HYMN STORIES

“AND NOW YOU KNOW….”

We are encouraged, uplifted and sometimes even challenged by some of the songs and hymns we sing so often. You might wonder what inspired the writing and composition of these songs. There is a story behind each one. Most often these stories will give even more meaning to the already powerful blessing these songs are. In this library, you will find reasons and life experiences that God used to provide us with wonderful messages in music. These are historical accounts of hymns and songs used in the programs of Hope Today.

Sep 18, 2023

BE THOU MY VISION

So many writings, poems and songs that bring spiritual motivation or encouragement have been composed by un-identified authors. The...

Sep 18, 2023

BE STILL MY SOUL

Over the centuries the Holy Spirit has intervened in the heart of mankind to reveal the true nature of God and His desire for a...

Sep 18, 2023

BE STILL, FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD

BE STILL, FOR THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD, is a contemporary hymn written by British songwriter, David J. Evans in 1986. Evans was involved...

Sep 15, 2023

AWAY IN A MANGER

If we were to remember back to the first Christmas song we learned or maybe heard at the advent time of year, most would identify AWAY IN...

Sep 15, 2023

AT CALVARY

The distressed Father, also a Pastor, earnestly cried out in a letter to the President of Moody Bible Institute. The Pastor’s prodigal...

Sep 15, 2023

AS THE DEER PANTETH FOR THE WATER

Marty Nystrom was born in 1956 to Christian parents. He later graduated from Oral Roberts University with a degree in music education. ...

Sep 15, 2023

AND CAN IT BE THAT I SHOULD GAIN

Charles Wesley and his brother John are well known in the history of the Christian church. Charles was born prematurely in 1707 and...

Sep 15, 2023

AMAZING GRACE

To say that everyone today will know and will probably have sung this hymn is an understatement. Yet the story behind the hymn, AMAZING...

Sep 15, 2023

ALL THINGS BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL

Cecil Frances Alexander was working with her pupils in Sunday School. As some of her pupils were struggling to understand the Apostles...

Sep 15, 2023

ALL THE WAY MY SAVIOUR LEADS ME

If there ever was a prolific poet and hymn writer, Fanny Crosby would definitely be at the top of the list. Blinded as a child after a...

Sep 5, 2023

A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD

“God is our Refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” Inspired by these words and the rest of Psalm 46, Martin Luther wrote...

Sep 5, 2023

ABIDE WITH ME

A hymn that continues to bring much comfort in times of fear is ABIDE WITH ME. It is often included as part of Remembrance Day Cenotaph...

Sep 5, 2023

ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING

If the name St. Francis of Assisi is mentioned, most would be reminded of stories or documentaries and movies about him. Over the years,...

Sep 5, 2023

ALL FOR JESUS

It was once said of the hymn author, Mary James, (and I quote), “I never saw an individual more fully possessed by that love that...

Sep 5, 2023

ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS NAME

Our hymn today was first published anonymously as a poem of 8 stanzas entitled “The Lord Is King”, in 1870. Later it was discovered that...

Sep 5, 2023

ALL THAT THRILLS MY SOUL IS JESUS

Thoro Harris, wrote hundreds of Christian songs and published hundreds of other songs he did not write. He was one of the most prolific...