Providing literary analysis and historical background, Leland Ryken invites us to experience great hymns as powerful works of devotional poetrysavoring elements that we easily miss when singing them.

Hymns are a form of worship and prayer that are capable of expressing what mere words alone cannot. Many favorite Christian hymns and their authors have incredible stories that will make you listen to and sing these songs in an entirely different way. Our team spent thousands of hours researching and finding the most inspiring stories that will uplift those who take time to read or listen.

"Recognizing the multifaceted nature of Christian churches today, this exceptional collection of 600 hymns offers an outstanding worship resource for any congregation. From classic anthems to beloved gospel standards, and from the most popular hymns of the major Christian denominations to new worship favorites particularly suited to congregational singing, it features the best of the best for every tradition and every generation. High quality bindings ensure decades of use by congregations, small groups, and individuals. Includes core "must-have" hymns from the major Christian denominations. Seven helpful indices including the most thorough topical index available. 600 classic anthems, beloved gospel standards, and new worship favorites. The most extensive seasonal selection available. Attractive bindings complement any sanctuary decor. Some music publisher-produced hymnals bulk up on lesser-known songs for which they own the rights. Hymns in The Christian Life Hymnal were chosen because they represent the best of the best throughout the years and across the Christian spectrum." -- Publisher.

Excerpt from Life-Time Hymns: A Collection of Old and New Hymns of the Christian Church; For the Use in Churches, Sunday-Schools, Prayer Meetings and Social Gatherings A book worthy of such a title ought to be rich in hymns and in music. A There is not a hymn in this book that is not worthy to live in our memories for a life time. There are some hymns that go with us from childhood to manhood and womanhood, and are still with us when we reach the gates of heaven. They never lose their power over us and their charm is never broken. Other hymns come and go, but these abide. Such hymns have been gathered from all possible sources for the enrichment of these pages. The music is of a high order. Much of it is classical. Many of the best pieces have been thoroughly tested by trained choirs and large congregations. There is need of a book which will aid in elevating the poetical and musical taste of the people. Life-time-hymns will contribute largely to this desired result. Acknowledgments are hereby gratefully extended to the composers, writers and publishers who have permitted us to use their valuable copy rights. For Sabbath-schools, social meetings, and great out-door assemblies, we believe-life-time-hymns is without a peer. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.

Considered by many pastors and music leaders to be the outstanding hymnal for today's Bible believing church. Nearly 900 pages of the greatest church music of the ages, from "A Mighty Fortress" to "How Great Thou Art." A wealth of inspiration in both words and music. This hymnal is choice not only for musical quality and enduring popularity, but also for a strong scriptural message.

Fanny J. Crosby (1820-1915) was the most prolific of all American hymn writers. Having lost her sight in infancy through a doctor's negligence, Fanny went on to compose more than 9,000 hymns, as well as various other songs, cantatas, and lyrical productions. Crosby's hymns, including such all-time favorites as "Blessed Assurance," continue to be sung around the world. She was also involved with New York City's rescue missions and with other benevolent efforts. She rubbed shoulders with the likes of Henry Clay, Grover Cleveland, Winfield Scott, Dwight L. Moody, Ira Sankey, Jenny Lind, P.T. Barnum, and many other famous figures who people these pages. Drawing on primary sources, including thousands of unpublished manuscripts, Blumhofer sorts fact from fiction in the life of this remarkable nineteenth-century northeastern Protestant woman, in the process showing why "this diminutive woman" was so beloved.--From publisher description.