Leland Ryken's Devotional Commentary on 120 Favorite Hymns
Leland Ryken's Devotional Commentary on 120 Favorite Hymns
“A foundation of powerful and beautiful hymns is essential in the development of a community of believers and the expression of God’s goodness through their lives. Thank you, Dr. Ryken, for this resource to the church.” Keith Getty Award-Winning Hymnwriter, Musician
45% Off 3-Book Hardcover Set. Individual Volumes Also on Sale for 40% off
Includes the full text of select hymns, plus devotional commentary from Ryken
“Though we are beyond the heated worship wars of the previous century, we are often still confused about many aspects of current church songs. Young people, though not hostile to traditional hymnody, are simply ignorant of their very existence. Without engaging in polemics concerning CCM, Scripture songs, and the like, Leland Ryken has done us an enormous service in bringing to the fore a number of the great, often neglected, hymns from Christian tradition. He brings to this study not only musical wisdom, but his considerable gifts in literature and poetry. May we dare hope this lovely anthology will contribute to the revival of a love for the immortal hymns from our heritage? Let the fair-minded reader decide.” William Edgar Musicologist; Professor of Apologetics, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia
“The perennial clog to devotion is mindlessly going through the motions. Leland Ryken helps people to think about the meaning of classic hymns by looking at them as what they were before they were sung as hymns--namely, carefully crafted poetry. Yet Ryken accomplishes more than enhancing artistic appreciation; he teaches us to worship God with understanding.” Joel R. Beeke President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary
“Professor Ryken combines his Christian faith with his knowledge of poetry in this rich anthology. He reminds us of the legacy of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Reading and singing these poems of faith is like attending a family reunion where we share the memories of those who have already gone on before. His commentary connects us with these saints and prepares us for the next stage of our lives where we will offer . . . honor and blessing, with angels above, / and thanks never ceasing, and infinite love. (Charles Wesley)” Michael Hawn Professor of Church Music, Calvin Institute of Christian Worship
Features hymns by Isaac Watts, Philip Doddrige, Martin Luther, Horatius Bona, Charles Wesley, John Newton, Richard Baxter, and more
“The reader will be doubly enriched—by the delightful poetry of the songs and by the instructive prose of a great literary scholar.” Karen Swallow Prior Author, On Reading Well and Fierce Convictions
“Have you ever thoughtlessly sung a hymn, carried along by the familiar tune and well-known words, but disengaged in your heart and mind? In this intriguing volume, Leland Ryken is about to rescue you from such mindless, if melodic, repetition. By analyzing the poetry of forty well-known and beloved hymns, the author offers insight into these compositions as verse, enabling readers to appreciate the form and style of each piece. He also highlights the theology of each poem and links it to Scripture, providing ample material for meditation and prayer as well as inspiration for robust and thoughtful singing!” Rhett P. Dodson Senior Minister, Grace Presbyterian Church, Hudson, Ohio
“The ‘lyric’ of a song is a lyric poem. Sometimes the music draws all our attention, so that we skim over the words and what they mean. This is certainly true of hymns. Their lyrics are devotional poems of the highest order, and reading them closely can be a spiritual experience. Leland Ryken takes the texts of forty classic hymns and gives us just the help we need to understand their meaning and appreciate their greatness. In doing so, he helps Christians to realize why these time-honored hymns are such treasures.” Gene Edward Veith Professor of Literature Emeritus, Patrick Henry College
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