Be Still, My Soul: The Inspiring Stories behind 175 of the Most-Loved Hymns

by Randy Petersen

Be Still, My Soul is a collection of 175 of the most popular hymns and the stories behind them. Many of these hymns were written out of incredible life experiences—from the heart cry of a repentant slave trader to the renewed hope of a survivor of attempted suicide. In this devotional you’ll discover the stories behind the songs we sing. You’ll experience the passion and joy contained in these hymns’ lyrics and melodies. In addition to the hymn stories, Be Still, My Soul includes the musical score, lyrics, and in-depth biographies of 12 of the most-prolific hymn writers, singers, and composers.

Whether you are new to hymns or have cherished them for a long time, you’ll enjoy this illuminating book on the stories behind some of the most popular hymns you sing in worship.

Genres: Devotional, Christian, Faith, History

389 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 17, 2014

Reviews

[Sidne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Summary: Be Still, My Soul is a collection of 175 of the most popular hymns and the stories behind them. Many of these hymns were written out of incredible life experiences—from the heart cry of a repentant slave trader to the renewed hope of a survivor of attempted suicide. In this devotional you’ll discover the stories behind the songs we sing. You’ll experience the passion and joy contained in these hymns’ lyrics and melodies. In addition to the hymn stories, Be Still, My Soul includes the musical score, lyrics, and in-depth biographies of 12 of the most-prolific hymn writers, singers, and composers

My REVIEW: A book that tells the story/history of some of the most memorable hymns is such a treasure. As I opened the book I noticed the ragged edges and the look of ancient pages. I thought, 'great touch'. The author provides a content listing the songs and the songwriters and many go back to the early 1800's.
As I was reading the content many of the songs stirred in my head and i found my self humming a few verses, then with excitement I begin flipping the pages to favorite hymns and reading the history of the song and its songwriter, but the best part was the RECALL I got from the hymns I had forgotten. (My Hope is Built on Nothing Less and Near the Cross)
My most enjoyed reading time was singing and reading to my 100 year old grandmother. She would sing the songs I did not know such as This is My Father's House. Granny also knew some of the history behind a few of the songs.
Some of our favorites are: Sweet Hour of Prayer, Onward Christian Soldiers, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, Blessed Assurance, Great Is Thy Faithfulness. This book will have you revisiting the times spent singing hymns as part of the worship service of your church. Everyone will find at least three hymns they know among the collection of 175 listed in this book. Guaranteed.
Everything about the book I have enjoyed, that includes the book cover and its simply ancient paged decor, both excellent choices, Kudos to the person/team.
This book sits on my 'deep in my soul' book shelf with a 5/5 review rating.
Definitely will make a wonderful gift for someone you know that love music or singing hymns.

[John Nichols · Rating 4 out of 5]

Randy Petersen describes hymn history as being similar to archaeology. Perhaps that comparison makes Petersen a type of Indian Jones, and like Jones, Petersen delivers. Be Still My Soul captures the reader’s attention from the start with its ragged pages giving evidence this is an ancient work, filled with knowledge long forgotten. Curiosity drives the quest to turn the pages.

Petersen’s exceptional scholarship brings to life the names pasted at the bottom of 175 hymns, names obscured by the dust of time. These were real people with real lives who left behind a vast treasury of doctrinal teaching, meaningful worship, and beautiful poetry. Some of the book’s revelations are startling. Isaac Watts was a rebel who grew tired of singing the same tired songs at church and set out to bring life to the music. Louis Bourgeois was jailed for revising psalm tunes without a license. And I dare complain when I sing 7-11 songs on Sunday mornings (7 words, repeated 11 times)!

Petersen adds a personal touch to the writing with anecdotes, musings, and testimonies. Anyone who has sung these songs while occupying a pew can relate. We have much for which to be thankful.

Useful features of the book include
Several in-depth biographies
Cross reference index for easy look-up of contributors or titles
Index of first lines

One thing I did not find was a bibliography or source footnotes. Be Still My Soul is a valuable reference tool, and that addition would only increase its worth.

Who might be interested in owning a copy of Be Still My Soul?
Believers needing a faith boost or freshness in their personal devotions. Read. Inhale deeply. Realize the rich heritage we enjoy as Christians.
Praise leaders desiring to educate their congregations on the meaning behind the words of familiar songs.
Pastors seeking high quality sermon illustrations.

Note – Tyndale House Publishers provided a complimentary copy of Be Still My Soul to facilitate this review.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be Still, My Soul is a collection of 175 of the most popular hymns and the stories behind them. Many of these hymns were written out of incredible life experiences—from the heart cry of a repentant slave trader to the renewed hope of a survivor of attempted suicide. In this devotional you’ll discover the stories behind the songs we sing. You’ll experience the passion and joy contained in these hymns’ lyrics and melodies. In addition to the hymn stories, Be Still, My Soul includes the musical score, lyrics, and in-depth biographies of 12 of the most-prolific hymn writers, singers, and composers.

Whether you are new to hymns or have cherished them for a long time, you’ll enjoy this illuminating book on the stories behind some of the most popular hymns you sing in worship.

My Review:

I found this to be an insightful collection of all my favorite hymns. The layout was very easy to read and follow along with; with the sheet music on the left, and the description and story on the right side. As a musician and a Christian, this compilation was particularly meaningful to me. Despite my refusal to crack a book's spine, this one is now well worn and loved so I could enjoy it to the fullest.

Even to someone who isn't familiar with some of the hymns, it can be enjoyed by everyone simply for the hymn histories. There was twelve in depth hymn stories, and the rest were brief and concise commentary/stories on each hymn/writer/history. The Table of Contents is alphabetically listed, with the 12 biographies marked by an asterisk for easy reference. There is an Index of Authors and Sources, as well as an Index of First Lines. It was put together very well, and a valuable research for anyone interested in hymns and/or Christian history.

This book was provided by the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.

[Gayle Pace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a little surprised when I received the book. I haven't seen a book with the uneven page edges. For a second I got the impression it was old. The book as you're reading it, appears to be a combination of so many personalities, all of them different. I remember going to Church and Sunday school and singing the hymns and never really paid much attention to anything other than the words. Reading through this book, I started appreciating the music that I remembered for some of the hymns. The author not only included the music with the hymns but a story about each song, who wrote it, and the history about the song and the writer. These are things I never even thought about. It was so interesting that I had a hard time putting down the book. It brought back old memories of younger days. The author also included an index of first line titles and one of authors and sources. Hymns bring a peacefulness to your soul, even if you aren't in church. I do believe I will keep this book on my shelf to reach for when the soul is heavy. The author must have done some extensive research on the song,music, and authors. This is a beautiful book that for a lot of readers will hold many memories and for new hymn lovers, it will soon become a memory maker of their own.

I was given a complimentary copy of BE STILL MY SOUL by Randy Peterson from Tyndale Publishers Group for my honest opinion. No other compensation was received.

[Virginia Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

With its beautifully textured and toned parchment, "Be Still, My Soul: The Inspiring Stories Behind 175 of the Most-Loved Hymns" immediately gives the reader a feeling of coming home to something wonderfully familiar. Author Randy Petersen has put together a richly rewarding hymnal and historical, offering an in-depth look at twelve composers and purveyors of inspirational music, and encompassing a wealth of information on how these hymns became popularized. As you read the text, and run your fingers over the lyrics and musical scores, you most likely will find yourself humming the tunes or singing out loud. This is a historical reference, songbook, and a source of inspiration for singers and soul-searchers. Many songs in popular culture, including holiday carols and more, have their roots in secular music. "The Index of First Lines" is a helpful resource at identifying songs for which you know the tune, but not the title. Even if you can't play a note or carry a tune, you will enjoy this entertaining and enlightening work from author Randy Petersen.

Review Copy Gratis Tyndale Blog Network

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a physical copy of this book as part of the Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for an honest review. This in no way influenced my review.

I have not read about all of the hymns that are in this book. I have just read some every now and then. For each hymn, there is a description about why the author of the hymn wrote it. This is next to the music for the hymn. The layout of this book is wonderful. It has an index and it is easy to look up your favorite hymns (or the less well known ones).

It is a fun book to look through and to discover more about hymns. I was so inspired by what God has shown to the authors of these hymns and what God has done for these people. I would recommend this book to any Christian seeking to know more about God.

[Bekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I LOVE playing hymns on the piano so this book was right down my alley. This book contains the history of 175 of well-known and beloved hymns and I know that from here on out, when I play certain hymns, I will be remembering the story behind it and also be thinking about the message of the hymn more.

This is now definitely one of my favorite books and if you enjoy hymns and history, I highly recommend this book!