Lifespring! HymnStories

. This Episode’s Artist Sarah NoëlleLinks: YouTube | Facebook Thanks to Robert J. Morgan As always, I want to thank Pastor Robert J Morgan for giving his permission to use his books Then Sings My Soul volumes 1 and 2 as the source material for Lifespring! HymnStories. Without that, this show might not exist. Check... The post HS63: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

This Episode’s Artist Wendell KimbroughLinks: YouTube | Website | Twitter | Facebook | bandcamp Thanks to Robert J. Morgan As always, I want to thank Pastor Robert J Morgan for giving his permission to use his books Then Sings My Soul volumes 1 and 2 as the source material for Lifespring! HymnStories. Without that, this... The post HS62: How Firm A Foundation first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

This hymn is one of my favorites, and one aspect of the story behind it is one of the most famous there is. This Episode’s Artist Anna RicheyLinks: YouTube | Website | Instagram Thanks to Robert J. Morgan As always, I want to thank Pastor Robert J Morgan for giving his permission to use his... The post HS61: Nearer, My God, To Thee first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Today’s hymn story is that of “Jesus, Lover Of My Soul”. Lyrics by Charles Wesley and music by Simeon B. Marsh. I think you’ll like it, and the version of the song I play for you. This Episode’s Artists The Living Stones QuartetLinks: YouTube Spotify Amazon Music Apple Music Thank you to Robert J. Morgan... The post HS60: Jesus, Lover Of My Soul first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Today’s hymn is Revive Us Again, and I think you’re really going to like the performance by today’s artists. The lyrics of Revive Us Again were written by William P. Mackay, and the music by John J. Husband. This Episode’s Artists The Akins, a father, David. and his two sons, Nick and Eli. If you... The post HS59: Lifespring! HymnStories “Revive Us Again” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Our hymn today is I Am Thine, O Lord, with lyrics by Fanny J Crosby and Wm. H. Doane. I’ll tell you the story behind the hymn, and then I’ll play a lovely rendition of the song by Nathan Drake of Reawaken Hymns. Special thanks to Nathan Drake of Reawaken Hymns for allowing me to... The post HS58: Lifespring! HymnStories “I Am Thine, O Lord” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Our hymn today is Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us, attributed to Dorothy A. Thrupp, with music by William B. Bradbury. Special thanks to Kaoma Chende for allowing me to use his marvelous recording of this hymn. Please visit his website here! Also, thanks to Robert J. Morgan for allowing me to use his books,... The post HS57: Lifespring! HymnStories “Savior, Like A Shepherd Lead Us” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

  Written by Charles Wesley in 1744, this hymn first appeared in the 1745 “Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord”. Listen for the story behind the song. . Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus Text: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788 Music: Rowland H. Pritchard   Come, thou long expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from... The post HS56: Lifespring! HymnStories “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

This is a show dedicated to renewing love for the great hymns of the Christian faith. In this episode I tell the story behind the hymn “Jesus Shall Reign”, which was written in 1719 by Isaac Watts, with the music being written by John Hatton. The version of the song played in this episode is... The post HS55: Lifespring! HymnStories “Jesus Shall Reign” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Carl Boberg, a 26-year-old Swedish minister, wrote a poem in 1885 which he called “O Store Gud” (“O Mighty God”). The words, literally translated to English, said: When I the world consider Which Thou has made by Thine almighty Word And how the web of life Thou wisdom guideth And all creation feedeth at Thy... The post HS54: Lifespring! HymnStories “How Great Thou Art” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Take Two Revisiting the story behind “Jesus Loves Me”, perhaps the best known children’s hymn of all time. The reason we’re doing this is that, when I did it in HymnStories #2, I didn’t have a version of the music with the lyrics that was cleared for play in a podcast. Now that more music... The post HS53: Lifespring! HymnStories “Jesus Loves Me – Revisited” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Away In A Manger Was written in 1887, and is commonly known as “Luther’s Cradle Hymn.” But did the great German Reformer, Martin Luther, really write the words? Did he sing them by the cradle of his little son, Hans? Listen to the show for a possible answer. This hymn is beautifully performed by David... The post HS52: Lifespring! HymnStories “Away In A Manger” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Bouncing back- that’s a quality to be cultivated, because life is full of struggles. How do we become resilient? Unsinkable? Joyful amid the blows and burdens of life? This hymn tells us: A wonderful Savior is Jesus my Lord, He taketh my burden away; He holdeth me up, and I shall not be moved, He... The post HS51: Lifespring! HymnStories “He Hideth My Soul” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Jesus, I Come 1887 One of the best histories of the gospel song era is George Stebbins’ autobiography, Reminiscences and Gospel Hymn Stories. Stebbins was born in the mid-1880s in New York and showed early musical prowess. At age twenty-three, he moved to Chicago where he worked in churches and became acquainted with some of... The post HS50: Lifespring! HymnStories “Jesus, I Come” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Jesus must have been a bird watcher, because we see Him refer to birds many times in scripture. Listen to the show for the story of how this encouraging hymn was inspired. Our hymn is performed beautifully by Natalie Nicole Gilbert. His Eye Is On The Sparrow Lyrics: Civilla D. Martin Music: Charles H. Gabriel... The post HS49: Lifespring! HymnStories “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Dottie Rambo went to be with the Lord on May 11, 2008. This episode of Lifespring! HymnStories is dedicated to the memory of one of this generation’s most prolific writers of Christian music. The post HS48: Lifespring! HymnStories “A Tribute To Dottie Rambo” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Written during the darkest hour of the American Civil War, this hymn is based on the twenty-third Psalm. Listen to the show for the author’s own account of its writing. Music on the show: The London Fox Singers “He Leadeth Me” (mp3) from “Hymn styles – Praise Ensemble” (Classic Fox Records) Buy at Napster More... The post HS47: Lifespring! HymnStories “He Leadeth Me” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Troubles within the church inspired this stirring hymn. Listen to the show for the whole story, and a great rendition of the song. Today’s Music Worship Service Resources James Morrison “The Church’s One Foundation” (mp3) from “James Morrison: Gospel Collection Volume Two” (Classic Fox Records) Buy at eMusic Buy at Rhapsody Buy at Napster Buy... The post HS46: Lifespring! HymnStories “The Church’s One Foundation” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Fanny Crosby was one of the most prolific hymn writers the church has seen. This song is part of one of the most gratifying experiences of her life. Listen to the show to hear the story. Rescue The Perishing Lyrics: Fanny J. Crosby Music: William H. Doane Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, snatch... The post HS45: Lifespring! HymnStories “Rescue The Perishing” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

This wonderful song has been an inspiration for generations. Even the author of the lyrics found comfort years after writing the song. Music: OneVoice “I Need Thee Every Hour” (mp3) from “A Cappella Hymns” (IMI) Buy at Rhapsody More On This Album David Berchtold…”Serenity” I NEED THEE EVERY HOUR Lyrics by Annie S. Hawks (1835-1918)... The post HS44: Lifespring! HymnStories “I Need Thee Every Hour” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Today we learn about the classic “Rock Of Ages”. There’s a surprising twist at the end of today’s narrative. Music The London Fox Singers “Rock Of Ages” (mp3) from “Hymn styles – Down-Home Gospel” (Classic Fox Records) Buy at Napster More On This Album Instrumental music was Jim Fidler’s “Lillian, A Portrait In Sound”. Rock... The post HS43: Lifespring! HymnStories “Rock Of Ages” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Our carol today is “What Child Is This.” This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing; Haste, haste, to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary. What words of triumph and joy! Despite the melancholic melody, this song is a song of celebration of the birth of the King... The post HS42: Lifespring! HymnStories “What Child Is This?” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

The origins of this plaintive carol date to medieval times. In the 800s, a series of Latin hymns were sung each day during Christmas Vespers from December 17 to 23. To hear how John Mason Neale came to write this hymn, and how it is related to the Latin hymns, listen to the show. Karmyn... The post HS41: Lifespring! HymnStories “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Today, we’re going to hear the story behind the beautiful Christmas carol, “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.” Written in 1849 by Edmund Hamilton Sears, a Unitarian minister, this was the second of two “twin” carols. (Listen to the show for more.) Lyrics “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” It came upon the midnight clear,... The post HS40: Lifespring! HymnStories “It Came Upon A Midnight Clear” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

An amazing and surprising story lies behind this great hymn, which was written in 1858. Artists on today’s show: The Eden Symphony Orchestra “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus” (mp3) from “How Great Thou Art – 50 Orchestral Hymns” (Classic Fox Records) Buy at Napster More On This Album The London Fox Singers “Stand Up,... The post HS39: Lifespring! HymnStories “Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

William Cowper is one of God’s gracious gifts to those suffering from depression. Like the Psalmist who cried, “Why are you cast down, O my soul?”, Cowper shows us that our emotional struggles often give us heightened sensitivity to the heart of God and to the needs of others. Listen to the show for more... The post HS38: Lifespring! HymnStories “There Is A Fountain” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

The story of Fisk University, and how American music history was forever changed by a fund raising tour, continues with this episode of HymnStories. Lyrics: “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” Chorus: Swing low, sweet chariot, Comin’ for to carry me home; Swing low, sweet chariot, Comin’ for to carry me home. I looked over Jordan, And... The post HS37: Lifespring! HymnStories “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

This old “Negro Spiritual” shares a very important place in American music history with another very well-known song that will be the subject of Lifespring! HymnStories number thirty-seven. Fisk University of Nashville, Tennessee, is part of the story as well. Lyrics: “Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen” Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen Nobody knows... The post HS36: Lifespring! HymnStories “Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Written by the “Fanny Crosby of Sweden”, Karolina W. Sandell-Berg, this hymn was born out of a personal tragedy. Listen for the story behind the hymn. Day By Day Lyrics: Karolina Sandell-Berg Music: Oskar Ahnfelt Day by day, and with each passing moment, Strength I find, to meet my trials here; Trusting in my Father’s... The post HS35: Lifespring! HymnStories “Day By Day” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

(We did this hymn back on Episode 5, but we did not have the lyrics being sung. This episode includes Karmyn Tyler singing this beautiful hymn.) “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”, popularized by George Beverly Shea and the Billy Graham Crusade choirs. Thomas O. Chisholm William M. Runyan Arrangement: Heidi Henninger Great is Thy faithfulness, O... The post HS34: Lifespring! HymnStories “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

One of Fanny Crosby’s many hymns which was not at all popular when it was first published. Cliff Barrows, of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association team, was introduced to this wonderful hymn eighty years after it was written, and the rest, as they say, is history. Listen to the show for more details and a... The post HS33: Lifespring! HymnStories “To God Be The Glory” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Written by Henry van Dyke in 1907, this hymn was inspired by the Berkshire mountains. Mr. van Dyke was an extremely accomplished man, to say the least. Listen to the show for his story. Performed by: /strong> Download “Joyful, Joyful” (mp3) from “James Morrison: Gospel Collection Volume One” by James Morrison Classic Fox Records  ... The post HS32: Lifespring! HymnStories “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Little is known about Katharina von Schlegel, the German author of this poem. Her words, joined with the haunting strains of “Finlandia” by Jean Sibelius, have made this a classic hymn. It was widely sung during World War II when it comforted an entire nation. Music in this episode: Prayers For This Century…”Be Still, My... The post HS31: Lifespring! HymnStories “Be Still, My Soul” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

This great old hymn was written over a hundred years ago, but took less than thirty minutes to compose. Listen to the show to hear the surprising story. Music: Instrumental accompaniment during the reading: Randy Sanders Vocal Performance: Download “Sweet By and By” (mp3) from “Little is Much” by Kevin Short ItsAboutMusic.com Buy at iTunes... The post HS30: Lifespring! HymnStories “In The Sweet By And By” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

As I record this, it is Easter week, considered by many to be the most holy of weeks in the Christian calendar. We celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the eternal son of God, who conquered death and thereby sealed Satan’s fate and made it possible for you and for me to... The post HS29: Lifespring! HymnStories “Crown Him With Many Crowns” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

This hymn-prayer, written in 1898 and loosely based on Paul’s testimony in Philippians 3, was written by Johnson Oatman, author of “Count Your Blessings” and thousands of other hymns. Listen to find out more! Special thanks to Don for giving his permission to use his recording of this great hymn on today’s show. Please help... The post HS28: Lifespring! HymnStories “Higher Ground” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Written by a teenager, this hymn illustrates that one does not need chronological maturity for God to use a person! Hymn performed by wahba. My Jesus I Love Thee William R. Featherston My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine; For Thee all the follies of sin I resign; My gracious Redeemer, my... The post HS27: Lifespring! HymnStories “My Jesus I Love Thee” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

This hymn celebrates that which brings the salvation of our sins, for “…without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins…” Music: brokenBox…“Nothing But The Blood” Nothing But The Blood Robert Lowry What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus; What can make me whole again? Nothing but the... The post HS26: Lifespring! HymnStories “Nothing But The Blood” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

O Holy Night, one of Christendom’s most beautiful hymns, has a very surprising background! Music: Background: Benjamin Shafer Band Sung by: The New Autonomous Folk Singers O Holy Night Lyrics: Placide Clappeau Music: Adolphe Charles Adam O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth. Long lay... The post HS25: Lifespring! Hymn/Carol Stories “O Holy Night” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Today we’ll find out the history of “Oh, Come All Ye Faithful”, James’ favourite carol! Music Theme: Bryan Duncan and the NehoSoul Band…”This Christmas” Organ music: Julie Melton Man: Gary Sundblad Song: Jill Parr The post HS24: Lifespring! Hymn/Carol Stories, Day 21 – Advent Calendar “O Come All Ye Faithful” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Today we’ll find out the story behind ‘Hark! the Herald Angels Sing’, which shouldn’t really be the title at all! Music Theme: Bryan Duncan and the NehoSoul Band…”This Christmas” Background: Download “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” (mp3) from “The Spirit of Christmas” by Pittsburgh Symphony Brass Four Winds Entertainment, Inc. Buy at iTunes Music Store... The post HS23: Lifespring! HymnStories and Day 15 – Lifespring! Advent Calendar “Hark The Herald Angels Sing” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Today we’ll find out the history behind ‘Silent Night’, it might not be what you think! Find out more about Silent Night at whychristmas?com Music Theme: Bryan Duncan and the NehoSoul Band…”This Christmas” Background guitar: Michael Silvestri Download “Silent Night” (mp3) from “Christmas In New England – Guitar Celebrations For The Holidays” by Michael Silvestri... The post HS22: Lifespring! Carol Stories/Advent Calendar Day 9 “Silent Night” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

from “Hymns – The Old Made New” by Scott Wesley Brown This song has come to be associated with the American Thanksgiving holiday. It’s a beautiful hymn of gratitude to God, and you will enjoy the wonderful rendition by Scott Wesley Brown. Text: Folliot S. Pierpoint 1. For the beauty of the earth, for the... The post HS21: Lifespring! HymnStories “For The Beauty Of The Earth” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Written nearly 300 years ago, this beautiful hymn was written by Isaac Watts. Charles Wesley reportedly said he would rather have written it than all of his own. Sung by Jilleen. “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count... The post HS20: Lifespring! HymnStories “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Wil L. Thompson – From failure to fame to a life dedicated to service. Softly and Tenderly Music and Lyrics: Wil L. Thompson Song perfomed by: Jilleen Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling, Calling for you and for me; See, on the portals He’s waiting and watching, Watching for you and for me. Come home,... The post HS19: Lifespring! HymnStories “Softly And Tenderly” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Today’s HymnStories is a bit different. Normally, using Robert J. Morgan’s book “Then Sings My Soul”, I tell you the background behind a popular Christian hymn and its author. Today, I’m not going to do that. Let me tell you why. Today I went to a funeral. Please, don’t be too concerned. The woman who... The post HS18: Lifespring! HymnStories “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

This beautiful hymn was written by Frances Havergal at the age of 36. A singer in great demand she came to devote every aspect of her life to Christ. Listen for the whole story. Take My Life And Let It Be? Lyrics: Frances Havergal Sung by: Chelsie Boyd Take my life and let it be... The post HS17: Lifespring! HymnStories “Take My Life And Let It Be” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

One of my favorite hymns, this was written in 1779. When first released, the author was anonymous. It later came to be credited to Rev. Edward Perronet. Listen to the show for the rest of the story. Artist: Bob Bennett…from the CD “The View From Here” Lyrics: Edward Perronet All hail the pow?r of Jesus?... The post HS16: Lifespring! HymnStories “All Hail The Power…” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Written in 1744 by an anonymous German Catholic priest, this beautiful hymn of worship was translated into English one hundred years later by Edward Caswall. The hymn is beautifully performed here by: Hymns – The Old Made New Scott Wesley Brown Devotion Music Buy at iTunes Music Store Buy at Napster Buy at RealNetworks /... The post HS15: Lifespring! HymnStories “When Morning Gilds The Skies” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.

Some of the details of this hymn, written in 1677, are lost in the mists of time, and yet… Today’s artist is Jilleen. Thanks to Robert J. Morgan for his permission to use the book, “Then Sings My Soul”. Links to the book are in the right hand margin of this page. Fairest Lord Jesus... The post HS14: Lifespring! HymnStories “Fairest Lord Jesus” first appeared on Lifespring! Media.