From a friend:

There are also some lyrics in the older mainline hymnbooks which cause mirth (in some cases) among modern youth.

If your hymnbook contains the hymn “Fill thou my life, O Lord my God” does one verse include the lines

“In intercourse at hearth and home with our beloved ones” ?

That’s a word which has changed its meaning in comman language.

And I wonder how many of those who sing “At the name of Jesus” really know enough about medieval theology to appreciate the reference to the nine orders of angels in the part of the verse

Thrones and dominations, powers upon their way,

All the heavenly orders in their great array.

But then, some of the offerings in our mainline church hymnbooks which have stuffy/banal poetry and boring music are a ‘turn off’ for young people. Where are the committed contemporary poets who are in love with Jesus who can write hymns/ songs which do not insult our musical or literary intelligence?

The author of “The Servant King” (From heaven you came, helpless babe, … Graham Kendrick) is one – but then he’s from England, not from USA or Australia).

Related Articles:

• “You Raise Me Up” (Do they sing this at your church?)
• Great God your love has called us here (Brian Wren)
• Amazing Grace by Wintley Phipps
• An Australian Hymn To The Tune Of Waltzing Matilda
• By the Babe Unborn

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