Today’s Friday Classic hymn is probably the oldest English hymn that is still sung today! And the story behind it involves a murderous queen known as Bloody Mary, Swiss Calvinists translating the Bible, and a Scottish Protestant writing metrical Psalms. Enjoy!

A German nun wrote a wonderful hymn based on Psalm 46, and a century later a pious Scottish woman translated it into English. Years later still, a famous melody was matched to the words - and a classic hymn fell into place. How many people have been deeply encouraged and strengthened by this powerful song?

A blind lay preacher wrote a wonderful poem on prayer... or did he? There is some mystery behind today's Friday Classic Hymn - but in the end, this is wonderful hymn reminding us of the amazing worth of taking time to pray.

Edward Perronet, an early Methodist and later independent minister, wrote one of the great praise hymns of all time. His original 8 verses are filled with biblical imagery that "crown Him Lord of All"!

This great hymn is known as the battle hymn of the reformation! Hear the story behind it's composition by the famous German monk and reformer Martin Luther, and see why his lyrics are still sung with gusto around the world today.

As he left for his daily walks, Rev. Maltbie D. Babcock would say "I'm off to see my Father's world!" After his tragic death, his wife published a poem he has written with these words. Today I tell the story, and then take a look at ALL 16 VERSES! This will surely bless you as you consider his powerful words.

A great Charles Wesley hymn! But his brother John was not convinced by some of his words. Let's take a look at why... and then we'll sing two different versions of the song together at the end (Beecher and Blaenwern).

Acclaimed Scottish pastor and academic Dr. Walter Smith used to write hymns as a hobby. How blessed we are to have his powerful 1867 hymn based on 1 Timothy 1:17, a song which has touched many lives with its bold proclamation of God's glory and light.

“There's wonderful pow'r in the blood!” A rousing hymn written by a classmate of the famous evangelist Billy Sunday. A camp meeting inspired the song, and Christians everywhere have loved it simple explanation of the effectiveness of the shed blood of Christ.

When asked "why should I worship a dead Jew?", a Presbyterian minister penned a sermon and a song to go along with it. The song turned into a Resurrection classic! Hear the story and take a close look at the words of his hymn in today's episode.

Is there a better hymn about the cross on which Jesus died? Isaac Watts wrote these incredible words, and today I'll sing the two most common tunes associated with the hymn. As you 'survey' the wondrous cross today, may you give your life, your all to the one who died there.

The one and only St Francis of Assisi wrote this wonderful song of praise - and an English clergyman translated it into the beautiful English words we sing today. What a powerful hymn of worship, calling the whole earth to sing, and to forgive others in Christ.

This lovely hymn was either written by a young Canadian man on his conversion, or an Englishman a few years later. It is a beautiful devotional song that has given expression to the faith of countless people since it was published.

A touching song written by a blind man in a time of sadness. His words show his wonderful faith in looking to Jesus as the source of love, light, joy - and crosses to bear.

This is the first "modern classic" in this series! I always thought this song was from back in 1800s, but then I learned that it was in the early 2000s that Keith Getty and Stuart Townend wrote it. This is surely one of the most in depth and thoughtful songs about the supremacy of Christ.

Anthony Johnson Showalter is a legend in the gospel music world! When two old students of his both lost a spouse, Showalter reminded them of a Scripture that could give them help and hope. This led him to start writing a song, which his friend Elisha Hoffman finished off. This simple song of faith has meant a lot to many Christians over the years! Perhaps it will become one of your favourites too.

One of the great hymns of God's love was written by Charles Gabriel, musician and songwriter alongside the great evangelist Billy Sunday. These words about "Jesus the Nazarene" and his wonderful, marvelous love have captured millions.

When Rufus McDaniel's son died, he wrote a song that spoke about the hope he had in Jesus. Sending it off to a popular evangelistic songwriter of the day, his song became an instant classic and one of the most joyful gospel songs of all!

A powerful hymn of praise, written as a paraphrase of Psalm 103 by the same man who wrote Abide With Me. What a great hymn!

A great carol written in 1849 by Rev. Edmund Sears of Massachusetts, which looks back at the first Christmas, explains how Christmas is relevant today, and looks forward to re-singing the angels' song in the new heavens and new earth.