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God Himself Is With Us The story behind

The story behind: God Himself Is With Us

The origins of the hymn “God Himself Is With Us” can be traced back to Gerhard Tersteegen, a notable German theologian and hymn writer of the early 18th century. Tersteegen’s hymn, initially titled “Gott ist gegenwärtig” in German, gained prominence when it was published as part of his collection called “Geistliches Blumengärtlein” in 1729.

Tersteegen was renowned for his profound spiritual insights and emphasis on establishing a personal connection with God. His hymn reflects the theological concept of God’s immanence – the idea that God is not distant but an active participant in the world and in the lives of individuals. The hymn beautifully conveys the notion that God’s presence is not abstract, but a dynamic and intimate reality in human existence.

The hymn’s lyrics capture the awe-inspiring idea that the Creator of the universe willingly chooses to be present with humanity in their everyday experiences. It speaks to the comfort, guidance, and inner strength that arise from recognizing this divine companionship. The hymn also encourages individuals to open their hearts to this sacred presence and to offer their heartfelt devotion.

“Geistliches Blumengärtlein,” the collection in which the hymn was published, carried the heading “Remembrance of the glorious and delightful presence of God.” This title aptly encapsulates the hymn’s core theme – the joyful and awe-filled experience of God’s presence.

Though specific details about the inspiration behind the hymn are not extensively documented, Tersteegen’s deep spiritual encounters and his desire to convey the immediate and tangible nature of God’s presence played a pivotal role in its creation. Over time, the hymn has been translated into various languages and has become a beloved part of Christian worship services worldwide. Its enduring significance continues to inspire believers to foster a profound connection with the divine presence interwoven into their lives.

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All Creatures of Our God and King The story behind

The story behind: All Creatures of Our God and King

The hymn “All Creatures of Our God and King” has a rich history that dates back several centuries. It is based on a medieval hymn called “Canticle of the Sun” or “Cantico di Frate Sole” in Italian, which was written by Saint Francis of Assisi around the year 1225. Saint Francis, a Catholic friar and preacher, is widely known for his love and appreciation of nature.

The original text of “Canticle of the Sun” was written in the Umbrian dialect of Italian and was not meant to be sung as a hymn initially. It was a poetic prayer expressing Francis’ profound gratitude and reverence for God’s creation. The hymn praises God for the beauty and harmony of the natural world, attributing various aspects of creation to the glory of God.

Over time, the words of “Canticle of the Sun” were translated into different languages, including English, and eventually set to music. The most popular English translation was made by William Henry Draper in 1919. Draper’s translation, which closely follows the original text, became the basis for the hymn “All Creatures of Our God and King” as we know it today.

The hymn’s melody, known as “Lasst uns erfreuen,” is a traditional German tune that was first published in a hymnal called “Geistliche Kirchengesänge” in 1623. This melody was later paired with Draper’s English translation, creating the familiar hymn we sing today.

“All Creatures of Our God and King” has become one of the most beloved hymns in the Christian tradition, celebrated for its joyful and exultant praise of God’s creation. It continues to be sung in various Christian denominations and has been recorded by numerous artists over the years, cementing its place as a timeless hymn of worship and gratitude.

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Blessed Assurance Jesus is Mine The story behind

The story behind : Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine!

“Blessed Assurance” is a beloved Christian hymn that was written by Fanny Crosby in 1873. Fanny Crosby was a prolific hymn writer, known for penning thousands of hymns during her lifetime. Despite being blind from infancy, her faith and poetic gifts allowed her to create beautiful and timeless songs of worship.

The story of “Blessed Assurance” begins with Fanny Crosby visiting her friend and musician, Phoebe Palmer Knapp. During this visit, Phoebe played a melody on the piano and asked Fanny if she had a text in mind that could accompany it. Inspired by the music, Fanny Crosby quickly replied, “Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!”

These powerful words formed the foundation of the hymn. Fanny Crosby, a devout Christian, poured her heart into the lyrics, expressing her unwavering faith and the joy she found in her relationship with Jesus Christ. The hymn became a testament to the assurance and confidence believers can have in their salvation.

The lyrics of “Blessed Assurance” speak of the blessed assurance and confidence that comes from knowing Jesus personally. They emphasize the peace and joy that believers experience through their faith in Him. Here are the original lyrics:

“Blessed Assurance” quickly gained popularity and became a cherished hymn in Christian worship services around the world. Its heartfelt lyrics, combined with the uplifting melody composed by Phoebe Palmer Knapp, resonated with believers seeking to express their deep faith and devotion to Jesus Christ.

Over the years, “Blessed Assurance” has been recorded by numerous artists and performed in various musical styles. Its enduring message of hope, peace, and salvation continues to inspire and encourage Christians to this day, reminding them of the blessed assurance they have in Jesus Christ.

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Praise to the Lord the Almighty

The story behind : Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

The story behind “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation” involves the contributions of two individuals: Joachim Neander and Catherine Winkworth.

Joachim Neander, a German Reformed theologian and hymn writer, composed the original hymn in German titled “Lobe den Herren, den mächtigen König der Ehren” in the late 17th century. Neander drew inspiration for his hymn from Psalm 103, which speaks of praising and exalting the Lord.

Neander’s hymn gained popularity in Germany and eventually caught the attention of Catherine Winkworth, an English translator and hymnologist. Winkworth was passionate about bringing German hymns into the English-speaking world, as she recognized the depth and beauty of German hymnody.

In the mid-19th century, Winkworth translated Neander’s hymn into English and included it in her collection of translated hymns, “Lyra Germanica.” Her translation, “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation,” aimed to retain the original meaning and spirit of Neander’s hymn while making it accessible to English-speaking congregations.

Winkworth’s collection gained popularity in England and the United States, and her translation of “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” became widely sung and loved within Protestant worship traditions. The hymn’s powerful and uplifting lyrics, coupled with a memorable melody composed by an unknown source, contributed to its enduring popularity.

Throughout the years, “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” has been included in numerous hymnals across different Christian denominations. Its message of praise, adoration, and trust in God’s power and goodness continues to resonate with worshippers worldwide.

The story of “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation” exemplifies the collaborative effort between Neander, the original composer, and Winkworth, the translator who brought the hymn to a wider audience. Their combined contributions have resulted in a beloved hymn that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire and uplift people in their worship of God.

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001 - 100 Adoration and Praise Author Category Joachim Neander NUMBER P Praise to the Lord the Almighty Subcategory WORSHIP

001 – Praise to the Lord

1

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise Him, for He is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to His temple draw near;
Join ye in glad adoration!

2
Praise to the Lord, Who o’er all things so wondrously reigneth,
Shieldeth thee under His wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen how thy desires e’er have been
Granted in what He ordaineth?

3
Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee;
Surely His goodness and mercy here daily attend thee.
Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
If with His love He befriend thee.

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001 - 100 A Adoration and Praise All Creatures of Our God and King Author Francis of Assisi NUMBER The story behind WORSHIP

002 – All Creatures of Our God and King

1
All creatures of our God and King
Lift up your voice and with us sing,
Alleluia! Alleluia!
O burning sun with golden beam
And silver moon with softer gleam!

Refrain
O praise Him! O praise Him!
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

2
O rushing wind and breezes soft,
O clouds that ride the winds aloft,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
O rising morn, in praise rejoice,
O lights of evening, find a voice!

3
O flowing waters, pure and clear,
Make music for your Lord to hear,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
O fire so masterful and bright,
Providing us with warmth and light.

4
Let all things their Creator bless,
And worship Him in humbleness,
O praise Him! Alleluia!
Oh, praise the Father, praise the Son,
And praise the Spirit, three in One!

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001 - 100 Adoration and Praise Author Gerhard Tersteegen God Himself Is With Us NUMBER The story behind WORSHIP

003 – God Himself Is With Us

1
God Himself is with us;
Let us all adore Him,
And with awe appear before Him.
God is here within us;
Soul, in silence fear Him,
Humbly, fervently draw near Him.
Now His own who have known God,
In worship lowly,
Yield their spirits wholly.

2
Come, abide within me;
Let my soul, like Mary,
Be Thine earthly sanctuary.
Come, indwelling Spirit,
With transfigured splendor;
Love and honor will I render.
Where I go here below,
Let me bow before Thee,
Know Thee and adore Thee.

3
Gladly we surrender
Earth’s deceitful treasures,
Pride of life and sinful pleasures:
Gladly, Lord, we offer
Thine to be forever,
Soul and life and each endeavor.
Thou alone shall be known
Lord of all our being,
Life’s true way decreeing.

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401 - 500 Author B Blessed Assurance Jesus is Mine Category CHRISTIAN LIFE Fanny J. Crosby Joy and Peace NUMBER Subcategory The story behind

462 – Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine!

1
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.

Refrain
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long;
this is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.

2
Perfect submission, perfect delight,
visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
angels descending bring from above
echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

3
Perfect submission, all is at rest;
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with his goodness, lost in his love.