“Moses came with Joshua son of Nun and spoke all the words of this song in the hearing of the people. When Moses finished reciting all these words to all Israel, he said to them, “Take to heart all the words I have solemnly declared to you [in song] this day… They are not just idle words for you—they are your life. By them you will live long in the land you are crossing the Jordan to possess.” ~Deuteronomy 32.44-47 NIV
These are some of my life songs, the ones so dripping with piercing truth that time and again, they are my life, the spiritual blood pulsing through these mortal veins.
I will Praise Him, words and music by Margaret J. Harris 1898
Great is Thy Faithfulness, Thomas O. Chisholm, 1923
There is a Fountain Filled with Blood, by William Cowper, written after his first major bout with depression
His Name is Wonderful, Audrey May Meier, in the 1950s (she also wrote “Sweet, Sweet Spirit” which I love and sang many times growing up)
When I Look into Your Holiness, lyrics by Wayne Perrin, 1980s
He’s All I Need, traditional
They are not just idle words or antiquated melodies for me. They are my life.
What are yours???
Great list! We need to sing these more often and teach them to today’s church.
Here are some of mine:
Holy Holy Holy by Reginald Heber in 1826 though the music and words were put together in 1861
Victory in Jesus by Eugene Monroe Bartlett Senior 1939
A LOVE SONG by Chuck Girard 1972
Sweet Sweet Song of Salvation by Larry Norman 1969
Blessed Assurance by Fanny Crosby 1839
O God Our Lord by Keith Green from Songs for the Shepherd 1982
Sweet Holy Spirit Hymn
Love Is by Barry McGuire 1973
These are great, Donna! I also LOVE “Holy, Holy, Holy” and “Blessed Assurance.” And Larry Nrman? O yes!! I didn’t know anyone else in the world would remember Chuck “Love Song.” :) I have the record, live!!