Hymns teach us timeless truths about God and the Christian life . It is in the hymns that we sing lyrics such as , “ All I have needed , your hand has provided ;” “ I will not boast in anything — no gifts , no power , no wisdom . But I will boast in Jesus Christ , His death and resurrection ;” “ He tells me that I am His own ;” and “ Whatever my lot , thou has taught me to say , it is well with my soul .”
When we sing , these melodies and truths become imprinted on our children and us in a powerful , lasting way . Hymns open the eyes and ears of young people to core doctrines , biblical lyrics , timeless musical melodies , and hymn writers , many of whom are heroes of the Christian faith .
It takes effort to teach children this music . Hymns require more intentionality , as they are often sung with less regularity within the walls of our churches and homes . The lyrics have greater complexity , often with multiple verses , including artful and poetic language .
Whether you are teaching hymns to your children and grandchildren , familiarizing yourself for the first time , or revisiting them again after a prolonged absence , the following ideas will help you and your family learn hymns with excitement and vibrancy .
BLESSED ASSURANCE , JESUS IS MINE !
OH , WHAT A FORETASTE OF GLORY DIVINE !
HEIR OF SALVATION , PURCHASE OF GOD ,
BORN OF HIS SPIRIT , WASHED IN HIS BLOOD .
THIS IS MY STORY , THIS IS MY SONG ,
praising my Savior
Create a simple top-ten list of hymns you would like your family to know . If you ’ re not sure where to start , feel free to use our family ’ s list . If you don ’ t know the words or melodies , learn them alongside your children or grandchildren .
• “ A Mighty Fortress is Our God ,” Martin Luther
• “ Amazing Grace ,” John Newton
• “ Be Thou My Vision ,” Dallan Forgaill
• “ Blessed Assurance ,” Fanny Crosby
• “ Come , Thou Fount of Every Blessing ,” Robert Robinson
• “ Doxology ,” Louis Bourgeois
• “ Great Is Thy Faithfulness ,” Thomas Chisholm / William M . Runyan
• “ Holy , Holy , Holy ! Lord God Almighty ,” Reginald Herber / John B . Dykes
• “ How Great Thou Art ,” Carl Gustav Boberg
• “ How Deep the Father ’ s Love for Us ,” Stuart Townend
Find arrangements of hymns that suit your family ’ s style . Hymns do not need to be learned in dull musical styles ! Modern arrangements , unique instrumentations , and vocalizations are readily available . Utilize music streaming apps to sample and listen to multiple versions of the same song . Download what you enjoy , and make them into a playlist . Listen to them often , at strategic times such as during family worship , in the car , or in the background while cooking or playing board games .
Purchase a hymnal and use it . There is a deep aesthetic to singing hymns using a hymnal that is different from how young people are commonly trained to worship through music in the church . Today , we learn music by reading a screen one line at a time . Using a hymnal gives way to something special and distinct . Holding the songbook in your hand , turning the pages , finding the song , observing the song titles by category , exploring the assortment of genres , reading the text in its full context , and seeing the written notes on the page are hands-on and personal . The tactile act of using a hymnal brings learning hymns to a greater level of understanding and knowledge .
ALL THE DAY LONG .
RENEWANATION . ORG 11