Category Archives: Bible

September 21 MY FAITH LOOKS UP TO THEERay Palmer, 1808–1887In whom we have boldness and confidence of access through our faith in Him. (Ephesians 3:12 RSV)“My Faith Looks Up to Thee” was written in 1832 by Ray Palmer, a 22-year-old school teacher. Several months after his graduation from Yale University and while still living withContinue reading “Amazing Grace: 366 Hymn Stories”

September 20 JESUS, THE VERY THOUGHT OF THEEAttributed to Bernard of Clairvaux, 1091–1153English Translation—Edward Caswall, 1814–1876As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. (Psalm 42:1, 2)This hymn text comes from the height of the Middle Ages, a periodContinue reading “Amazing Grace: 366 Hymn Stories”

September 19 ASK YE WHAT GREAT THING I KNOWJohann C. Schwedler, 1672–1730Translated by Benjamin H. Kennedy, 1804–1889For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2)A question that many struggle with today is “What is the real purpose of living?” Or, “What is the ultimateContinue reading “Amazing Grace: 366 Hymn Stories”

September 18 NEAR TO THE HEART OF GODWords and Music by Cleland B. McAfee, 1866–1944When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy. (Psalm 94:19)O Thou who dry’st the mourner’s tears! How dark this world would be,If, when deceived and wounded here, we could not fly to Thee.—Thomas MooreLife is often filled with unexpectedContinue reading “Amazing Grace: 366 Hymn Stories”

September 17 HALLELUJAH, WHAT A SAVIOR!Words and Music by Philip P. Bliss, 1838–1876He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering … He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. (Isaiah 53:3)A life of praise is not something that can be worked up. Rather, it is a remembrance andContinue reading “Amazing Grace: 366 Hymn Stories”