One Year Book of Hymns, The

by William J. Peterson, Robert K. Brown

An enjoyable way to worship the Lord. Focusing on God and his song-inspiring attributes, each devotional features the words of a hymn and an accompanying meditation based on the content of the hymn.

Genres: Devotional, Christian, Religion, Music, Reference, History, Nonfiction

395 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love knowing the story behind things that are written, what caused the author to pen the words they did - though brief, this book does that. The short devotional opposite the hymn lyrics each day encourage you to reflect on God's character and hand at work in the life of the various author at the time of writing and also reminds us that these men and women were everyday people, with families, work, joy and pain, and highs and lows in their life. Some were known for many songs, some wrote one song in their lifetime in a time of deep stirring by God. Whether you are unfamiliar with many of the hymns or you've grown up singing them your whole life, this book gives a new appreciation for the beauty of hymns that is often dismissed today.

[Tomi Alger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful devotional book. The hymns are presented in poem form, along with a devotion that tells about the author, the circumstances which prompted the writing, or the poem itself. Reading this, it was easy to read and then sing they hymns. What a terrific way to have worship time! To read the hymns allowed me to focus on what they really say and on the many titles and characteristics of the Triune God.

[Joseph Fountain · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review of: The One Year Book of Hymns

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this devotional. I listened to the hymns I didn't know on YouTube.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've had this book for years and read it off and on many time so I'm pretty sure I've read the whole thing now, as I'm starting to encounter my own underlining, ha ha. This particular book has the hymns' poetry but not the music, which I actually like, as I find myself distracted by learning the music if it's an unfamiliar one. This way I concentrate on the words, and as my music history prof would say about sacred music, "Text is supreme!!" Even hymns with which I am very familiar feel fresh when I read them in this format, and I enjoy the details the author has put into each of the stories. Great devotional.

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have always had a fondness for reading the lyrics of hymns as poetry. This book is designed to be read as a daily devotional. There's a hymn for each day and a short bit about the hymn writer or the story behind the hymn. Some lyrics are better and more inspirational than others, but I'd still recommend the bobk.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Christian and a resident pianist I enjoyed the stories behind these classical hymns of the church. I have picked up this book many times to learn how and why the person wrote the song. And how they were inspired by God to do so.
Must have for any church musician.

[Michael Wayne Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since 1997, this book inspires me instead of myself. Have read through the full year several times and each time there is a new and fresh insight that enriches and feeds me to start out the day better.

[Gavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Very inspirational! I love hymns!