A favorite classic hymn with roots in the American civil war. A liberal (for the day) woman wrote these stirring words about the second coming of Christ, using lots of imagery from Revelation. What a powerful and moving song! Hear the history, an analysis of the lyrics, and a performance of all 6 original verses on today's episode.

A talented songwriter and musician wrote this beautiful song, which DL Moody said he would have loved to have written! Many lives have been touched by these special words. Has yours?

This classic hymn has got simple but profound words and a singable melody. How joyful to sing "O how I love Jesus, because He first loved me!" The verses are deep and meaningful. Hear the history of this great hymn on today's episode.

A classic hymn inspired by words in Revelation - but these days we sing some words from the original, and some from a rewritten version. Hymnals differ in the verses they publish! Either way, it is a powerful song giving Christ the glory that is His.

Augustus Toplady wrote this brilliant old hymn. First a fan of Wesleys, he ended up becoming their enemy! And yet his classic hymn was probably influenced by a Wesleyan hymnal which spoke of the Rock of Ages.

A classic Charles Wesley hymn. Did he write it in a storm? When a bird flew into his office? When he was chased by a crowd after preaching? Whichever story is true, Wesley’s great hymn is comforting to us as we seek to live out our faith.

A favourite hymn written by a brilliant musician, based on some powerful words she once read in a tract about turning your eyes upon Jesus, and the things of earth growing strangely dim.

A classic children's hymn, Jesus Loves Me was written as part of a novel in a scene with a dying child. The woman who wrote it is deeply respected by the American military.

A classic hymn written to teach children about the Creator God! But did you know the writer was accused of classism because of the lyrics? Discover the story of 'All Things Bright and Beautiful' and have a closer look at the words here today.

A brilliant man with simple faith wrote the classic hymn "Breathe on Me Breath of God". His lyrics about the Holy Spirit have inspired many over the decades!

The story behind the great hymn Be Thou My Vision is an intriguing one, dating back many centuries.

A great song written by John Sammis and Daniel Towner, who heard somebody say something special at an evangelical meeting held by DL Moody. What a great song that sums up the Christian life! Listen and be blessed.

Fanny Crosby, blind from a young age writes about the wonder she looks forward to when she sees Jesus. Plus she writes of salvation and the glory God deserves in this favourite hymn - which was almost forgotten until Billy Graham revived it.

A great hymn of gratitude! Johnson Oatman Jr wanted to sing like his father, but discovered that he was a better hymn writer than a singer.

The story behind this beautiful hymn written by Eleanor Farjeon, made famous by Cat Stevens, made musical by Rick Wakeman, celebrating the God who made it all! Also includes some tales from my visit to the Stretham Rookery.

Bill and Gloria Gaither wrote the classic hymn “Because He Lives” when they were wondering if bringing a child into the world in the 1960s was wise! It's become one of the great Easter songs, reminding us that "life is worth the living" because of the empty tomb of Jesus Christ.

Judson Van De Venter's words of complete surrender have inspired countless Christians since he wrote them. Have they touched your life? Hear the story behind the song, and a deep dive into the lyrics, here.

Robert Lowry wrote one of the great classic hymns of all time - which talks about the only 'fount' which can cleanse our sin stains.

"Just a Closer Walk With Thee" is a classic hymn and jazz standard from the 1930s/40s. An old slave melody, it seems that Kenneth Morris heard this quite by accident and then published it to great acclaim. Let's explore the history and lyrics of this great song.

Reginald Heber's classic poem has become a classic hymn. Hear about his life as a priest and missionary, his sudden death, and how this brilliant piece of hymn writing came about!