If Our Church Could Sing Only Ten Hymns

Thankfully, there is no such limit. English hymnody truly has no shortage of fantastic hymns! But if, for example, I were to have to narrow down choices for a custom hymnal to make it less expensive to print and easier to carry, I would choose these ten (today, anyway; ask me again tomorrow):

10. How Sweet and Awesome Is the Place

While all our hearts and all our songs
Join to admire the feast,
Each of us cry, with thankful tongues,
“Lord, why was I a guest?

Otherwise known by its original name, “How Sweet and Aweful Is the Place” (“Aweful” is sometimes written as “Awe-ful”), this hymn correctly describes the place of the assembled saints as one full of awe–awe for God’s grace and mercy to gather a people for his own possession.

The first stanzas focus on God’s gracious salvation of the elect, and the last beautifully state the proper results of a heart changed by the Spirit: grief for the lost who perish in their sin, and a desire to see the church grow.

9. Joy to the World

No more let sins and sorrows grow
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make his blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as the curse is found

Through this hymn is typically reserved for the Christmas season, it’s really a hymn about the second coming of Jesus Christ. This uplifting piece deserves to be sung loudly by believers year-round, as it encourages us to go to work for the Kingdom.

8. Whate’er My God Ordains Is Right

Whate’er my God ordains is right,
Here shall my stand be taken;
Though sorrow, need, or death be mine,
Yet I am not forsaken.
My Father’s care is round me there;
He holds me that I shall not fall;
And so to Him I leave it all,
And so to Him I leave it all

This could be considered a lament, likely inspired by those dark passages in the Psalms that give us a language to express ourselves to God when trials and tragedies would seek to overwhelm us.

But like those songs of lament from David and others, this hymn gives us poetic words to express our hope and trust in God. The modern tune by Matt Merker is a lovely means for this expression.

7. The Solid Rock (My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less)

His oath, his covenant, his blood,
Support me in the whelming flood;
When all around my soul gives way,
He then is all my hope and stay

This is one of the most upbeat 3/4 hymns from which to choose, but it is the words and message that make “The Solid Rock” stand out. In it we sing of things that pass away–that upon which we cannot rely–and contrast those with Christ and what he has done for us. Christ and his righteousness are ground that will never be moved.

6. Come Thou Fount

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy grace, Lord, like a fetter,
Bind my wand’ring heart to Thee:
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, Lord, take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above

The hints of archaic language really link the present assembly to saints of a bygone era who sang this hymn when it was brand new. I love to reflect on that connection–the catholicity of the Church joined across not only space, but time. And there are no better words penned by a human to join together to sing such blessed truth.

5. Before the Throne of God Above

When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died,
My sinful soul is counted free;
For God the just is satisfied
To look on him and pardon me

This hymn is among the best in its use of biblical language to express the lengths to which Christ went to express his love for us (“My name is graven on his hands” … “Behold him there, the risen Lamb/My perfect, spotless Righteousness”) and its modern tune fits perfectly.

4. Be Thou My Vision

High King of heaven, my victory won,
May I reach heaven’s joys, O bright heaven’s Sun!
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall,
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all

This is not only one of the most beautiful tunes ever composed, it also contains what are the oldest lyrics in this ten-song hymnal. Originally written in the 6th or 8th century, the words we have now were expertly translated and put to verse by Mary Elizabeth Byrne and Eleanor Hull, respectively. This is also one of three hymns in this selection I would consider a prayer.

3. His Mercy Is More

What riches of kindness He lavished on us
His blood was the payment, His life was the cost
We stood ‘neath a debt we could never afford
Our sins they are many, His mercy is more

This is by far the newest selection, and is absolutely worthy of inclusion. The title, stanza tag, and refrain were inspired by a sermon and letter written by John Newton. Poetically expressed here are the truths of our wretched state and wonderful Savior.

This song is a worthy expansion on other famous words by Newton: “Although my memory’s fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Savior.”

2. How Firm a Foundation

“When through fiery trials your pathway shall lie
My grace, all-sufficient, shall be your supply
The flame shall not hurt you, I only design
Your dross to consume and the gold to refine”

This hymn stands out in encouraging our fellow believers with the powerful promises of God to preserve his own. He is the sure and steadfast Foundation on which we stand. He has given us his Word (the Bible) and his word (the promise that he will never leave nor forsake us). Sing this loudly to your soul and fellow saints!

1. And Can it Be

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth and followed Thee

In my opinion, no other hymn combines such wondrous lyrics and soaring melodies. The themes of sinfulness, grace, sacrifice, salvation, and freedom in Christ paint a vivid picture of the story of redemption. How could one not belt it out?

Amazing love, how can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Honorable Mention:

A Mighty Fortress
How Great Thou Art
Jesus Paid it All
Nothing but the Blood
There Is a Fountain
Crown Him with Many Crowns
Just As I Am
Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
I Stand Amazed in the Presence
We Have Heard the Joyful Sound
Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery
He Will Hold Me Fast
In Christ Alone
Holy, Holy, Holy
(and everybody knows Amazing Grace, so why take up the space?!)

O God, Arise to Do Your Will

S1
O God, arise to do your will
Put all your foes to shame
Raise up Your servant-warriors
The Gospel to proclaim
Establish all the holy ones
By Jesus, clothed in white
Delivered from the dark domain (Colossians 1:13)
Now heirs and saints in light (Colossians 1:12)

As stars by Your decree burn bright
And summer flow’rs you dress
May we, Your church, in darkness shine
Adorned with righteousness
S2
Bring peace within our borders, Lord (Psalm 147:14)
The wicked, cast them low (Psalm 147:6)
Tread down the serpent where our feet (Romans 16:20)
In mission boldly go
Oppose the rulers of this world (Ephesians 6:12)
Their power overwhelm
Call forth those in Your covenant
To plunder Satan’s realm

Upheld by Your almighty hand
Your saving grace to tell
With You we shall do valiantly
Your people shall prevail
S3
Sent out as lambs amidst the wolves (Luke 10:3)
Yet, in Your hand we trust
That all rebellious hearts shall know
In all things, You are just
Though adversaries rise, Your Kingdom
They may never shake
For God the Son has won a Bride
His love shall not forsake

Though nations rage, with confidence
We make this bold address:
“O God, arise to do Your will
And reign in righteousness!”

From Death to Life

V1
Between the wrath of God and me
Once stood His Son, my shield
He, in my stead on Calvary
Bore ev'ry blow my sin would yield 

V2
Such sacrifice: a crimson flood
For hopeless sinners spilled
By this dear fount, His precious blood
The work is done, the law fulfilled
C
But for His love and might to save
Lost, I would perish in the strife
My sin had plunged me to the grave
In Christ I'm raised from death to life
V3
As barren bones in desserts dry
I'd naught but death within
Yet life's own Maker, born to die
Exchanged His righteousness for sin

V4
Because the great, immortal King
In mortals' place was slain
This song of hope, I now may sing:
"To live is Christ; to die is gain!"

My Help and My Hope

V1
My Help and my Hope: high above, ever near 
Unto Your servant incline now Your ear 
Though fleeting this breath You have given to me 
Poured out like water, a drop in the sea 

Yes brief are my days, but Yours without end 
Still my voice You hear; to my cry You attend 
What wonderful joy! What marvelous peace! 
Your aid shall not fail me, Your grace never cease
V2
O, be my salvation, my ark on the wave 
When storms of sin would sink me to the grave 
For darkness appears and the clouds hasten night 
Fix my eyes firmly on Your dawning light 

If not for the Lamb, torn that I be whole 
The thorn of the curse would lie cut through my soul 
What favor abounds! What riches untold! 
Yourself, my possession; Your Word mine to hold
V3
What debt must be settled? What more could You give? 
Love’s work is finished; by death now I live 
So plant me to grow and then prune me to bear 
In Christ abiding, upheld by Your care 

To stranger and kin will I testify– 
Till all breath is spent and to my gain I die– 
That You hear and have regarded my plea 
My Help and my Hope You forever shall be

Original Hymn: Born That We Might Be Born Again

Feel free to sing this hymn in your church without changes, addition, or omission. Let me know all about it in the comments or via message here or on social media.

SHEET MUSIC

Born That We Might Be Born Again | Words & Music: Ryan Cornett

Not to kings nor to princes did heralds appear
Proclaiming God has come to dwell with us here
But that host, to the lowly declared Heaven’s grace
“Good news and greatest joy to all Adam’s race!”

Refrain
Born is a King, Son of God, and Son of Man
“Glory!” we sing, come to Earth is Heaven’s Lamb
God Himself has provided the off’ring for sin
His child is born that we might be born again

How the dark must have fled from the angelic light
O, but their tidings far exceeded the sight!
Never heard was a message so glori’ous and true:
“Christ, Lord and Savior, has this day come to you”

Lo, the shepherds departed with haste ever swift
Seeking the greater wonder of Heaven’s gift
So may we run to Jesus, then tell of His birth:
“God in the highest brought to us peace on earth!”

Original Hymn: Welcomed to the Table

Feel free to sing this hymn in your church without changes, addition, or omission. Let me know all about it in the comments or via message here or on social media.

SHEET MUSIC

Welcomed to the Table | Words & Music: Ryan Cornett

Welcomed to the table of the King 1
Though no worth unto this meal we bring 2
Come! Rememb’ring Him, we dine and sing 3

Like no bread the fathers ate and died 4
This His body, broken for His Bride 5
Eat! Proclaiming Christ the crucified 6

This the cleansing blood of our High Priest 7
From His cup the low, the last, the least 8
Drink! Awaiting Heaven’s wedding feast 9

1 (1 Corinthians 10:17, Ephesians 2:13)
2 (Job 35:7, John 6:53-57)
3 (1 Corinthians 11:24; Matthew 26:30)
4 (John 6:58)
5 (1 Corinthians 10:16, 1 Corinthians 11:24)
6 (1 Corinthians 11:26)
7 (Hebrews 7:27, 9:12; 1 John 1:7)
8 (Job 22:2, Mark 2:17, Luke 17:10)
9 (Matthew 26:29, Revelation 19:7-9)

Our church really only sings one hymn about the Lord’s Supper, so I studied scripture and wrote this. I wanted to be brief (your church can sing this in about one minute) and really make clear what God’s people are invited and expected to do.

Believers are invited to come, eat, and drink. In partaking of the Lord’s Supper, we do so in remembrance of Him, we proclaim His death until He comes, and we await His coming and the marriage supper of the Lamb!

Original Stanza: Come Thou Fount

What a peace, thy life surrendered
Won for sinners such as me
And thy resurrection rendered
Death a sting-less enemy

I’ve no fear of all tomorrows
Thou dost ever hold me fast
Soon shall end all earthly sorrows
When I see thy face at last

I was listening to the Kings Kaleidoscope version of “Come Thou Fount” a few weeks ago, and had recently read Psalm 136 as part of my evening Bible reading. Verse 23 jumped out at me:

It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;

” … remembered us in our low estate” is particularly poetic, and the wording seemed like it would be a great fit in the “Come Thou Fount” melody. Since I like to write new verses for old hymns, I got to work.

The line straight from Psalm 136:23 eventually morphed into something else, so I plan to use it in the future. But it did inspire a stanza with which I’m very pleased.

Original Hymn: All Who Have Loved His Appearing

Feel free to sing this hymn in your church without changes, addition, or omission. Let me know all about it in the comments or via message here or on social media.

All Who Have Loved His Appearing | Words & Music: Ryan Cornett

V1
Like saints before, let us repeat
“The good fight we have fought”
No works did we ourselves achieve
The fruit, the Spirit wrought

C
Laid up for us is a crown: his righteousness, our award
‘Tis not of efforts that we have made; the price was paid by the Lord
That great coronation is nearing
For all who have loved his appearing

V2
When all is done, then let us say
“Praise God, we’ve run the race”
For Christ we stood, by strength not ours
Yes, it was all of grace

V3
As breath departs, may we proclaim
“Through him, we kept the faith”
Our boast is only in the Lord
He, who alone can save

THE STORY

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.”
2 Timothy 4:7-8

When reading God’s Word, I look for phrases that are especially poetic to modern tastes and could possibly inspire an entire song. I have a list of dozens of such phrases from the Bible. One that particularly stood out and stuck with me for months was “all who have loved his appearing.” I kept coming back to it and the passage it’s in. The three things Paul lists: “fought the good fight, … finished the race, … kept the faith” seemed like a good place to start, with each victory having its own verse.

The chorus, or refrain, is inspired by my study of the doctrine of imputation. At the cross, our sins were imputed onto Christ and he bore the entirety of the punishment earned by our sin. Consequently, Christ’s righteousness can now be justly imputed, or credited to those who believe. And how glorious the thought that the Lord Jesus Christ’s righteousness is so richly, so deeply applied to us, that we are awarded for it–and with eternal life, no less! Our crown of righteousness was earned and laid up for us by our Savior Jesus. What a glorious day the Redeemed have to look forward to!

INSPIRATION

1 Corinthians 1:31
1 Corinthians 5:10
Ephesians 2:8-9
Ephesians 4:30
Philippians 4:13
2 Timothy 4:7-8