[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!
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[Hymns] Famous Hymns and Sacred Songs. Recommended Hymns and Sacred Songs (21–30)
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.
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.
[Hymns] Famous Hymns and Sacred Songs. Recommended Hymns and Sacred Songs (31–40)
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.
Abide With MeAudrey Assad
Hymn No.
39, “Abide with Me.” It is a hymn whose text was written by the Scottish Anglican Henry Francis Lyte and sung to the tune “Eventide” by William Henry Monk.
“Eventide” means evening, and the music has a gentle character, as if a sunset sky were spreading out.
The lyrics are a prayer to God to remain with us through life, in hardship, and at the hour of death.
Oratorio Judas Maccabaeus, Act III: See, the Conqu’ring Hero ComesGeorg Friedrich Händel
When you hear “the awards ceremony song,” isn’t this the melody many people think of? This famous tune, beloved in settings ranging from school sports days to many other occasions, was written in the 1740s by the Baroque master George Frideric Handel.
In fact, within the oratorio Judas Maccabaeus, this piece is performed as the people greet a hero returning victorious from battle with jubilant celebration.
Not only does it have a background perfectly suited to award scenes, but its dignified, stately melody impressed even Beethoven, who wrote a set of variations on its theme.
It’s said that Handel originally composed it for a different work, then incorporated it into this piece himself as a confident showpiece.
A song that proclaims the glory of victory in resounding tones—truly a triumphant march worthy of the name.
Hymn No. 262: “Beneath the Cross”Elizabeth Cecelia Douglas Clephane
This is a hymn with lyrics by Elizabeth C.
Clephane, a Scottish native active in the 19th century.
Born in Edinburgh as the daughter of a distinguished sheriff, she spent most of her life in Melrose.
Though left frail by a severe illness in early childhood, this deepened her faith and compassion, and she devoted her wealth and strength to serving the poor around her.
The hymn was published posthumously.
The melody was composed by Frederick Charles Maker specifically for these lyrics.
Marked by chromatic movement and skillful modulations, it is cherished as one of his representative works.
Hymn No. 122: “Midori mo Fukaki”Eustace Rogers Condor
This is a hymn written by Eustace Rogers Conder, an English minister and lyricist.
Composed in the 19th century, it portrays the life of Jesus Christ.
Notably, it sings of Jesus, born as the son of a carpenter, becoming the Savior.
It focuses on Jesus’s childhood and growth, the time he spent among people, and the influence of Conder’s teachings.
The lush green hills of Galilee are depicted as watching over the growth of Jesus of Nazareth, expressing the humility, truthfulness, sense of duty, and love for God and humankind that marked his life.
While the piece holds deep meaning for those of faith, it can also be enjoyed as a soothing song by those without religious beliefs.