{"id":495,"date":"2024-01-24T12:00:55","date_gmt":"2024-01-24T17:00:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/leadershiponfire\/?p=495"},"modified":"2023-12-28T18:23:02","modified_gmt":"2023-12-28T23:23:02","slug":"the-story-behind-ten-favorite-hymns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/leadershiponfire\/2024\/01\/the-story-behind-ten-favorite-hymns\/","title":{"rendered":"The Story Behind Ten Favorite Hymns"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

If you follow me on Facebook<\/a>, you\u2019ll note I occasionally ask everyone about their favorite hymns. As much as I love the modern Christian worship scene (and many others do, as well), there\u2019s something special and timeless about our favorite hymns. The long-held tradition of congregational singing inspires a sense of spiritual unity; connection both to God and one another. Far from being boring or tired, the exploration of hymns tells the story of faith. Whether written in times of great trial or praise, hymns reveal a timeless sense of eternal perseverance as we sojourn through this world. Here I present the story behind ten favorite hymns (including my own).<\/p>\n

\"Hymnal\"
Hymnal. Photo by Nothing Ahead: https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/book-placed-on-dark-surface-7451916\/<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing<\/em><\/h3>\n

(Robert Robinson, 1758)<\/p>\n

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing<\/em> is often classified as an Advent or Christmas hymn. In reality, it is the autobiographical story of the composer. Penned by Robert Robinson<\/a> when he was 22, its contents herald thoughts of divine grace. More specifically, it depicts his experience with divine grace. Moved by a powerful conversion<\/a> under the preaching of George Whitefield<\/a>, Robert Robinson would go on to serve as a pastor in both the Methodist and Baptist churches. Known as an unusual man, he rose to prominence as both a preacher and scholar within the church of his day.<\/p>\n

With an abiding theology that transcends denomination, Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing<\/em> was the first hymn selected for an Anglican Hymnal<\/a> used at the Church of Christ in Whitechapel.<\/p>\n

Jesus sought me when a stranger,<\/em>
\nwandering from the fold of God;<\/em>
\nHe, to rescue me from danger,<\/em>
\ninterposed His precious blood.<\/em><\/p>\n