I miss the old hymns that I remember from my childhood - there were no drums, no electric guitar and no mind numbing beat. It was just voices and maybe a piano or an organ. The choir led the congregation in singing - and the words of these hymns are poetic. I realize that there is a need for the modern "seeker oriented" worship music - but it is also necessary to have deeper songs (no offense intended to anyone who prefers the newer church songs).
I decided to have an "Old Fashion Sunday Hymn Sing" once a month on this blog.
I personally do NOT have a great singing voice - I used to play the guitar & piano but my voice is NOT an instrument. That's the great thing about this digital hymn sing, you can warble along without being embarrassed or without offending anyone else.
The hymns that we will be studying are taken from an old hymnal from a Baptist church that is no longer in existence - "The North American Hymnal" published in 1956 by "THE ROGER WILLIAMS PRESS"
I will also try to find a version of the featured hymn on "YouTube" to share with you each month.
Today's feature song is "He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought" written by Joseph H. Gilmore (1834-1918) & composed by William B. Bradbury (1816-1868). The lyrics in this comforting hymn are based on Psalm 23. Joseph Gilmore was a pastor and wrote these lyrics during the American Civil War. He took comfort in knowing that God was leading them no matter what the situation. His lyrics weren't actually put to music until 3 years after they were written - his wife surprised him by having his poem set to music by William Bradbury of Maine.
Below the lyrics I have included two YouTube Videos of this wonderful hymn. The first one is more professional sounding whereas the second version is....well, let's say a little more rustic (more of how I remember it sounding in the cozy German Baptist church from my childhood) - please take time to listen.
Turn with me to number 369 in your hymnals and let's sing:
He Leadeth Me: O Blessed Thought
by Joseph H. Gilmore, (1834-1918) composed by William B. Bradbury,(1816-1868)
1. He leadeth me: O blessed thought! O words with heavenly comfort fraught! What-e'er I do, wher-e'er I be, Still 'tis God's hand that leadeth me.
CHORUS
2. Sometimes 'mid scenes of deepest gloom. Sometimes where Eden's bowers bloom, By waters still, o'er troubled sea, Still 'tis His hand that leadeth me.
CHORUS
3. Lord, I would place my hand in Thine, Nor ever murmur nor repine; Content, whatever lot I see, Since 'tis my God that leadeth me.
CHORUS
4. And when my task on earth is done, When, by Thy grace, the victory's won, E'en death's cold wave I will not flee, Since God thro' Jordan leadeth me.
CHORUS
Chorus
He leadeth me, He leadeth me, By His own hand He leadeth me:
His faithful follower I would be, For by His hand He leadeth me.
His faithful follower I would be, For by His hand He leadeth me.
A special thanks to "URC Psalmody" for sharing this on YouTube
Other Hymns on this blog:
O God Our Help in Ages Past
I Need Thee Every Hour
Blest Be the Tie That Binds
When the Roll is Called Up Yonder
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Oh that was wonderful! Thank you so much! I never thought of having a hymn sing on line. What an awesome idea! I too am unhappy with the "concerts" they have on Sunday mornings. That is why I stopped going to the church I grew up in. We attend a smaller church now that still sings hymns but is feeling the pressure to convert to the modern music. Oh this was a blessing to find your blog! Thank you for sharing! I can't tell you how much I appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I agree - I don't know why most churches are giving in to that modern pressure - so many people that I talk to feel like you & I do about the music.
DeleteI'm headed over to visit your google+ & blog from there.
God bless!
I just love the old hyms
ReplyDeleteI visited a different church last Sunday and they sang songs and I didn't need the hymnal unless they sand verse three! LOL
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