Another hymn for you, the words to this one are from Synesius of Cyrene, circa 430 (Μνώεο Χριστέ); translated from Greek to English by Allen W. Chatfield. I use these hymns as an example for prayer and reflection, as well as something nice to listen to – they are not just added here as “filler” posts. The lyrics are […]
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind
February 25, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Another hymn for you! I have always loved this one, which is by John Whittier, and enjoyed singing it at school. I particularly appreciate the “reclothe us in our rightful mind” line. Not just because I have a mental illness: the “rightful mind” for me is something we all strive for, because our own natural […]
Jesus, Lover of My Soul
February 10, 2013 by Leave a Comment
This much-loved hymn is by Charles Wesley and if you visit the Cyberhymnal, you can listen to the traditional tune. Alternatively, here is a YouTube video of Chris Eaton singing the hymn to a modern tune that he composed. I think his is a wonderful version. You can visit his website here. Lyrics are printed […]
Sometimes a Light Surprises
February 4, 2013 by Leave a Comment
I was part-way through writing a post tonight, when a sudden fit of anxiety overtook me. So I decided to post a hymn whose lyrics are comforting, instead. The hymn is by William Cowper (1731-1800). He suffered a great deal with depression, but wrote some of the most wonderful Christian hymns. I hope you like […]
Within Our Darkest Night
November 27, 2012 by Leave a Comment
It has been a while since I posted a song I think appropriate for times when we are feeling bad. I recently found a Church of England website called Mental Health Matters which has some resources for services and so on for people with mental illnesses. They listed a Taize chant called “Within Our Darkest Night” […]
‘Tis Hard, When We Are Sick and Poor
August 20, 2012 by Leave a Comment
‘Tis Hard, When We Are Sick and Poor And they who lov’d us, love no more; When riches, health, and friends are gone, To say, “O Lord, thy will be done:” Yet Lord, I would to thee resign And say, “My Father’s will be mine.” ‘Tis is hard, when in our souls distress, All, all […]
Hymn Above All Hymns
August 13, 2012 by Leave a Comment
There is one hymn that moves me like no other, one that speaks deeply to me whether I am well or ill, and which provides great comfort to me. That hymn is “Abide With Me” by H F Lyte (1793 – 1847). I love both the words and the music, and I hope you will […]
Before the Ending of the Day
July 26, 2012 by 2 Comments
Before the ending of the day, Creator of the world, we pray, that with thy wonted favour thou wouldst be our guard and keeper now. From all ill dreams defend our eyes, from nightly fears and fantasies; tread underfoot our ghostly foe, that no pollution we may know. O Father, that we ask be done, […]
My Song is Love Unknown
July 21, 2012 by 1 Comment
My song is love unknown, my Saviour’s love to me, love to the loveless shown, that they might lovely be. O who am I, that for my sake my Lord should take frail flesh, and die? He came from his blest throne, salvation to bestow; but men made strange, and none the longed-for Christ would […]
Seeking Relief
July 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment
All ye who seek for sure relief in trouble and distress, whatever sorrow vex the mind, or guilt the soul oppress, Jesus, who gave himself for you upon the cross to die, opens to you his sacred heart: O to that heart draw nigh. Ye hear how kindly he invites; ye hear his words so […]
Believer's Brain 