Hymn of the Day: Deeper and Deeper

Deeper and Deeper
Words and Music by Oswald J. Smith, 1890–1986
Oswald J. Smith wrote the words to this hymn after many difficult experiences during the early years of his ministry. He related in his book, The Story of My Life, that he was carried through these troublesome times by what he called his “morning watch.”
It was [...]

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Hymn of the Day: God Moves In Mysterious Ways

God Moves in a Mysterious Way
William Cowper, 1731–1800
This hymn text was written by the English poet, William Cowper. Cowper’s life was filled with mental anguish, which included an eighteen month stay in an insane asylum and several attempted suicides. During his time in the asylum, Cowper began reading the Bible. At the age of thirty-three [...]

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Hymn of the Day: Father, Whate’er of Earthly Bliss

Father, Whate’er of Earthly Bliss
Anne Steele (1716–1778)
Anne Steele was one of the most gifted women hymnists of the eighteenth century. However, her personal life was filled with tragedy. Her mother died when she was only three years old; she became an invalid at the age of nineteen due to a hip injury; and her fiancée [...]

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Hymn of the Day: Does Jesus Care?

Does Jesus Care?
Frank E. Graeff, 1860–1919
Frank E. Graeff, known as the “sunshine minister” of the Methodist denomination in the churches of the Philadelphia conference, was widely liked for his cheerful and winsome personality. C. Austin Miles, writer of the hymn “In the Garden,” said of him:
He is a spiritual optimist, a great friend of children; [...]

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Hymn of the Day: Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Robert Robinson, 1735–1790
During his early teen years, Robert Robinson lived in London, where he mixed with a notorious gang of hoodlums and led a life of debauchery. At the age of seventeen he attended a meeting where the noted evangelist George Whitefield was preaching. Robinson went for the purpose of [...]

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Hymn of the Day: Brighten the Corner

Brighten the Corner
Ina Duley Ogdon, 1877–?
“Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do … but brighten the corner where you are!” These words were born out of frustration when the talented speaker, Mrs. Ina Ogdon, was selected to be on the Chautauqua Circuit. This would give her the opportunity to reach thousands [...]

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Hymn of the Day: Blest Be the Tie That Binds

Blest Be the Tie That Binds
John Fawcett, 1740–1817
“We just cannot break the ties of affection that bind us to you dear friends.” As Mary Fawcett assured the little congregation at Wainsgate, England, of the bond of love that she and her husband felt for their poor peasant parishioners, Pastor John decided to express his feelings [...]

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Hymn of the Day: Abide With Me

Abide With Me
     This beloved hymn of comfort and trust was written by a pastor who was sickly and unwell most of the time.
     Henry F. Lyte  pastored a seashore church in England, among the rough sailors and uncultured villagers. And this made outsiders often wonder. But they loved him and he loved [...]

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Hymn of the Day: Beneath the Cross of Jesus

Beneath the Cross of Jesus
Elizabeth C. Clephane, 1830–1869
This hymn of commitment was written by a frail Scottish Presbyterian woman of the nineteenth century, Elizabeth Clephane. Despite her physical limitations, she was known throughout her community of Melrose, Scotland, for her helpful, cheery nature. Among the sick and dying in her area she won the name [...]

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Hymn of the Day: And Can It Be

 
And Can It Be?
Charles Wesley, 1707–1788
Even though he had a strict religious training in his youth, education at Oxford University, and missionary service in the new colony of Georgia, Charles Wesley had no peace or joy in his heart and life. Returning to London after a discouraging time in America, he met with a group [...]

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