Songs of Praise Top Ten hymns

I was recently asked to take part in a BBC Songs of Praise programme, where we were giving our perspectives on the top ten hymns as voted by Songs of Praise viewers in a telephone poll earlier in the year. Remarkably, “In Christ alone” made it into the top ten, which either means it’s becoming accepted in a broad range of church settings, or my Mum’s phone bill was huge that month…

The more I thought about the programme, the more I realised what a fantastic opportunity it was to share the gospel with millions of people by talking about the content of these hymns. And I thought I would share these brief musings with you – done, in the finest traditions of top ten lists, in reverse order…

10. Shine Jesus, shine

Graham Kendrick over the last 20 years has been the major figure in worship songwriting. He was one of the pioneers of the modern worship song, and he set the standard that that those of us who have followed on have been trying to match. I have no doubt that in 100 years time the name of Kendrick will be alongside Watts and Wesley in the list of the UK’s greatest hymnwriters.

The depth of understanding in his lyrics, and the poetry, I think, is outstanding. And he writes about the whole gospel. If you’re looking for a song on a particular bible verse, the chances are Graham has written one.

I was fortunate enough to be in Graham’s band for a few years, and it was fascinating during that time to see how hard he worked at crafting his lyrics. It’s not unusual today to hear people slag off modern hymns as superficial rubbish – well, people who say that clearly haven’t looked at Graham Kendrick’s songs.

I personally don’t think “Shine Jesus shine” is Graham’s best song. But it captures a heartcry that many of us as Christians feel, that the joy, and the hope, and the new life we’ve found in Christ would spread beyond the 4 walls of the church and into our communities, and our nation.

9. In Christ alone

I’ve had more feedback from this song than every other song I’ve written. I hear from people who’ve sung it at their wedding, but also from many people who have sung it at the funeral of a relative or close friend. It seems to be a source of comfort and faith in times of crisis. I received one email from a soldier in the US army posted out to Iraq, who was meditating on a couple of lines of the song every day as a source of strength to cope with the traumas of life.

The heart of “In Christ alone” is very simple. It’s the amazing story of the life, death and resurrection of Christ and what that means for us today – freedom from guilt, because Christ paid the price for all my wrongdoings on the cross, so I could be forgiven; and freedom from fear of death, because now I belong to Christ, and death is simply the gateway to being with Him forever – that’s the certain hope of Christianity.

8. Guide me O Thou great Redeemer

We can often mistakenly think that the hymns we sing were probably written by 18th century well-off clergymen with nothing better to do than read the Bible and write poetry. Willams not only wrote 800 hymns, he travelled nearly 100,000 miles on foot and on horseback preaching the gospel. So I find there’s a vitality to a hymn like “Guide me”, because it’s the by-product of a life dedicated to the service of God whatever the cost.

7. Make me a channel of Your peace

My daughter went shopping the other day and came back with a bag from a leading clothing retailer which said “The world revolves around me”. And I thought, yep, that’s the philosophy of the society we live in. It’s about my rights, my needs, my fair share, about my opportunity for fame, my status in relation to others.

In the context of our so-called enlightened modern society, the words of St Francis are revolutionary. Instead of sitting back waiting to be accepted, to be understood, to be loved by others, true fulfilment comes in stepping out, reaching out, being selflessly Christlike to others.

6. Be still

Although it’s quite simple, it’s an extremely well-crafted lyric, and there’s an increasing intensity with each verse that draws you closer to God.

This song is over 20 years old now, and many of the songs written at that time have disappeared without trace. I think the enduring quality of this song is that its message is as relevant now as it ever was. We’re all so busy and active, and this song (very politely) says, stop running around, shut up and experience the presence, the glory and the power of God.

5. Love divine, all loves excelling

We have this picture sometimes of modern worship songs being quite emotional, while the historic hymns are dignified and rather detached emotionally. But I find many of Charles Wesley’s hymns so full of passion, I get very excited and emotional, and find it hard to contain myself. “Long my imprisoned spirit lay/Fastbound in sin & nature’s night/Thine eye diffused a quickening ray/I woke, the dungeon flamed with light/My chains fell off, my heart was free/I rose went forth and followed Thee”

“Love divine” doesn’t have the intensity of “And can it be”, but there is an immediacy in his desire to meet with God – “Jesus Thou are all compassion/Pure unbounded love Thou art/Visit us with Thy salvation/Enter every trembling heart”.

4. Be Thou my vision

This hymn seems to have undergone a revival in recent years, in keeping with the resurgence of the ‘celtic sound’. There is an aspect of the hymn that I love, about keeping Christ central to every aspect of my activity, my thinking and my will – but I find some of the language and symbols a bit impenetrable – “naught be all else to me, save that Thou art”… mmm…

3. The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended

In many ways it’s an unremarkable hymn. But it expresses an important truth, that when we are offering up our humble praise in our little congregation, we are actually part of a huge offering of praise being given continually by millions around the world, which in turn echoes the continual praise of heaven which has been going on since the beginning of time and will continue through eternity.

2. Dear Lord and Father of mankind (The brewing of Soma)

You know, I never really grasped what this hymn is about, until I did some background reading. It’s part of a poem about drug taking, and how you don’t need drugs to find the peace of God. And the tune’s fantastic.

1. How great Thou art

I think “How great Thou art” is a magnificent hymn – musically a little old-fashioned, definitely; overused down the years, probably. But it’s still magnificent.

It powerfully combines two basic elements that I think are the key to a successful hymn – a vivid, inspiring exploration of God’s greatness, and a simple but heartfelt chorus of response in praise. So when you paint the picture well of who God is, then you articulate a response that fires people’s hearts, you have a great hymn.

It’s a very biblical hymn. It begins with grasping something of the greatness of God through His creation, then it goes on to recognising that God’s character of love and power was expressed most fully through the life and death of Christ, and it ends up with us finally grasping the full majesty and wonder of God when we are face to face with Him. And each time we have the opportunity to respond to this revelation with a passionate heartcry.

Comments

[Ken]

We use "In Christ Alone" in our church services and appreciate its rich theology and beautiful tune. In general, the newer songs our church enjoys are of this nature.

I am surprised at the older hymns that made this list. I would have expected a different batch... But then again, I don't even recognize three of these (#2, 3, 7)!

Ken Shomo
New Jersey, USA

[Vanessa Surgeon]

I think "See what a morning" should have made it on the top ten list. That song just blesses my heart every single time I hear it - and I play it a lot.
God Bless you and your ministry !!

Vanessa Surgeon
USA

[Bob Garbett]

I live in Melbourne Australia, and whenever I have the opportunity (which is not very often!)I watch Songs of Praise. Being a British expatriate I’m reduced to tears most times, and it's mainly the hymns that have this effect on me. One of my favourite hymns would have to be “Be Still" this song always grabs my attention, and speaks directly to my heart; it's a love song from the father’s heart, one that always longs to be heard, and one that longs to connect with his children, and this hymn captures the echo of his heart.

Regards Bob Garbett

[Jim Edwards]

Thank you for bringing greater depth to the church in this form of worship. A shallow repetition has crept in to some of our choruses. I especially like In Crist Alone done by Geoff Moore and Adi Camp. How Deep the Father's Love for Us was one one of the worship songs in the memorial service of a dear friend. It had a powerful impact on me. The glory is all for Jesus.

[Janet Van Voorhis]

"In Christ Alone" not on shares the gospel but speaks the hope we have in Christ. The words are truth and God's truth always resonates in our hearts. I am including it in my memorial plans. Thank you so much for it. I am always deeply moved by it's beauty.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Janet