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Then Sings My Soul #3
Then Sings My Soul Book 3: The Story of Our Songs: Drawing Strength from the Great Hymns of Our Faith
The long-awaited third installment!
In 2003, Robert Morgan released what would become a future classic for over a million readers, a unique book entitled "Then Sings My Soul. "This collection of the world's greatest hymns and the stories behind them stirred an entire generation to better understand the heritage of our faith through song.
Now, in the long-awaited third volume of this series, Morgan expands his material to include the great history of worship, the first biblical hymns, biographical sketches of the most interesting composers, and almost 60 generations of hymn singing. The new book also includes a collection of the greatest hymns you've never heard, with lead-sheets included.
All of this is in addition to even more standard hymns and the stories of the composers behind them.
Morgan's conclusion guides the reader into enjoying all of God's music, blending the old and the new into a symphony of praise that keeps the worship alive for a new generation.
In 2003, Robert Morgan released what would become a future classic for over a million readers, a unique book entitled "Then Sings My Soul. "This collection of the world's greatest hymns and the stories behind them stirred an entire generation to better understand the heritage of our faith through song.
Now, in the long-awaited third volume of this series, Morgan expands his material to include the great history of worship, the first biblical hymns, biographical sketches of the most interesting composers, and almost 60 generations of hymn singing. The new book also includes a collection of the greatest hymns you've never heard, with lead-sheets included.
All of this is in addition to even more standard hymns and the stories of the composers behind them.
Morgan's conclusion guides the reader into enjoying all of God's music, blending the old and the new into a symphony of praise that keeps the worship alive for a new generation.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
128 people are currently reading
233 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 29, 2012
Years ago my husband and I purchased a book of Hymns and their stories. We loved using it in our home as we raised our five children. The music of the hymns we loved so dearly and how those hymns came to be written and put to music enthralled us and our children.
Hymns. How they can thrill and satisfy our soul's deep longing with their melodious message and their wonderful theological truths.
When my dear mother lay dying in the hospital, my family gathered around her bed. She was virtually unconscious, yet we still spoke to her telling her we loved her and recounted episodes how she was involved in her grand children's lives. I went out for a brief respite (enforced by my children), and when I returned to the room, my girls (all three were keeping vigil - from North Carolina, Georgia, and West Virginia) were singing beautifully the wonderful old hymns of the faith. Mom loved the hymns though she was a "timid" singer herself.
I know this musical encounter reached down in the depths of Mom's heart and touched her as she was beginning her final voyage to reach the shores of her heavenly home.
Then Sings My Soul: Book 3 by Robert J. Morgan is divided into four parts: I-The History of Hymnody, II-Do You Know These Hymns, III-Six Hymns Stories I Love to Tell, and IV-Hymning in Private and in Public.
I was surprised to learn how ancient "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded" actually was. The words are attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux who was born around 1091. The harmony is by J.S.Bach.
Near the end of Then Sings My Soul: Book 3, we read that in recent years, President Bush on September 11 after entering the solitude of his President Cabinet aboard Air Force 1 recalled the words of one of his favorite hymns - "God of Grace and God of Glory" and especially the line..... "Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour."
The wonderful history of how our hymns and worship songs developed is beautifully presented in part 1. And don't you love having at your hands a book so you can find that special hymn you want to sing but just can't quite remember the words to?
I definitely recommend this book for the home library, the church musician, minister of music, pastor, or church library. It is a good resource.
Another blogger wrote....
" The music of our past can sometimes reach the spiritual deserts of our hearts in a way that preaching and prayers cannot...."
When BookSneeze.com offered "Then Sings My Soul: Book 3" by Robert J. Morgan, I was delighted to be able to render a review of such a valuable asset for an individual or a home.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com http://BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Review also appears on: http://chatwithvera.blogspot.com/2012...
Hymns. How they can thrill and satisfy our soul's deep longing with their melodious message and their wonderful theological truths.
When my dear mother lay dying in the hospital, my family gathered around her bed. She was virtually unconscious, yet we still spoke to her telling her we loved her and recounted episodes how she was involved in her grand children's lives. I went out for a brief respite (enforced by my children), and when I returned to the room, my girls (all three were keeping vigil - from North Carolina, Georgia, and West Virginia) were singing beautifully the wonderful old hymns of the faith. Mom loved the hymns though she was a "timid" singer herself.
I know this musical encounter reached down in the depths of Mom's heart and touched her as she was beginning her final voyage to reach the shores of her heavenly home.
Then Sings My Soul: Book 3 by Robert J. Morgan is divided into four parts: I-The History of Hymnody, II-Do You Know These Hymns, III-Six Hymns Stories I Love to Tell, and IV-Hymning in Private and in Public.
I was surprised to learn how ancient "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded" actually was. The words are attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux who was born around 1091. The harmony is by J.S.Bach.
Near the end of Then Sings My Soul: Book 3, we read that in recent years, President Bush on September 11 after entering the solitude of his President Cabinet aboard Air Force 1 recalled the words of one of his favorite hymns - "God of Grace and God of Glory" and especially the line..... "Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, for the facing of this hour."
The wonderful history of how our hymns and worship songs developed is beautifully presented in part 1. And don't you love having at your hands a book so you can find that special hymn you want to sing but just can't quite remember the words to?
I definitely recommend this book for the home library, the church musician, minister of music, pastor, or church library. It is a good resource.
Another blogger wrote....
" The music of our past can sometimes reach the spiritual deserts of our hearts in a way that preaching and prayers cannot...."
When BookSneeze.com offered "Then Sings My Soul: Book 3" by Robert J. Morgan, I was delighted to be able to render a review of such a valuable asset for an individual or a home.
I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com http://BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Review also appears on: http://chatwithvera.blogspot.com/2012...
January 21, 2012
As a homeschool family that follows the Ambleside Curriculum, we have thoroughly enjoyed our study of hymns for the past two years. When I was looking for a book that I could us for our study of hymns, I was not sure where to start. Just any book is not ideal to help teach younger children about hymns and help them love them.
Recently I was blessed with a copy of Then Sings My Soul by Robert Morgan, from Thomas Nelson publishers. I was so excited to read through this book and see if it would be a good book for our family to use in the future for Hymn study, and let me assure you, it is perfect!
The first section of the book spends about 55 pages going through different Hymns : Biblical, Ancient, Medieval, German, English and finally Gospel Songs to Contemporary Praise. In this section you will have a chance to really understand where these hymns came from, what inspired the authors of those days to write what they did, also what was going on that would impact the words they wrote. This would be a great section to use with older children to dive in deeper, and have a meatier study.
The next section is “Do you know these Hymns?” There are 60+ Hymns with the words and music and the story. It would be easy to track down each of the songs on www.youtube.com to listen along, as you are studying them. So often after reading the story behind the hymn, it becomes much more sentimental to me, and the story replays in my mind when I hear the hymn. I want that for my kids too, to understand these are more than just songs.
The last part of the book is titled “Six Hymn Stories I love to tell” – and my favorite was West Point, Two Women and the World’s Most Famous Children’s Hymn. What a great story about two ladies who loved God and opened their home to some lonely cadets from across the Hudson River (yes, my alma mater!!). I am not going to give away the sweet details, but make sure you check it out!!
This would make a fantastic tool for any family who wants to dive into Hymns and gleam some amazing messages of Christ in those lyrics. I highly recommend this book even if you are not going to use it for a Hymn study with children. It would make a great “non-traditional” quiet time, devotion book. I promise that reading through the words of these hymns and the stories behind them will fill your heart and soul with the love of God. Seeing how he has worked through the lives of such varied people is always an encouragement to me.
Note : I was offered a copy of Then Sings My Soul, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review, by Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Recently I was blessed with a copy of Then Sings My Soul by Robert Morgan, from Thomas Nelson publishers. I was so excited to read through this book and see if it would be a good book for our family to use in the future for Hymn study, and let me assure you, it is perfect!
The first section of the book spends about 55 pages going through different Hymns : Biblical, Ancient, Medieval, German, English and finally Gospel Songs to Contemporary Praise. In this section you will have a chance to really understand where these hymns came from, what inspired the authors of those days to write what they did, also what was going on that would impact the words they wrote. This would be a great section to use with older children to dive in deeper, and have a meatier study.
The next section is “Do you know these Hymns?” There are 60+ Hymns with the words and music and the story. It would be easy to track down each of the songs on www.youtube.com to listen along, as you are studying them. So often after reading the story behind the hymn, it becomes much more sentimental to me, and the story replays in my mind when I hear the hymn. I want that for my kids too, to understand these are more than just songs.
The last part of the book is titled “Six Hymn Stories I love to tell” – and my favorite was West Point, Two Women and the World’s Most Famous Children’s Hymn. What a great story about two ladies who loved God and opened their home to some lonely cadets from across the Hudson River (yes, my alma mater!!). I am not going to give away the sweet details, but make sure you check it out!!
This would make a fantastic tool for any family who wants to dive into Hymns and gleam some amazing messages of Christ in those lyrics. I highly recommend this book even if you are not going to use it for a Hymn study with children. It would make a great “non-traditional” quiet time, devotion book. I promise that reading through the words of these hymns and the stories behind them will fill your heart and soul with the love of God. Seeing how he has worked through the lives of such varied people is always an encouragement to me.
Note : I was offered a copy of Then Sings My Soul, at no cost, in exchange for an honest review, by Thomas Nelson Publishers.
November 13, 2012
I grew up in the church, and hymns were something I always loved. In fact, hymns are something that are somewhat "out of style" in most churches today, and I miss them a lot. This was like visiting a friend I hadn't seen in a while. I loved the history in the book, and I also loved the fact that each hymn was printed in the book with the music. I love reading the stories behind all these hymns. Some of them are well-known to me, and some are not. But all of the hymns were written to worship God within the church and even in one's personal devotional life.
The book was very well-organized so that you can easily find the hymns you know and love. This book is set up very well for daily devotions. In fact, I do not recommend that you sit down to read this cover to cover. I tried to do that, and I felt overwhelmed. Read this story by story, and I believe that you will truly be encouraged in your Christian walk. I was most intrigued by the real story of "It Is Well With My Soul." I had never heard the entire story behind my favorite hymn, and now I know it. It makes the song even more meaningful to me. I highly recommend this song to anyone who loves the hymns or wishes to discover them. There is certain to be something that will resonate with you.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
The book was very well-organized so that you can easily find the hymns you know and love. This book is set up very well for daily devotions. In fact, I do not recommend that you sit down to read this cover to cover. I tried to do that, and I felt overwhelmed. Read this story by story, and I believe that you will truly be encouraged in your Christian walk. I was most intrigued by the real story of "It Is Well With My Soul." I had never heard the entire story behind my favorite hymn, and now I know it. It makes the song even more meaningful to me. I highly recommend this song to anyone who loves the hymns or wishes to discover them. There is certain to be something that will resonate with you.
I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
September 11, 2020
Terrific Book!
All I can say is thank you. But that seems such a cop out. I needed the end of this book today. I have felt off all day long. The last section has sure helped. I am going to look into your other books. Thank you for your hard work on this, seems like it was a labor of love.
All I can say is thank you. But that seems such a cop out. I needed the end of this book today. I have felt off all day long. The last section has sure helped. I am going to look into your other books. Thank you for your hard work on this, seems like it was a labor of love.
August 17, 2025
beautiful book!
I really love listening to Pastor Morgans sermons, so this book being beautifully written while telling about how these songs came to be , was such a great read! So many treasured hymns with the story how they came to be .
I really love listening to Pastor Morgans sermons, so this book being beautifully written while telling about how these songs came to be , was such a great read! So many treasured hymns with the story how they came to be .
April 12, 2020
More stories of hymns and their makers. Also included is historial essays of the use of hymns through the ages. Great book
October 30, 2021
songs of faith
These are the songs that I grew up with and I’m thanks that they will never fade, thanks to Mr. Morgan. This made an excellent study for myself and friends.
These are the songs that I grew up with and I’m thanks that they will never fade, thanks to Mr. Morgan. This made an excellent study for myself and friends.
December 22, 2021
I intended, after I'd read this, to give it to the church music director, but I liked it so much, I decided to keep it. I guess I'll just have to buy him one.
April 3, 2022
Excellent! Love reading about these hymns....
August 1, 2022
See my review for volume 1. This is the same.
March 21, 2012
As I pondered what book to review, I was drawn to the cover of this book " Then Sings my Soul."by Rober J Morgan. Though it said it was about the history of Christian music, I thought it would be more about teaching me something that would bring me to a deeper faith and appreciation of hymns. I could not have been more surprised about the truth in that thought.
Then Sings My Soul is so much more than just a bit of dry history and tales of forgotten writers, it is their legacy and our roots. The author Robert J Morgan wrote not just about hymns, but the shaping of a culture and how it impacted the life of Christians though the many changes good and bad thus creating an unending desire for music. The freedom we enjoy without understanding what sacrifices and obstacles many went through to allow such liberty. As a result our churches today filled with music and lyrics for those who want to join in, and some who choose to enjoy listening. Filled with many tunes where notes take us anywhere we want to go. No chants with 7 to 10 notes repeated over and over or scripture sung by leaders only, that may have been viewed as anything but cheerful, But an explosion of harmony and continuous new songs to be learned and composed.
Then Sings My Soul gives a rich history of music with its triumphs and bondage through ignorance. From the early parts of the Old Testament, thru the dark ages where the silence of the church seemed almost deafening, to today's separation of Praise and Worship holding fast to a vision of Eternity with glorious sounds of trumpets and choirs singing. Music has evolved as a crucial part of our lives. A road that has expanded the desires for instrumental and lyrical music that enriches our lives.deepens our faith and glorifies God.
This author Revealed and illuminated the hardships, sorrows and fulfillment that brought about many of the most beloved hymns still remembered and sung today. Then Sings My Soul encompasses the history of the church with its advancement in music, many of the history changing individuals who gave us music. This book also includes a generous amount of sheet music that we can read or sing to help us understand what fashioned their lives. I appreciate the opportunity of getting to read this book and will continue to enjoy it. On a rating of 1-5, I personally give this book a solid 5. Then Sings My Soul is neither boring or dry, it is an enjoyable look into the past and keeps your interest. I would also encourage getting Then Signs My Soul- Book 1 and 2 for a complete set of enjoyment.
I received this book for review from BookSneeze
Then Sings My Soul is so much more than just a bit of dry history and tales of forgotten writers, it is their legacy and our roots. The author Robert J Morgan wrote not just about hymns, but the shaping of a culture and how it impacted the life of Christians though the many changes good and bad thus creating an unending desire for music. The freedom we enjoy without understanding what sacrifices and obstacles many went through to allow such liberty. As a result our churches today filled with music and lyrics for those who want to join in, and some who choose to enjoy listening. Filled with many tunes where notes take us anywhere we want to go. No chants with 7 to 10 notes repeated over and over or scripture sung by leaders only, that may have been viewed as anything but cheerful, But an explosion of harmony and continuous new songs to be learned and composed.
Then Sings My Soul gives a rich history of music with its triumphs and bondage through ignorance. From the early parts of the Old Testament, thru the dark ages where the silence of the church seemed almost deafening, to today's separation of Praise and Worship holding fast to a vision of Eternity with glorious sounds of trumpets and choirs singing. Music has evolved as a crucial part of our lives. A road that has expanded the desires for instrumental and lyrical music that enriches our lives.deepens our faith and glorifies God.
This author Revealed and illuminated the hardships, sorrows and fulfillment that brought about many of the most beloved hymns still remembered and sung today. Then Sings My Soul encompasses the history of the church with its advancement in music, many of the history changing individuals who gave us music. This book also includes a generous amount of sheet music that we can read or sing to help us understand what fashioned their lives. I appreciate the opportunity of getting to read this book and will continue to enjoy it. On a rating of 1-5, I personally give this book a solid 5. Then Sings My Soul is neither boring or dry, it is an enjoyable look into the past and keeps your interest. I would also encourage getting Then Signs My Soul- Book 1 and 2 for a complete set of enjoyment.
I received this book for review from BookSneeze
January 29, 2012
"Then Sings my Soul (Volume 3)" is such a wonderful read that it touched my soul! It is the history of many of our beloved hymns. Upon reading this book, I decided to pick up the other volumes as well. If you are looking for a blessing, this is the book for you. I found many of the excerpts from this book very enjoyable, and I hope they are for you as well. I pray that they are a blessing for you and that you decide to pick up this book!
"About half an hour before his departure, none of his family expecting to his voice more, he opened his eyes and with a smiling countenance said, 'Dying is sweet work!...' Then with a dying voice he continued, 'Glory, glory! Home, home.' till his voice failed, and with a smiling countenance he yielded up his spirit into the hands of his heavenly father about half an hour before seven o'clock in the evening." (page 87)
"I grieve to leave my work for the Master...and all whom I love," he said... "but it is infinitely more precious to me to be with Christ than all besides." (Page 121, regarding the death of George Frazer)
One particular hymn written by Annie Johnson Flint has such a powerful story to it that I sat and sobbed. This hymn played a role in the survival of a missionary, Darlene Rose. Darlene and her husband were interred into a POW camp during WWII, where her husband perished. She later wrote of her time in the camp, "In desperation I poured my heart to the Lord... When there was no more tears to cry, I would hear him whisper, 'But my child, my grace is sufficient for thee. Not was or will be but is sufficient.'" (Page 147) Two weeks prior, Darlene said the Lord had laid it upon her heart to memorize "He Giveth More Grace" by Annie Johnson Flint.
Story after story of the grace of God and the faith that these people had is sure to touch your heart. It might make you feel about two inches tall and like a lowly worm, undeserving of grace, but ever so glad that you've been given! A must read for sure.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
"About half an hour before his departure, none of his family expecting to his voice more, he opened his eyes and with a smiling countenance said, 'Dying is sweet work!...' Then with a dying voice he continued, 'Glory, glory! Home, home.' till his voice failed, and with a smiling countenance he yielded up his spirit into the hands of his heavenly father about half an hour before seven o'clock in the evening." (page 87)
"I grieve to leave my work for the Master...and all whom I love," he said... "but it is infinitely more precious to me to be with Christ than all besides." (Page 121, regarding the death of George Frazer)
One particular hymn written by Annie Johnson Flint has such a powerful story to it that I sat and sobbed. This hymn played a role in the survival of a missionary, Darlene Rose. Darlene and her husband were interred into a POW camp during WWII, where her husband perished. She later wrote of her time in the camp, "In desperation I poured my heart to the Lord... When there was no more tears to cry, I would hear him whisper, 'But my child, my grace is sufficient for thee. Not was or will be but is sufficient.'" (Page 147) Two weeks prior, Darlene said the Lord had laid it upon her heart to memorize "He Giveth More Grace" by Annie Johnson Flint.
Story after story of the grace of God and the faith that these people had is sure to touch your heart. It might make you feel about two inches tall and like a lowly worm, undeserving of grace, but ever so glad that you've been given! A must read for sure.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
October 8, 2012
"I believe the history of the church is encoded in her hymns, and the story of christianity is enfolded in it's songs. If you know the hymns of the ages, you'll know the history of the church."
-Robert J Morgan
I didn't realise until I received my copy of 'Then Sings My Soul The Story of Our Songs: Drawing Strength from the Great Hymns of Our Faith' for review that it is actually the third in a series of books that Robert J Morgan has written on Hymnody. Fortunately it reads wonderfully as a stand alone book too, as I don't have copies of the first two books!!
The book opens with a history of worship in the church, taking you through from Biblical Hymns, Ancient Hymns, Medieval, German, English and Gospel Music through to Contemporary praise. It's brief, fast-paced and fascinating. I could barely put it down. Understanding how worship styles have always been controversial (it's not just about whether you use an electric guitar or an organ) brings perspective to the discussions happening within church today.
I was overwhelmed with admiration for Benjamin Keach (1640) who underground church voted to allow hymn singing in their services, but decided to keep hymns to the end of the service after sermon and prayers so that those who voted in the opposition were able to 'go freely forth' and remain a part of the congregation without feeling like they had to compromise on their personal convictions.
Next is a section on lesser known hymns, and how they came to be written with the stories behind them; part three covers the stories behind six of the author's favourite hymns; part four is how and why we should integrate hymns into our personal, and congregational, worship times and finally the epilogue.
This is genuinely a fantastic book which I highly recommend to anyone with an interest in worship and or song writing. My husband has always enjoyed high church services and regularly attends chapel services at our school voluntarily, just to join in with the hymn singing. I've never understood that, but after reading 'Then Sings My Soul', I think I'm starting to get it.
-Robert J Morgan
I didn't realise until I received my copy of 'Then Sings My Soul The Story of Our Songs: Drawing Strength from the Great Hymns of Our Faith' for review that it is actually the third in a series of books that Robert J Morgan has written on Hymnody. Fortunately it reads wonderfully as a stand alone book too, as I don't have copies of the first two books!!
The book opens with a history of worship in the church, taking you through from Biblical Hymns, Ancient Hymns, Medieval, German, English and Gospel Music through to Contemporary praise. It's brief, fast-paced and fascinating. I could barely put it down. Understanding how worship styles have always been controversial (it's not just about whether you use an electric guitar or an organ) brings perspective to the discussions happening within church today.
I was overwhelmed with admiration for Benjamin Keach (1640) who underground church voted to allow hymn singing in their services, but decided to keep hymns to the end of the service after sermon and prayers so that those who voted in the opposition were able to 'go freely forth' and remain a part of the congregation without feeling like they had to compromise on their personal convictions.
Next is a section on lesser known hymns, and how they came to be written with the stories behind them; part three covers the stories behind six of the author's favourite hymns; part four is how and why we should integrate hymns into our personal, and congregational, worship times and finally the epilogue.
This is genuinely a fantastic book which I highly recommend to anyone with an interest in worship and or song writing. My husband has always enjoyed high church services and regularly attends chapel services at our school voluntarily, just to join in with the hymn singing. I've never understood that, but after reading 'Then Sings My Soul', I think I'm starting to get it.
March 23, 2012
This is a great book that gives the history of hymns, who wrote them, what inspired that person to write them, and other information surrounding the hymns selected in this book.
This would be great for a variety of uses: to use in personal or family devotions, for a music minister to talk about a hymn each week and then the congregation sing it, use within a Christian school, especially in music class.
This book was a hard read for me because it's more devotional length stories, and I'm one who usually prefers to sit down and read one long story rather than little bits. That's just my reading style. However, I didn't know many of the hymns in this volume. They were very obscure. I went to three years of Christian schools (including a Christian college in Nashville.) I was in my 20s before I started attending a church that sang more contemporary songs, so the fact I knew so few of these was a surprise since I have spent many hours singing hymns.
Also, I am not sure why "Up on the House Top" was mentioned. I've never sang that in church. (Perhaps because I don't think anyone considers it a hymn?) I have, however, sung that in first grade at our Christmas program since it is about Santa and not a religious song. That was one of only about the dozen or so songs I knew.
This is a great book, very interesting, however because of the selection of songs, I am only giving it three stars since they seem so obscure. My advice to the author would have been include the more well known ones in previous volumes and make them a little longer and skip this one all together. I believe it's the last in the series, and I think by the time the author got to this one, he'd covered most of the hymns everyone knows and went looking for ones to help complete this book. Even if they aren't as well known, it's still worth a read, but just not as enjoyable as if they were ones that were sung more often.
FTC disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This would be great for a variety of uses: to use in personal or family devotions, for a music minister to talk about a hymn each week and then the congregation sing it, use within a Christian school, especially in music class.
This book was a hard read for me because it's more devotional length stories, and I'm one who usually prefers to sit down and read one long story rather than little bits. That's just my reading style. However, I didn't know many of the hymns in this volume. They were very obscure. I went to three years of Christian schools (including a Christian college in Nashville.) I was in my 20s before I started attending a church that sang more contemporary songs, so the fact I knew so few of these was a surprise since I have spent many hours singing hymns.
Also, I am not sure why "Up on the House Top" was mentioned. I've never sang that in church. (Perhaps because I don't think anyone considers it a hymn?) I have, however, sung that in first grade at our Christmas program since it is about Santa and not a religious song. That was one of only about the dozen or so songs I knew.
This is a great book, very interesting, however because of the selection of songs, I am only giving it three stars since they seem so obscure. My advice to the author would have been include the more well known ones in previous volumes and make them a little longer and skip this one all together. I believe it's the last in the series, and I think by the time the author got to this one, he'd covered most of the hymns everyone knows and went looking for ones to help complete this book. Even if they aren't as well known, it's still worth a read, but just not as enjoyable as if they were ones that were sung more often.
FTC disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 27, 2015
Then Sings My Soul Book 3
by Robert J. Morgan
Then Sings My Soul" by Robert J. Morgan presents the classic hymns of the faith in a magnificent two-thousand year repertoire of music in Christian hymnody that reverberates awesomely through the ages of time. By learning the splendid legacy of our past, we create a beautiful legacy for our future. All creation sings God's praise in a magnificent crescendo of sights and sounds.The Lord created us with an extraordinary capability for music and song. We are designed and destined to sing His glorious praises. "God lives in the praises of His people." Our spirits respond to God's truth in a musical form. Hymns are "distillations of the richest truths of God," "bursts of devotional richness,""portable units of praise," and "miniature Bible studies" that lead us to worship and praise God. Hymns have "an indestructible freshness and power." A hymnbook is one of "the richest fountains of edification." Sifting through the overarching heritage of our hymnody, we come to the root core of praise. The history of our hymnody is a rich and varied study of inspiring legacies, selfless heroes and astounding stories. The history of the church is recorded in her soul-stirring hymns while the story of Christianity can be read in its inspiring songs. Just like the well-gleaned promises of the Bible, a unique hymn is available for each particular need of ours, covering every single circumstance we will ever face in life. God loves music. He recorded a lot of it in the Bible. God loves it when His children sing His praises. Hymns and songs proclaim God's truth. God blesses people in every age and clime with the amazing ability to compose songs and music to glorify His Name in all the earth. God the Holy Spirit sings through the voice of His church. "When we sing to the Lord, it is the Holy Spirit welling up and overflowing in our hearts!" God is praised and honored when we sing to Him! To God alone be all the glory!
by Robert J. Morgan
Then Sings My Soul" by Robert J. Morgan presents the classic hymns of the faith in a magnificent two-thousand year repertoire of music in Christian hymnody that reverberates awesomely through the ages of time. By learning the splendid legacy of our past, we create a beautiful legacy for our future. All creation sings God's praise in a magnificent crescendo of sights and sounds.The Lord created us with an extraordinary capability for music and song. We are designed and destined to sing His glorious praises. "God lives in the praises of His people." Our spirits respond to God's truth in a musical form. Hymns are "distillations of the richest truths of God," "bursts of devotional richness,""portable units of praise," and "miniature Bible studies" that lead us to worship and praise God. Hymns have "an indestructible freshness and power." A hymnbook is one of "the richest fountains of edification." Sifting through the overarching heritage of our hymnody, we come to the root core of praise. The history of our hymnody is a rich and varied study of inspiring legacies, selfless heroes and astounding stories. The history of the church is recorded in her soul-stirring hymns while the story of Christianity can be read in its inspiring songs. Just like the well-gleaned promises of the Bible, a unique hymn is available for each particular need of ours, covering every single circumstance we will ever face in life. God loves music. He recorded a lot of it in the Bible. God loves it when His children sing His praises. Hymns and songs proclaim God's truth. God blesses people in every age and clime with the amazing ability to compose songs and music to glorify His Name in all the earth. God the Holy Spirit sings through the voice of His church. "When we sing to the Lord, it is the Holy Spirit welling up and overflowing in our hearts!" God is praised and honored when we sing to Him! To God alone be all the glory!
January 12, 2013
The first thing that you notice when you hold this book is the pages. They are thick, uneven in an antiqued sort of way. It’s comforting. Matches the theme of the book. I know each book in the series is like this, but I still like it :-)
The sections in this book are The History of Hymnody, Do You Know These Hymns?, Six Hymn Stories I Love to Tell, and Hymning in Private and in Public.
I appreciate his breadth of knowledge and research that went into this book. Each hymn has a full page of information about the hymn, which is interesting and relevant to the hymn. The music and words are included for each hymn, which if I ever get back to playing the piano, I will love having.
Not growing up singing hymns and not having many hymns in our current church, I really enjoy reading about the history of the hymns. The whole premise of the book, as stated on the front cover, is Drawing Strength from the Great Hymns of Our Faith. I agree. I think we have a lot to learn from hymns and can draw closer to God through them.
Thank you to Robert J. Morgan for allowing us young’ns to feel the power of the hymns through this book and the other two in the series.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The sections in this book are The History of Hymnody, Do You Know These Hymns?, Six Hymn Stories I Love to Tell, and Hymning in Private and in Public.
I appreciate his breadth of knowledge and research that went into this book. Each hymn has a full page of information about the hymn, which is interesting and relevant to the hymn. The music and words are included for each hymn, which if I ever get back to playing the piano, I will love having.
Not growing up singing hymns and not having many hymns in our current church, I really enjoy reading about the history of the hymns. The whole premise of the book, as stated on the front cover, is Drawing Strength from the Great Hymns of Our Faith. I agree. I think we have a lot to learn from hymns and can draw closer to God through them.
Thank you to Robert J. Morgan for allowing us young’ns to feel the power of the hymns through this book and the other two in the series.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book in exchange for an honest review from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
March 4, 2012
The third book in the "Then Sings My Soul" series. This book contains more than a few obscure hymns and ranges from the ancient to the very modern. There seems to be more "other" reference in this book than the previous books. (Information on hymn writing and history.)
I enjoyed the first book more than I enjoyed this one. Maybe that is always going to be the case with such things. I also found this book to be less devotionally motivated and more informative about the hymn writing process. I cannot say that hearing the story behind "How Deep The Father's Love For Us" makes it any more worshipful. In fact, the backstory to that one makes the hymn feel more flat. ("I decided to write a hymn!" Wow. Really? Good for you, I suppose.)
Of course, the book looks nice. It is a nice coffee table book or generic gift book. But if you're looking for something soul stirring, look elsewhere.
I enjoyed the first book more than I enjoyed this one. Maybe that is always going to be the case with such things. I also found this book to be less devotionally motivated and more informative about the hymn writing process. I cannot say that hearing the story behind "How Deep The Father's Love For Us" makes it any more worshipful. In fact, the backstory to that one makes the hymn feel more flat. ("I decided to write a hymn!" Wow. Really? Good for you, I suppose.)
Of course, the book looks nice. It is a nice coffee table book or generic gift book. But if you're looking for something soul stirring, look elsewhere.
February 7, 2012
Well, I opened the book with different expectations. not every hymn mentioned in this book had a history of where it came from. BUT, it is still a great book. BUT. (I have lots of buts) Something interesting, I didnt know "Up on the Housetop" was a hymn? A bit strange considering Santa was a "tool" created to draw people away from the original meaning of Christmas. I know the backstory of Christmas and don't see what place a song like this has in a Christian hymn.
Anywho, to make the book more enjoyable, I looked up each hymn on Youtube to listen as I read the lyrics. Some very good songs and some very good stories. Great book.
Anywho, to make the book more enjoyable, I looked up each hymn on Youtube to listen as I read the lyrics. Some very good songs and some very good stories. Great book.
September 1, 2016
Then songs my soul
Beautifully written Christian book. I am a great lover of hymns they do speak to your soul especially since I now know some background knowledge on them. Thank you.
Beautifully written Christian book. I am a great lover of hymns they do speak to your soul especially since I now know some background knowledge on them. Thank you.
October 27, 2016
Excellent book tracing the history of hymn singing from biblical hymns through contemporary praise songs. More than 50 stories behind the hymns with the printed music right there to sing or play. Loved this whole series.
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