By Robert J. Morgan
I enjoyed this book SO much. Reading about the stories behind some of the hymns and songs of praise was very interesting and many of the stories were quite moving. The first part of the book gives a history of hymns and the different types of hymns including Ancient, Biblical, and Medieval. This gives you some insight to the styles and types throughout the ages.
The book then goes into individual hymns and praise songs and the stories behind them and tells about the authors who wrote it. I especially love, as a piano player, that the music for each song is in the book. How fun to sit down and actually play the song you are reading about.
I also loved that Mr. Morgan also got into the more recent songs of praise and how they came to be. Since we sing many of these more contemporary praise songs in our church, it was especially interesting and inspiring to me to learn more about the authors and how they came to write this music.
In part three, he shares "The Six Hymn Stories I love to Tell". I can well understand why he loves to tell these stories as I found them so amazing, interesting, and inspiring!!
In the final parts of the book, he shares why we love the hymns. How we draw strength from them and why it's important to memorize some of the hymns. I had never thought about this really, but I have to say, in my pain and illness, I have many, many times sang to myself the songs that comfort me with their words of assurance. I have had many of my favorite songs running through my head has I laid on a medical table while getting some kind of test or treatment - reminding myself that Jesus is indeed with me. How many times have I sung the songs of my youth that my Grandmother loved because they comforted me and reminded me that the Lord is near by?
I love this book, highly, highly recommend it and I know that it would be a wonderful addition to your library. You will be so inspired and amazed by some of the stories behind the wonderful music that we sing together on Sundays in our congregations. It will put a whole new meaning to them each time you sing them.
*****
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Blessings - Julie
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