The Story Behind When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
At the time of Isaac Watts' early years, churches in England sang only metrical psalms. But by the time of his death, he had developed a style of a much more complex hymnody. His 600 hymns found in seven collections made the transition from stringent, metrical psalmody to liberated, theologically-based hymnody.
Watts’ hymns include theology in a format that is well suited for congregational singing. He believed that hymns should echo the theme of the sermon and insisted that songs in the church should be amply evangelical and not just additives to the Psalms. He thought that hymns should be freely composed and not just hold to the letter of Scripture; and that hymns should give straightforward expression to the thoughts and feelings of the singers and not merely recall events of the distant past. Watts played a vital role in the evolution and creativity of hymnody as we know it today.
Popular Hymn Lyrics with Story and Meaning
Day by Day and With Each Passing Moment
Jesus Loves Me
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Blessed Assurance
Nearer My God to Thee
Abide with Me
His Eye is On the Sparrow
Be Thou My Vision
Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God Almighty
Amazing Grace
