Hymn Story All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night Hymn lists by book of Bible NOTE: This hymn is also known as "Glory to Thee, My God, This Night." The author of this hymn was Thomas Ken (1637-1711), a bishop in the Church of England—often considered to be the father of English hymnody. Ken's musical [...]

Hymn Story All People That on Earth Do Dwell Hymn lists by book of Bible In the Reformation, there was a difference of opinion between Luther and Calvin concerning music for congregational singing.  Luther advocated the use of hymns and carols, and even wrote a number of those.  Calvin was concerned that hymns not clearly [...]

Hymn Story All My Hope on God is Founded Hymn lists by book of Bible Joachim Neander wrote this hymn and sixty more.  He was a member of the German Reformed Church, and was strongly influenced by Philip Spener, the founder of Pietism.  A rambunctious sort in his youth, he became involved in ministry in [...]

Hymn Story All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name Hymn lists by book of Bible Hymn Story: All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name The words for this hymn were written by Edward Perronet (1726-1792), whose family had been Huguenots who, before Edward's birth, fled from France to Switzerland and then to England to [...]

Hymn Story All Glory, Laud and Honor Hymn lists by book of Bible This hymn was written by Bishop Theodolph of France while serving a prison sentence imposed by King Louis I, the son of Charlemagne.  The charges, false as nearly as we can determine, were that Theodolph had plotted against the king. While in [...]

Hymn Story All Creatures of Our God and King Hymn lists by book of Bible His name was Giovanni Bernardone, but he became known as St. Francis of Assisi.  The son of a wealthy merchant, he was expected to follow in his father's footsteps but rebelled against the pursuit of money.  As a young [...]

Hymn Story Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed Hymn lists by book of Bible Isaac Watts (1674-1748) was an English clergyman—but a Dissenter (not a member of the Church of England).  As a Dissenter, he wasn't eligible to attend Cambridge or Oxford, but was nevertheless able to complete his studies at an academy run by [...]

Hymn Story Ah, Holy Jesus Hymn lists by book of Bible Why me?  That is a question that each of us is tempted to ask at some point.  Why am I sick?  Why did my house flood?  Why can't I seem to get ahead financially?  Why me? Johann Heermann had more cause to ask, "Why [...]

Hymn Story According to Thy Gracious Word Hymn lists by book of Bible This hymn was written by James Montgomery (1771-1854), who was born in Scotland of Irish parents.  His father, John Montgomery, was a Moravian pastor—apparently the only Moravian pastor serving in Scotland at the time. Montgomery's parents felt a call to serve as [...]