Hymns played an important part in worship during my formative years. I’ve written here on Voices that my earliest memory of worship is standing beside my mother at the First Baptist Church of Fairfield, Texas, while the congregation sang, “Bringing in the Sheaves.” I thought they sang “bringing in the leaves,” and that seemed strange to me. Why would people bring in leaves?
Still, hymns were the staple of congregational worship for several hundred years. Old timers like me grew up singing them, and we miss singing the familiar hymns of yesterday. I teach the old folks’ Sunday school class at our church, and we sing a hymn every Sunday morning. We’ve been members at this church in Fort Worth for two years, and in worship they only use contemporary music. I’m not opposed to contemporary Christian music; I just wish a hymn could be included occasionally.
I thought it would be interesting to poll our dear Voices readers to ask about their favorite hymn. I hope you will share the title of your favorite hymn (or hymns) and tell why it’s your favorite
As for me, my favorite (and it’s hard to choose) is “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” I love the words and the music, too. We often sang this in the Philippines during my missionary service there. The words in Cebuano, the language of the central and southern Philippines, are quite beautiful: “Matinumanon Ka, Dios Amahan ko!” (You are faithful, God my Father.) What adds value for me is that the hymn was translated from English to Cebuano by my friend, Ben Yngayo. I am 75 years old now, and I can testify that God has been faithful to me through all the seasons of my life.
Well, which is your favorite hymn? You have about 500 from which to choose. I hope you’ll share your favorite.
