Then Sings My Soul

 by Macy Johnson

“Sing to Him a new song;

play skillfully, and shout for joy.”

(Psalm 33:3 NIV)

 

Robert Morgan is the author of a prayer journal inspired by hymns. I joined the journey with him recently, beginning with “Come, Thou Almighty King.” One of our oldest English hymns, it was published around 1757 in a Methodist pamphlet. This familiar hymn was set to the tune Italian Hymn by Felice de Giardini in 1769.

 

While British troops occupied New York City during the Revolutionary War, a group of English soldiers attended a church service on Long Island. The occupiers demanded the congregation sing, “God Save the King” and forced the organist to play the hymn’s tune. But the congregation robustly sang “Come, Thou Almighty King” instead.

 

Like Mr. Morgan, I long for traditional hymns to be sung in worship. They have endured for many generations because they speak to a believer’s soul. He wrote in his prayer journal, “Let’s sing a new song to the Lord - without losing the old ones!”

 

My church’s new Interim Worship Director seems to follow Robert Morgan’s suggestions. He has discovered a website with free piano accompaniment music for the hymns of the past. Ron likes to lead the congregation in singing contemporary spiritual songs, also.

 

My favorites will always be the hymns of old, especially those sung in my family’s traditional Presbyterian style with pipe organ accompaniment.

 

“I have revealed and saved and proclaimed -

I, and not some foreign god among you.

You are my witnesses, declares the Lord,

that I am God, yes, and from ancient days I am He.

No one can deliver out of my hand.

When I act, who can reverse it?”

(Isaiah 43:12-13 NIV)

 

I will rejoice as I sing old hymns and new songs to the glory of God. I hope you will, too!