Hymn Stories

John is joined by Ryan Bush, author and host of A Guide to Family Worship and A Practical Guide to Family Worship. Ryan also hosts one of our podcasts called Hymn Stories. John and Ryan discuss the joys and benefits of singing hymns.

In a worship service, remember that you are singing these words before your King.

Hymns condense theology and doctrine into potent phrases. We remember them better. Hymns are little sermons you can carry with you. When you sing these hymns, you are preaching to yourself.

Hymns can serve as a simple means to set your heart in the right direction first thing in the morning.

Why sing older hymns? One practical reason is that the older hymns are not copyrighted. Another reason is that they’ve been distilled. The ones that have stood the test of time are ones we want to sing and are theologically sound.

There are great modern hymn-writers, but we have no idea what their theology is going to be in a year or 10 years. But with authors of the past, we can see the map of their life and theology at a glance.

What are Ryan’s favorite hymn-writers? The Olney Hymns (John Newton and William Cowper) Frances Ridley Havergal, Isaac Watts, and Charles Wesley. Also, Henry Frances Lyte’s Abide With Me. A couple of John’s favorite is William Williams and Anne Steele.

"I was compelled to sing what I once only spoke.” — Richard Rolle