Worshipping Through the Hymns

I grew up in a church where hymns were the choice of genre' when singing to our Savior. Now, I attend a church where praise and worship songs are thrown into the mix. What can I say, I love both. But, there is something about a group of songs that stand the test of time. Some written 200 plus years ago are still voiced today. The sad thing about praise and worship songs are that they won't be deemed "classic" and therefore will more than likely be forgotten in a few years. I am not sure what makes a song stand the test of time...except that maybe it is because it has been sung through the ages. The words of the hymns become prayers of our hearts. As I memorized these songs as a little girl, I didn't realize the profound impact the words would later have on me as I matured and became able to grasp the depths of them. It makes me ashamed that I haven't done a better job of making sure my boys hear the hymns so that they can become a part of who they are, as well.

Here are some verses of hymns...little snippets that reverberate with me.

1. Soon we'll reach the shining river, soon our pilgrimage will cease; soon our happy hearts will quiver with the melody of peace.

2. When with the ransomed in glory His face I at last shall see, Twill be my joy thro' the ages to sing of His love for me.

3. The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.

4. Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in Thee; let the water and the blood, from Thy wounded side which flowed, be of sin the double cure, save from wrath and make me pure.

5. Lord Jehovah reigns in majesty, We will bow before His throne; we will worship Him in righteousness, we will worship Him alone.

6. No more dying there, we are going to see the King....Hallelujah! We're going to see the King.

7. The blood that Jesus shed for me, way back on Calvary; the blood that gives me strength from day to day; it will never lose its power. It reaches to the highest mountain. It flows to the lowest valley. The blood that gives me strength from day to day, it will never lose its power.

8. I heard about His healing, of His cleansing pow'r revealing, how He made the lame to walk again and caused the blind to see; and then I cried, ""Dear Jesus, come and heal my broken spirit," and somehow Jesus came and bro't to me the victory.

9. My sin-oh the bliss of this glorious thought: my sin not in part, but in whole...is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul.

10. When thro' fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply; the flame shall not hurt thee; I only design thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

Hmmm, good stuff! What is a line or two of your favorite hymn?