Hymns of Hope - A Concert on my piano
by Anna Ferraro | March 30, 2020
It goes without saying that it’s been a crazy time in our world with the various responses to the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
So there’s no better time than this to think on things that are true and unchanging — the Person of Jesus Christ, and the hope we have in Him.
Below are lyrics to the hymns for the online “concert” on Wednesday, April 1st. Follow the lyrics along with the music, if you desire. I pray they are an encouragement to you.
The concert will be streamed LIVE on Facebook and YouTube @AnnaFerraroMusic.
Crown Him with Many Crowns
“Crown Him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His throne.
Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own.
Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee,
And hail Him as thy matchless king through all eternity.
“Crown Him the Lord of life, Who triumphed o'er the grave,
And rose victorious in the strife for those He came to save;
His glories now we sing Who died and rose on high,
Who died eternal life to bring, and lives that death may die.
“Crown Him the Lord of love; behold His hands and side,
Rich wounds, yet visible above, in beauty glorified;
No angels in the sky can fully bear that sight,
But downward bends their burning eye at mysteries so bright.
“Crown him the Lord of years, the potentate of time,
Creator of the rolling spheres, ineffably sublime.
All hail, Redeemer, hail! for Thou hast died for me;
Thy praise shall never, never fail throughout eternity."
Lyrics by Matthew Bridges, 1851
This Is My Father’s World
“This is my Father's world, And to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father's world: I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas--
His hand the wonders wrought.
“This is my Father's world: The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker's praise.
This is my Father's world: He shines in all that's fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.
“This is my Father's world: O let me ne'er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet!
This is my Father's world: Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!”
Lyrics by Maltbie D. Babcock, 1901
Standing on the Promises
“Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring;
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.
Refrain:
“Standing, standing, standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God!
“Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God. [Refrain]
“Standing on the promises of Christ the Lord,
Bound to Him eternally by love’s strong cord,
Overcoming daily with the Spirit’s sword,
Standing on the promises of God.” [Refrain]
Lyrics by Russell Kelso Carter, 1886
Rejoice, the Lord is King
“Rejoice, the Lord is King:
Your Lord and King adore!
Rejoice, give thanks and sing,
And triumph evermore.
Lift up your heart, Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!
“Jesus, the Savior, reigns,
The God of truth and love;
When He has purged our stains,
He took his seat above;
Lift up your heart, Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!
“His kingdom cannot fail,
He rules o'er earth and heav'n;
The keys of death and hell
Are to our Jesus giv'n:
Lift up your heart, Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!
“Rejoice in glorious hope!
Our Lord and judge shall come
And take His servants up
To their eternal home:
Lift up your heart, Lift up your voice!
Rejoice, again I say, rejoice!”
Lyrics by Charles Wesley, 1744
Simply Trusting
“Simply trusting every day,
Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
Refrain:
“Trusting as the moments fly,
Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate’er befall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
“Brightly doth His Spirit shine
Into this poor heart of mine;
While He leads I cannot fall;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
“Singing if my way is clear,
Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger for Him call;
Trusting Jesus, that is all.
“Trusting Him while life shall last,
Trusting Him till earth be past;
Till within the jasper wall,
Trusting Jesus, that is all.”
Lyrics by Edgar Page Stites, 1876
Sweet Will of God
“My stubborn will at last hath yielded;
I would be Thine, and Thine alone;
And this the prayer my lips are bringing,
Lord, let in me Thy will be done.
Refrain:
“Sweet will of God, still fold me closer,
Till I am wholly lost in Thee.
“I’m tired of sin, footsore and weary,
The darksome path hath dreary grown;
But now a light has ris’n to cheer me;
I find in Thee my Star, my Sun. [Refrain]
“Thy precious will, O conqu’ring Savior,
Doth now embrace and compass me;
All discords hushed, my peace a river,
My soul, a prisoned bird set free. [Refrain]
“Shut in with Thee, O Lord, forever,
My wayward feet no more to roam;
What pow’r from Thee my soul can sever?
The center of God’s will my home.” [Refrain]
Lyrics by Mrs. C.H. Morris, 1900
A Mighty Fortress (as performed on Haven of Rest)
"A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing
Our Helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe
His craft and pow’r are great, and, armed with cruel hate
On earth is not his equal.
“Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He
The Lord of hosts His name, from age to age the same
And He must win the battle.
“And though this world with devils filled should threaten to undo us
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us
The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him
His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure
One little word shall fell him.
“That word above all earthly pow’rs, no thanks to them, abideth.
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also
The body they may kill; God’s truth abideth still
His kingdom is forever.”
Lyrics by Martin Luther, 1529
Amazing Grace
“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.
“’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!
“Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come:
’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
“The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.”
Lyrics by John Newton, 1779
All music and lyrics in the “Hymns of Hope” concert (April 1st, 2020) are in the public domain. Original arrangements improvised by Anna Ferraro.