This book compels a Christian to appreciate the rich history and treasure that is finding the precise hymn for all manner of life experience in divine worship. Hymnology is missed by so many in 2020; this book is an invitation to a spiritual moment that is anything but rote, though the words of many classic hymns have remain unchanged for a hundred or more years. Those who cleave to the notion that hymns are dried-up and dated will not be disappointed when this book changes their mind.

Smith provides discussion and reflection prompts that can stir greater moments of involvement with her book, the Bible and God in prayer. The amount of scripture that this book affords the reader is lauded, especially since Smith situates Biblical verses with appropriate context.

The personal stories and examples Smith brings to bear from her own life are relatable and relevant. The easy to follow language is effectual in humility, warmth and respect. She doesn't drift into narcissistic territory unlike many other female Christian writers obsessed in telling a self-conflating story. Through her unassuming tone, Smith communications that she is just one of many Christians seeking to worship God in spirit and truth.

The reason this book has 4 stars instead of 5 is because I do not endorse Bethel, Elevation, and other seeker-friendly worship bands that are mentioned in this book. Smith, of course, is telling the story of the benefit she gained from the study of hymns written a long time ago and in that light, makes a sincere connection to the present day and other worship experiences that may be shared with the reader. I am in the evangelical minority in not supporting these charismatic bands, and my convictions [for the error of these ministries] are copious but not necessary to bring forth in this review. Aside from this one disclaimer, the book is outstanding.

I would
Love to give feedback, but was never able to download this book due to it not being able to download to kindle, or nook

I really enjoyed the hymns, even if I did not know some of them and the information about them. Very informative and I think this book will be a wonderful gift for people that enjoy hymns. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for the arc of this book in return for my honest review. Receiving the book in this manner had no bearing on this review.

Music has the power to change a life and this book is a great commentary on this phenomenon. I have always loved hymns for their ability to speak directly to my heart. I can remember always wondering about the backstories and how authors were inspired to pen words that would shine light and infuse hope, joy, and peace into the recesses of my soul. This book looks at 30 popular hymns and provides the lyrics, an insightful message and thoughts for contemplation. A great resource for all lovers of hymns.
I received a complimentary copy and all opinions expressed are my own and freely given.

Music has a strange power to move us. It helps us remember thoughts and words written way back in the past. It also brings back memories of our experiences of old. It also creates new experiences as the music connects our being with words that reflect how we feel. Hymns are one of the most visible and audible signs of a Christian community. Regardless of the traditional vs contemporary worship wars, most of us would recognize the unique place of hymns. We may not sing them as often in some modern churches, but we do appreciate how they have impacted Christian communities but also society at large. Hymns such as "Amazing Grace," "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," and "Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee" have been used even in secular places and situations such as funerals and weddings. If you want to know the stories behind these popular hymns, how the hymn speaks to people then and to us now, and the reasons why the hymns are considered "beloved," this book answers all of that curiosity. The "Doxology" is a hymn of unity. Praises help us express gratitude. Hymns are infused with Scripture to point us back to God through the Word. Singing hymns enable us to declare our hope and security in Christ. They stir us to action. They give us words and music to express our emotions. They bring us peace and joy; hope and humility; assurance; and many more.

Author Laura Smith have chosen 30 beloved hymns from the public domain. For Christians who have been attending church services for years, many of the hymns would look familiar. Each of the thirty hymns comes forth with a central theme where Smith would guide us through the lyrics to explain how the hymn connects Scripture with our emotions. She gives readers some questions to contemplate as well.

My Thoughts
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If you are a worship leader, this book should be one of the top resources to use to help us connect our music with the words. We don't have to be of the older generation just to appreciate the hymns. Many contemporary musicians have used and updated the older hymns with modern music. Worship leaders can creatively do the same or to adapt their music with the words of truth. Leading worship can be an educational experience as well. We don't have to abandon the old just to make room for the new. We can adapt the powerful truths of old and teach it to our younger generation. There is something quaint and touching with regard to the background and powerful effects of these 30 hymns. Dismiss them at your peril.

If you are a Bible study leader or group facilitator, this book provides us a way toward singing acapella together with the people. Sometimes, there are situations in which there are no musicians to provide background music. When that happens, it is always possible to lead with our vocals alone. After all, the most powerful musical instrument is our voice. Plus, the hymn chapters in this book can be a study or discussion guide in itself! Perhaps, once in a while, squeeze in a chapter or two from this book to supplement one's regular Bible study sessions.

Finally, for the layperson, this book helps us appreciate the hymns and songs more in the hope that it will deepen our worship experience. The different hymns collected in this book cover a wide range of emotional needs. At the same time, they all point us to the same God of the Word. They stir our hearts to sing together with the rest of the congregation. May God help us worship better with this helpful resource.

Laura L. Smith is a best-selling author and speaker. She loves Jesus, her husband, her four kiddos, music, books, coffee, France, and chocolate. Smith lives in the college town of Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

Rating: 4.25 stars of 5.

conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of Our Daily Bread Publishing and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

What a fabulous book! I loved all the hymns that Laura Smith chose to include. They were very familiar, solid hymns. I love how she related a scripture to each hymn. She also told anecdotes from her life as well as from the hymn writers themselves. In addition, she quoted other authors from time to time, including one of my favorite authors, Annie Downs. I would highly recommend this book to any one who loves the great hymns of the faith.