The Origin of Hymns: It Is Well with My Soul

by Robert J. Morgan

A written and visual complement to the critically acclaimed movie, I Can Only Imagine 2. In The Origin of Hymns, Pastor Robert Morgan explores the history, evolution, and redemptive thread of 50 beloved hymns of the faithful.

Ever wonder how a simple hymn can carry the weight of centuries, heal broken hearts, and inspire unshakable faith? The Origin of Hymns isn’t just a book—it’s a time machine for your soul, taking you on a journey through the stories behind the songs that have shaped generations. Let’s uncover the faith, heartbreak, and triumph that birthed the hymns we know and love.

A written and visual complement to the critically acclaimed movie, I Can Only Imagine 2. In The Origin of Hymns, Pastor Robert Morgan takes you behind the music, revealing the deeply human stories of faith, loss, and triumph that inspired beloved hymns. Morgan explores the history, evolution, and redemptive thread of 50 beloved hymns of the faithful, including the tragic yet uplifting story of how faith inspired Horatio Spafford to write the beloved hymn, “It Is Well with My Soul.”

Selectively curated from Morgan’s bestselling Then Sings My Soul series, these devotional-style stories show the emotion and drama behind the hymns of faith that have changed many lives throughout history—from the people whose faith led them to write these wonderful hymns to the people whose faith was affected by reading, hearing, and singing them.

Readers will find inspiration and help

Deepen Your Faith: Gain a richer understanding of God’s redemptive work through the lives of hymn writers.Strengthen Worship: Use the full lyrics and music provided to enhance personal or congregational worship.Find Hope in Hardship: Be inspired by stories of how faith transformed tragedy into triumph.An instant classic, The Origin of Hymns is perfect for anyone looking to explore the history of hymns and discover how God can use us to impact the world. Don’t just sing the hymns—live them. Dive into the stories that have carried believers through the darkest valleys and highest peaks.

Genres: Faith, Christian

192 pages, Paperback

Published February 17, 2026

Reviews

[Tina Bursby]

Beautifully written, and explained

[Liz]

A beautifully written book that makes me realize there is so much to appreciate about these old favorites.

[Carson Belair]

This book was really good, I love how the author writes, it makes a fun and interesting experience. I loved learning about the hymns. The hymn “It is well with my soul” is by far one of my new favorite hymns. My only problem with this was the sad story of Horatio Sprafford, his life was rough and it was sad that he didn’t get any credit for his hymn, I wish the author would’ve added some closure to how the hymn got released and I would like to know when Sprafford was given credit and how the information got out. Other than that, it was a fantastic book. I would highly recommend this!!!

4/5- Carson Belair