Most Popular Hymns: Poll Results

     First, a comment about the time stamps.  I had my “blog clock” set to GMT.  Then I switched it to CDT.  In doing so, some of the comments got out of order.  I’ll get it figured out eventually.

     Here is the list of most popular hymns, as determined by the fourteen people who took the poll and me.  Thanks to Beth, Cameron, Chas, Janie, Karen O, Kevin B, Laura, Lynda, Mommy, Peter L, Plumeria, Plumtree, TRR, and Vicky.  The number on the right represents the number of “votes” that hymn received.

1. Great Is Thy Faithfulness (5)

2. And Can It Be (3)

3. Holy, Holy, Holy (3)

4. Amazing Grace (2)

5. A Mighty Fortress Is Our God (2)

6. How Great Thou Art (2)

7. O, God, Our Help in Ages Past (2)

8. The Love of God (2)

9. Abide With Me (1)                               

10. All Creatures of Our God and King (1)

11. All Hail the Power of Jesus Name (1)

12. Be Still, My Soul (1)  

13. Borning Cry (1)                            

14. Children of the Heavenly Father (1)

15. Christ the Lord Is Risen Today (1)

16. Crown Him With Many Crowns (1)      

17. Dear Lord and Father of Mankind (1)       

18. Eternal Father, Strong to Save  (1) 

19. Fairest Lord Jesus (1)       

20. God of Our Fathers (1)                             

21. He Leadeth Me (1)                                   

22. He Paid a Debt (1)                        

23. Higher Ground (1)                  

24. I’d Rather Have Jesus (1)              

25. It Is Well With My Soul (1)                       

26. May the Mind of Christ My Savior (1)      

27. Never Alone (1)  

28. One Day (1)                                   

29. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (1)

30. Seal Us, O Holy Spirit (1)

31. Standing on the Promises (1)                   

32. This Is My Father’s World (1)

33. Victory in Jesus (1)

     I was really surprised at the variety of hymns that people selected.  I guessed that there would be many votes for just  a few hymns, such as “Amazing Grace” and “Holy, Holy, Holy.”  With the 32 songs that were selected, we could make a nice little songbook.

     I note that we all have different tastes and are moved by different words and music.  Some of these hymns are very highbrow, while others are definitely lowbrow.  Some stress a more reverential, objective approach to God, while others emphasize a personal, experiential one.  I think that we in the Church would do well to accept each other’s preferences in music more than we sometimes do.

     Many people felt constrained by having to name only three hymns.  I can certainly relate to that.  Each hymn has its own message and mood and is appropriate at different occasions and during different life events.  We need all sorts to express the various aspects of worship and devotion.  For example, I like to sing “Amazing Grace” whenever I need encouragement but “How Great Thou Art” when I am awed by God’s Creation.

     I plan to write a bit more about church music from time to time.  If that subject interests you, please keep checking back.