Hymns Of Praise

Hymns of Praise

Praise the LORD! How good to sing praises to our God! How delightful and how fitting!

Psalm 147:1

What hymns do you like to sing? Tony Loeffler, a formerly homeless suicidal addict, is now a Christian and the founder of Solid Rock Ministries. He writes, “Hymns breathe the praise of saints, the visions of the prophets, the prayers of the penitent, and the spirit of martyrs. They bring solace to the sad, assurance to the perplexed, faith to the doubter and comfort to the oppressed. They span the centuries of history and bridge the barrier of denominations. Study hymns and spiritual songs to be pure in heart; sing them to be joyful in spirit and store them in the mind to possess a treasury of worship.”

Most people assume that the only hymns that Amish sing are from the Ausbund. This is not the case. Singing hymns like “Amazing Grace” or “In the Sweet By and By” is popular outside of church. Here’s a bit more about the Amish approach to singing:

Amish do enjoy song, and often sing informally. This may be anything from singing in the shower, the garden, or while working. Song is seen as a joyful way to pass the time and make the work go quicker. Songs are typically sung in English.

Church songs are generally not sung alone or informally. Amish will gather to practice these songs. Amish married men, for instance, may gather together to practice church singing on a weekday. Christian hymns may also be sung in English at breakfast or at the end of the day.

When we sing, we have a special connection with those who’ve gone before us. Their praise, vision, and prayers connect with ours even though they are long gone. I look forward to the day when people from every nation and language will join together to praise God. How delightful and fitting that will be!

Dear heavenly Father, how precious You are, that Your Spirit moves on the heart of a man or woman in the words of a hymn, and then we get to participate in worship with those of other generations!