[Hymns] Famous hymns and sacred songs. Recommended hymns and sacred songs.
Hymns and sacred songs beloved around the world.
Hymns and sacred songs are known as songs that praise the Christian God, but in Japan—where many people are Buddhist—their recognition is by no means high.
There are many excellent pieces, but the difficulty is that they can be hard to find.
This time, we’ve picked out some famous works among hymns and sacred songs.
We also explain in detail the background of each piece and the meaning of the lyrics, so even those without prior knowledge of hymns and sacred songs can enjoy it.
How about soothing a heart worn down by daily stress with hymns and sacred songs?
Please sit back and enjoy!
- Famous German Folk Songs | That familiar tune in Japan was actually a German folk song?!
- Japanese gospel: recommended Japanese songs with a gospel-like style
- Gospel singers of the world. Masterpieces of gospel music, recommended popular songs.
- [Irish Folk Songs] Surprisingly Familiar Masterpieces and Standards of Ethnic Music
- Practice songs for gospel beginners
- A cappella masterpieces: Recommended songs where beautiful harmonies shine (Western and Japanese music)
- The magnificent world of vocal artistry: a special feature on popular vocal works from opera to art songs.
- Famous Western songs everyone knows: a roundup of classic tunes you’ve heard somewhere before
- [Celtic Music] Masterpieces of Celtic music. Recommended Irish music
- [Chorale] Masterpieces of chorales. Recommended popular pieces.
- [Western Music] Bluegrass masterpieces: recommended popular and signature songs
- Sunday songs of Western music: world classics and popular hits
- Ranking of popular songs by Libera, a British soprano unit
[Hymns] Famous Hymns and Sacred Songs. Recommended Hymns and Sacred Songs (21–30)
Hymnal, Second Volume No. 1: “Lift Up Your Hearts”Henrī Montegyū Batorā
This is a hymn text written in 1881 by Henry Montagu Butler, a British scholar and clergyman.
Befitting a hymn, it expresses trust and devotion to God, singing of the importance of lifting our hearts high toward Him.
The words are often sung to “Woodlands,” a tune composed by Walter Greatorex in 1916.
It has also been widely adopted as a school song and is familiar to younger generations.
Butler served as Head Master of Harrow School and as Master of Trinity College, Cambridge, and perhaps his experience as an educator is reflected in the lyrics.
It’s a piece that seems likely to give you courage when your heart is weary.
Hymn No. 301: “I Lift My Eyes to the Mountains”Charles H.Purday
There are times when you want to ask someone for help, aren’t there? In such moments, I hope you’ll listen to “I Lift My Eyes to the Mountains.” It portrays someone lifting their eyes toward the hills while seeking help from God, believing that help comes from the Creator of heaven and earth.
It expresses the hope that Jesus, who protects people, neither dozes nor sleeps, but always watches over us.
With its gentle, clear melody, this piece makes you feel that Jesus is always watching over us and ready to help.
Hymn No. 373: ‘The Jar of Nard’Edwin Pond Parker
It is based on a passage in the Gospel of Mark, which tells how, when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper and was about to dine, a woman came with a jar containing very expensive, pure nard ointment, broke the jar, and poured the ointment on Jesus’ head.
She took this action because she believed that giving nard oil—more precious to her than anything else—was fitting to express her gratitude and love for the Lord Jesus.
It signifies the act of service in which one offers something precious to oneself for the sake of others.
Be Thou My VisionAudrey Assad
Originally written with lyrics in Old Irish, the traditional Christian hymn “Be Still, My Soul” is now sung in English-speaking churches around the world.
It is a hymn that expresses the peace given to those who love and follow Christ.
Audrey Assad is a singer-songwriter from New Jersey who was born and raised in a Protestant home.
Her voice is powerful yet gently enveloping.
Come Thou Fount Of Every BlessingChris Rice
This is a hymn by Chris Rice from the United States.
Robert Robinson wrote the lyrics in 1758, and Rice delivers them with a beautiful melody.
The lyrics, which express gratitude and love for God, resonate deeply with listeners.
It is included on the album “Peace Like a River: The Hymns Project” and is a classic that has been covered by many artists.
In 1999, Rice won the Dove Award for Male Vocalist of the Year and achieved eleven No.
1 hits on Christian radio, and this song is a prime example of his talent.
It’s a recommended track for times when your heart is weary or when you want to quietly reflect on yourself.
God be with usSakushi: Jeremaia Rankin / Sakkyoku: Uiriamu Touma
This is a hymn with lyrics by Jeremiah Rankin, a pastor from the United States.
Published in 1880, it has become so popular that it appears in over 900 hymnals.
It is often sung at farewells and is characterized by its simple, moving melody.
The lyrics were written with the meaning behind the word “goodbye”—“God be with you”—in mind.
Beyond church services, it is also sung at funerals and during processions, and its touching lyrics and familiar melody have comforted many hearts.
Consider listening to it when you want to soothe a mind weary from stress or when parting from someone dear.
JerusalemHubert Parry
With a powerful orchestral performance and massed chorus, the hymn “Jerusalem” evokes the grandeur of Britain’s history and nature.
Its lyrics are drawn from “Milton,” a poem by the 18th-century poet William Blake, and it was set to music in 1916 by the British composer Charles Parry.
In the UK, it is cherished by the public as a “second national anthem” and is almost invariably performed at major national events.
