“O Sacred Head Now Wounded – From the Greatest Hymn Stories Of All Time

In this video, I take you through a powerful and deeply moving hymn from the beloved book Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World's Greatest Hymn Stories by Robert J. Morgan. This treasured volume, which I purchased back in the late 1990s, shares not only the lyrics and music of classic hymns, but also the rich stories behind them. Today’s feature is one of my all-time favorites: “O Sacred Head, Now Wounded” — a solemn hymn often sung in Reformed churches and rooted in a medieval Latin poem ascribed to Bernard of Clairvaux, a 12th-century monk, scholar, and adviser to kings and popes. Though his life was filled with complexity and paradox, his contribution to sacred music through this hymn is timeless. I read through the story behind the hymn and share several verses, including some lesser-known stanzas. I even give a humble try at singing it, just so you can hear the melody and feel its emotional weight. This hymn is a reminder of Christ’s great suffering and our response of gratitude and love. As Psalm 118:1 says, “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His mercy endures forever.” O Sacred Head, now wounded, With grief and shame weighed down, Now scornfully surrounded With thorns, Thine only crown; How pale Thou art with anguish, With sore abuse and scorn! How does that visage languish Which once was bright as morn! What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered, Was all for sinners’ gain; Mine, mine was the transgression, But Thine the deadly pain. Lo, here I fall, my Savior! ’Tis I deserve Thy place; Look on me with Thy favor, And grant to me Thy grace. What language shall I borrow To thank Thee, dearest Friend, For this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end? Oh, make me Thine forever, And should I fainting be, Lord, let me never, never Outlive my love to Thee. Those wanting read my notes, thoughts and songs/poems can go to www.faithwriters.com and type in Brother Carlton. Hundreds of articles for you to peruse and learn about my thoughts on various topics. #hashtags #hymnsoffaith #thensingsmysoul #osacredheadnowwounded #christianmusic #hymnstories #robertjmorgan #classichymns #reformedchurchmusic #christianheritage #sacredmusic #worshipthroughhistory #faiththroughsong #bernardofclairvaux #lentenhymns #jesussuffering #churchhistory #powerfulhymns