One of the benefits of the old fashioned hymnal was that often, the hymns were ordered by subject. rather than alphabetically (unlike contemporary song books or online resources). The benefit is that the person choosing the songs can quickly find songs that link to the particular theme that the service will focus on. So, a few years back when we were at Bearwood Chapel, to try and help our worship coordinators I put together a list of the songs we sung.
I was thinking about that list recently after seeing another article bemoaning contemporary worship and complaining that it only focuses on one or two areas of the Christian message, that it’s all about being happy clappy and missing other aspects of Christian worship.
Now when I put my list together, what surprised and encouraged me was that whilst some subject areas were thinner than others, it was good to see that most subjects were covered to some extent.
For interest, here’s an updated version of the list including some newer songs. Also note that I’ve included older hymns where new tunes, arrangements, choruses and bridges have been added.
- God –Creation and Providence –worthy of praise
From the Highest of Heights Indescribable
Praise is rising
At your name
There is a Higher Throne
Who has held the oceans in his hands? (Behold our God)
My Jesus my Saviour (Shout to the Lord)
Our God is an awesome God
Bless the Lord oh my soul (10,000 reasons)
All My Days (Beautiful Saviour)
Come and Stand before your maker (Rejoice)
You have called us out of darkness night (May the people’s praise you)
Unbroken Praise
Good, Good Father
What a beautiful name it is
The Stand
Waymaker
Holy Forever
Joy in the House of the Lord
Ever be
Christ be magnified
- The incarnation
From the Squalor of a borrowed stable
Jesus Joy of the Highest Heaven
Light of the World
Adore
Christmas Alleluia
Manger Throne
- Life of Jesus
Good Good Shepherd
Water you turned into wine
With a prayer you fed the hungry (love incarnate)
- The atonement
Oh Precious Sight Anastasis
Thank you Jesus for the blood applied
Oh to see the dawn
In Christ Alone
Who alone could save themselves?
The Mystery of the Cross (Jesus Thank you)
I sign your cross over me
Living Hope
The Stand
- The Resurrection and ascension of Jesus
The Greatest Day in history
Only one name
See what a morning
He Arose (Low in the Grave he lay) -inc Alabare arrangement
I’ve Seen the Lord he is risen
Resurrection Power
- The work of the Holy Spirit
Deliverer comes set me free
In the beginning was darkness and nothing (Breathe on me oh Breath of God)
Spirit break out
The power of your love
- The Word of God
From the Breaking of the Dawn (I will stand on every promise)
Speak oh lord
Now with reverence and awe
- The Church
Come people of the risen King
Build this house
- The Christian Life –Assurance
Victorious
Sovereign Grace
Loved before the dawn of time
Now why this fear and unbelief
Christ is my reward
This is our God (Your grace is enough)
Cornerstone (My Hope is built on nothing less)
Under your wings **
Oh Lord my rock and my redeemer **
There is Grace Awaiting me
Oh Come to the Altar
The goodness of God
There is a hope
Look to the hills (see your helper come)
Living Hope
Amazing Grace (My chains are gone)
Amazing Grace (Colin Webster adaption to Auld Lang Syne)
- The Christian Life Sanctification and Perseverance
Strength will rise
There is a hope
Still (Hide me now)
The Grace of God has reached for me (The Lord is my salvation)
Broken Vessels (Amazing Grace)
Great our you Lord (It’s your breath in our lungs)
Big Family of God
Turn your eyes **
Who you say I am
Altogether good
Battle belongs (I’ll fight on my knees)
We speak Jesus
Look to the Hills (See your helper come)
- Proclaiming the Gospel
We have heard the joyful sound
- Harvest
Heaven/life after death/funerals
Hymn of Heaven
There is a hope
- Christ’s Return
There is a Day **
Holy Forever
Faithroots 