Hymn Story Rise Up, O Men of God Also known as "Rise Up, O Saints of God" Hymn lists by book of Bible William P. Merrill (1867-1954) was a Presbyterian pastor who served several churches during his lifetime—most notably Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City, where he served from 1911 until his retirement [...]

Hymn Story Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart Hymn lists by book of Bible Edward Plumptre served for years as chaplain and professor at King's College in London.  He taught biblical exegesis and theology, which can be pretty dull subjects—but this hymn proves that Plumptre had a common touch.  That surely was responsible for the [...]

Hymn Story Rejoice, the Lord is King Hymn lists by book of Bible Charles Wesley found the inspiration to write this hymn in Paul's admonition to the church at Philippi, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice" (Philippians 4:4). Paul was an unlikely candidate for rejoicing, because his life as a Christian [...]

Hymn Story Take the Name of Jesus with You (Precious Name) Hymn lists by book of Bible Take the Name of Jesus with You (Precious Name) Names were important in the Bible.  When God called Abram, he changed Abram's name to Abraham, because "You will be the father of a multitude of nations" (Genesis 17:4).  He [...]

Hymn Story Praise to the Lord,the Almighty Hymn lists by book of Bible The author of this hymn, Joachim Neander, was born in Bremen, Germany in 1650.  In his early years, he lived a lusty, immoral life.  Then he and a group of friends decided to attend a service conducted by a visiting preacher, Pastor [...]

Hymn Story Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven Hymn lists by book of Bible Henry Francis Lyte, the author of this hymn, didn't have an easy life.  His father abandoned the family while Henry was still a boy.  Then Henry's mother and brother died, leaving Henry an orphan at age nine.  A Christian couple, [...]

Hymn Story Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow Hymn lists by book of Bible This one-verse hymn is also known as Doxology. The word doxology comes from two Greek words, doxa, which means glory, and logos, which means word.  So a doxology is literally "a word of glory."  We sing doxologies to give glory [...]

Hymn Story Open the Eyes of My Heart, Lord Hymn lists by book of Bible "Open the Eyes of My Heart," is a prayer––a prayer that Christ will "open the eyes of my heart," because "I want to see You."   It prays to see Christ "high and lifted up"––a reference both to Christ's being [...]

Hymn Story Open My Eyes Hymn lists by book of Bible Psalm 119:18 is a prayer for spiritual insight.  It asks God, "Open my eyes, so that I may behold wondrous things out of your law."  Reading that verse inspired Clara Scott to write the hymn "Open My Eyes."  The opening verse of the hymn [...]