Classic Christian Hymns
The hymns that have outlasted every trend, with a line on where each came from and the scripture behind it.
44 songs
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Joy to the World
An Isaac Watts hymn that only later became a Christmas carol.
Psalm 98
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Amazing Grace
The best-known hymn in the English language, written by a former slave trader about being found by grace.
Ephesians 2:8
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Silent Night
The most beloved Christmas hymn in the world, first sung in Austria in 1818.
Luke 2:7
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It Is Well with My Soul
Written after Spafford lost his four daughters at sea. Peace that holds in the worst loss.
Philippians 4:7
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Great Is Thy Faithfulness
New mercies every morning. A steady choice for both weddings and memorial services.
Lamentations 3:22-23
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How Great Thou Art
A Swedish hymn of awe at creation and the cross, sung at more funerals than almost any other.
Psalm 8:3-4
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A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
Luther's battle hymn of the Reformation, based on Psalm 46.
Psalm 46:1
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When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Often called the greatest hymn in English. A slow look at the cross written for the Lord's Supper.
Galatians 6:14
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Christ the Lord Is Risen Today
The classic Easter morning opener with its ringing alleluias.
1 Corinthians 15:55
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Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley wrote the words. The tune is by Mendelssohn.
Luke 2:13-14
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Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
A hymn about God's love that has become a favorite at church weddings.
1 John 4:16
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O Come, All Ye Faithful
A Latin hymn that has been sung in English for centuries.
Luke 2:15
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Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
"Here I raise my Ebenezer." An honest hymn about a heart prone to wander.
1 Samuel 7:12
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Rock of Ages
A hymn of shelter in Christ, said to be written while sheltering from a storm in a gorge.
Exodus 33:22
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There Is a Fountain
A hymn on the cleansing power of Christ's blood, often sung at the Lord's Table.
Zechariah 13:1
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Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty
A Trinity Sunday hymn built on the song of heaven in Revelation 4.
Revelation 4:8
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Just As I Am
The invitation hymn Billy Graham used at nearly every crusade.
John 6:37
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Nearer, My God, to Thee
Based on Jacob's ladder. Famously said to be played as the Titanic went down.
Genesis 28:11-12
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Abide with Me
Written as Lyte was dying of tuberculosis. A quiet evening prayer for God's presence at the end.
Luke 24:29
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O Holy Night
A French carol that has become a showcase for soloists.
Luke 2:8-11
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Crown Him with Many Crowns
A triumphant hymn to the risen and reigning Christ.
Revelation 19:12
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O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
One of the oldest hymns still widely sung, from ancient Latin Advent chants.
Isaiah 7:14
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What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Originally a poem Scriven wrote to comfort his mother. A gentle call to bring every burden to prayer.
John 15:15
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Jesus Loves Me
The first song many children ever learn. Also lovely at a child's memorial.
1 John 4:19
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Angels We Have Heard on High
A French carol famous for its long Gloria.
Luke 2:14
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Shall We Gather at the River
A hymn about the river of life in heaven, used at both baptisms and funerals.
Revelation 22:1
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What Child Is This?
A Christmas hymn set to the old English tune Greensleeves.
Luke 2:16
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O Little Town of Bethlehem
Written by an American pastor after he saw Bethlehem for himself.
Micah 5:2
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Blessed Assurance
Fanny Crosby, blind from infancy, wrote this hymn of confident joy. "This is my story, this is my song."
Hebrews 10:22
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Take My Life and Let It Be
A line-by-line surrender of hands, feet, voice and love. Fits a baptism or a wedding vow.
Romans 12:1
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O the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
A rolling, minor-key hymn on the size of Christ's love.
Ephesians 3:18-19
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Nothing but the Blood
A simple call and response that churches have sung at communion for 150 years.
Hebrews 9:22
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Softly and Tenderly
"Come home, come home." A gentle invitation often sung at the close of a service.
Matthew 11:28
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Away in a Manger
A children's carol that is often the first hymn kids learn at Christmas.
Luke 2:12
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Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
Written to comfort two men who had both lost their wives. Safe and secure from all alarms.
Deuteronomy 33:27
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I Have Decided to Follow Jesus
Said to come from a convert's last words in northeast India. Often sung at baptisms.
Luke 9:62
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Be Thou My Vision
An ancient Irish prayer asking God to be first in everything. A favorite processional.
Psalm 16:8
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His Eye Is on the Sparrow
Inspired by a bedridden couple's cheerful faith. Made famous by Ethel Waters and Mahalia Jackson.
Matthew 10:29-31
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Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
Set to Beethoven's Ode to Joy. The go-to joyful recessional.
Psalm 98:4
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The Old Rugged Cross
A camp-meeting classic about clinging to the cross until trading it for a crown.
Galatians 6:14
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In the Garden
Written from Mary Magdalene's view at the empty tomb. A long-time memorial service favorite.
John 20:15-16
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The Love of God
A hymn on love so vast that writing it would drain the ocean dry.
Romans 8:38-39
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I'll Fly Away
The upbeat bluegrass funeral song. A celebration, not a lament.
2 Corinthians 5:8
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Down to the River to Pray
A traditional song made famous by O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Mark 1:9