The value of hymns

 

Down through the centuries Christians have encapsulated some of our deepest beliefs and greatest hopes in the words of hymn.

Just think of William Cowper's hymn God works in a myterious way written the night he intended, in a period of great confusion and despair in his life, to throw himself into the Thames.  Yet, the London fog came down so hard that evening he couldn't find his way to any of the bridges.  He felt 'saved' and put his thanksgiving into a hymn we still sing today.

Or how about one of my favourites Angel voices ever singing. Ever wondered why it has the line craftsman's art and music's measure, for Thy pleasure all combine?  Well, it's a hymn originally written for the dedication of a new organ!

Bishop Timothy Dudley Smith's hymns are much loved and widely sung, perhaps none more so than Lord for the Years, written to celebrate the centenary of Scripture Union.

Even during the Pandemic Christian hymnwriters have been hard at work, helpfully putting into singable words something of the experience we have been living.

I'm delighted that the indefatigable John Campbell, URC minister and hymnwriter, has done just that with a hymn released by The Thames North Synod just last week.  It's printed below.

Whatever you do this day, may you know God's blessing and joy.

So strangely together

A song for virtual worship in lock down, tune: St Denio, R&S 67 (Immortal…) or R&S 146 (Away in a manger)   So strangely together, though each is alone, our voices sing singly yet blend round your throne. Your Spirit engulfs us wherever we are; you gather and bless us, those close and those far. For now, in our worship, we’ll meet and we’ll share; all bask in your presence, all sharing in pray’r. We’ll glimpse one another, hear voices we know, come close as one people let fellowship grow. So, speak to us gathered and speak to each one, send comfort, send challenge, let fresh blessings run; unstopper our bottles of hope, faith and joy, replenish, renew us, each dark fear destroy. Though phones and computers fall silent again your presence will linger to bless and defend, keep lively the mem’ry of time spend as one, to strengthen each household ‘til lock down is done. - John Campbell, 5/11/20 as England’s second lock down gets underway