

Numerous Scripture references are found for this hymn of praise and repentance, including Isaiah 45:22, Matthew 5:6, Mark 2:1-17, John 6:35-39, Hebrews 7:25, and 1 John 1:9.

5. Give Me Jesus – (Also known as “And I Heard the Mourner Say”)

Reverend Jacob Knapp originally published this hymn in 1845. It later became popular among African-American congregations. Fanny Crosby published a derivation of the hymn and titled it “Take the World, But Give Me Jesus.” The hymn gained further prominence through versions sung and arranged by Vince Gill and Fernando Ortega. 

The hymn’s main Scripture reference is Matthew 16:26.

6. How Great Thou Art

Stunning Performance of How Great Thou Art by Wynonna Judd from theremix on GodTube.

Chances are if a person hears just the melody of this hymn, the lyrics will be on his heart. It was originally written in 1885 as a Swedish poem by Carl Boberg. After escaping a thunderstorm, Boberg relished the fresh air and tranquility. When he heard nearby church bells ringing, his soul was stirred, and he wrote the lyrics of what was then named “O Store Gud.” The tune was that of an anonymous Swedish folk song, and later twentieth-century iterations included those from Germany and Russia. The English version appeared in 1925, and 25 years later, British missionary Stuart K. Hine gave us the beloved version with its current title.

This song’s list of Scripture references is long and includes Genesis 1:1-25, Nehemiah 9:6, Psalm 145:1-5, John 1:3, Colossians 1:11-20, and Revelation 15:3-4.

7. All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name

Edward Perronet wrote the lyrics for this hymn in 1780, while the tune is based on “Coronation” by Oliver Holden. Perronet was a preacher’s son and well acquainted with the Wesleys. This hymn magnifies Christ’s majesty and encourages us to make much of Him.

A long list of Scripture passages inspired or get referenced in this hymn, including but not limited to Genesis 3:1-15, Job 38:7, Psalm 132:18, Isaiah 6:2-3, and Ephesians 1:4-6.

8. Be Thou My Vision

‘Be Thou My Vision’ – Camille Nelson Plays Irish Hymn from camillenelson on GodTube.

This hymn comes from the legend of St. Patrick, a fifth-century missionary to Ireland. In the eighth century, monk Dallan Forgaill wrote the poem “Rop tú mo Baile” (Be Thou My Vision) in remembrance of St. Patrick’s faith and work. Mary Elizabeth Byrne translated the poem into English in the early twentieth century, and Eleanor Hull put the text into hymn verses. The main theme of the hymn of praise is that God would be our “vision” above all else in our lives.

The key Scripture references in this hymn are Proverbs 2:1-5, Isaiah 60:19-22, Matthew 17:1-9, and John 1:14.

9. His Eye Is on the Sparrow

Ethel Waters His Eye Is On The Sparrow from sheepwoman on GodTube

Civilla D. Martin wrote the lyrics, and Charles Gabriel the tune to this well-known and beloved hymn from 1905. Martin reportedly penned several hundred hymns, although this may be the most successful one. It is one of the most often recorded hymns of all time. According to Discipleship Ministries, 

“Civilla Martin describes the context out of which the hymn was born: ‘Early in the spring of 1905, my husband and I were sojourning in Elmira, New York. We contracted a deep friendship for a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle—true saints of God. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for nigh twenty years. Her husband was an incurable cripple who had to propel himself to and from his business in a wheelchair. Despite their afflictions, they lived happy Christian lives, bringing inspiration and comfort to all who knew them. One day while we were visiting with the Doolittles, my husband commented on their bright hopefulness and asked them for the secret of it. Mrs. Doolittle’s response was simple: “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” The beauty of this simple expression of boundless faith gripped the hearts and fired the imagination of Dr. Martin and me. The hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” was the outcome of that experience.’”

The hymn references many Bible verses, including Matthew 6:25-39 and John 14:1. Supporting passages include Psalm 37:23-24, Psalm 84:5, and 1 Peter 5:7.

10. Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Come Thou Font of Every Blessing from church-ny-fulton-first-united-methodist-church on GodTube.

British Baptist hymn writer Robert Robinson was greatly influenced by the preaching of George Whitefield. As with many songs, a bit of the writer’s autobiography helps to understand this hymn. Robinson lived a somewhat debauched life before he became acquainted with Whitefield. This hymn of praise was written by Robinson in 1758, three years after his conversion, and focuses on God’s abundant grace. At first, many hymnals omitted the fourth stanza, which reads,

“O that Day when freed from sinning,

I shall see thy lovely Face;

Clothed then in blood-washed Linnen [sic]

How I’ll sing thy sovereign grace;

Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,

Take my ransom’d Soul away;

Send thine Angels now to carry

Me to realms of endless Day”