Saint George’s Hymn Project
Grant that what we sing with our lips we may believe in our hearts,
and what we believe in our hearts we may show forth in our lives.
Many people ask me if I have a favorite hymn. I used to say that there were too many to pick…and there are. But as I have grown older, I’ve managed to cobble a top ten (or so) list together, from which different hymns rise to the top at different times. Consistently for me, however, Christ, Mighty Savior (Hymn 34) has had significant meaning. I first experienced this hymn at the end of a choir rehearsal in graduate school. Every rehearsal ended with this hymn, and I was transported by its words and tune the first time I heard it. I couldn’t get enough this beautiful tune and its equally beautiful text that were so well paired. I love how the rises and falls gracefully throughout to a half-cadence conclusion, which gave the hymn’s ending a sense of openness and not finality. For indeed, God’s work is not finished. The text beautifully traces God’s work in our lives and the world and provides words of comfort and love in all seasons of life. I love all the words – I can’t pick a favorite phrase.
We sometimes sing this hymn at the end of the Saint George’s Choir rehearsals. We often sing it at Evensongs. I sing it to my kids at bedtime. And the most special and sacred memories of this hymn are the times I have sung it with other Saint Georgians at the bedsides of beloved members this community as they have passed into eternal life.
Hymn 376 - Joyful, Joyful we adore thee
Don George, Senior Warden writes:
First of all, not being much of a singer, I enjoy this hymn because it's easy to sing along with - to me anyway....I love the words and sense of how all of creation gives thanks to God. It was also the hymn we used as we recessed after we got married at St. George's; so this hymn is special and sacred to me.
Hymn 287 – For all the saints
George SIbert writes:
It has been my favorite for a long, long time. The words, the music, everything!
Hymn 416 – For the beauty of the earth
Denise Cormaney writes:
I've loved this one for as long as I can remember. I think it's because even as a child, I could grasp the simple yet profound sentiment expressed in this hymn. "For the love, which from our birth, over and around us lies." I sing this line in my head every time I'm in nature, or sometimes even in the parish hall when it's filled with people, or often when I'm surrounded by family and friends. God's love is constant, and it is everywhere we look if we're paying attention.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Ben Keseley, Minister of Music
St. George’s Favorite Hymn Project:
We are collecting YOUR favorite hymns. Submit yours today.
Tell us what it is here and why.