Quote:
Originally Posted by JJ
You mentioned you like a lot of older hymns
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I do like them. But they are so hard to remember because even the "traditional" services tend toward collections that they rotate through.
But one thing about older hymns is that they tend to be more focused on content than on melody. I like melodies, and I like harmony. But without worthy texts, they might as well be instrumentals played as people pray or they "pass the plate."
But the best ones often seem to be less catchy musically but more solid in theology and the emotion of worship (not just the emotions). I like songs that are thoughtful. Even contemplative. (I know that term has taken a beating in some circles recently.) Where I attend, the bulletin has in insert for the traditional service laying out all the songs, scripture that will be read, etc. I take that insert and often go home, get out my guitar, and try to simplify one of more of the hymns down to something I can play and is still pleasing for singing or reading. At some level, my notions for doing this are beyond my time, patience, and musical ability, but I keep thinking that "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" in the same service as "You'll Come," along with two or three times through a short chorus (words by David, tune by I can't remember who) of:
. . . . D
Have mercy on me, oh God
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G
According to your steadfast love
. . Em . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A -A4 -A
According to your great compassion
Em . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A . . . . .-A4 -A
Blot out my many transgressions
. . . Em . . . . . . . . . . . A
And wash away all my iniquities
. . . . . . . . . . . D
Cleanse me from sin
(Sorry, but without the dots the chords collapse to the left margin)
Did it in a choir 20 years ago (part of a medley with "My Faith Looks Up to Thee"), then later we occasionally used it as part of worship just before the preacher came to pray.