Dictionary of Hymnology
Learn hymn terms, meters, forms, and the history behind Christian worship music — curated for hymn lovers, worship leaders, and students.
A little while—our Lord shall come
Hymn
James George Deck's influential 1841 Advent hymn, rooted in Plymouth Brethren hymnody and adopted across prom…
A pilgrim through this lonely world
Hymn
Sir Edward Denny's solemn 1839 Passiontide hymn detailing Christ's earthly isolation, popular within Plymouth…
Abba Father! we approach Thee
Hymnology
A publication and editorial history of James George Deck's evangelical hymn centered on the theme of divine a…
Abba, gentle Jesus prayed
Hymnology
John Samuel Bewley Monsell's devotional hymn exploring Christ's intimate prayer to the Father, published in 1…
Accepted, Perfect, and Complete
Hymnology
A structural and publication chronicle of Frances Ridley Havergal's devotional hymn, tracing its specific scr…
Age after age has called her blessed
History
Hymnological record of Elizabeth Charles's nineteenth-century hymn honoring Mary, the Mother of Jesus, based …
Alas! by nature how depraved
History
John Newton's 1779 Lenten hymn exploring human depravity and divine adoption based on Jeremiah 3:19, original…
All hail, Thou great Redeemer, hail
Hymn
Overview of Joseph Irons's nineteenth-century hymn "All hail, Thou great Redeemer, hail," focusing on the per…
All hail, Thou Resurrection
Hymnology
Summary of William Henry Havergal's Easter hymn "All hail, Thou Resurrection," written in 1867.
All the night and nothing taken
History
Summary of Henry Alford's missionary hymn "All the night and nothing taken," based on St. Luke 5:1.
Alleluia, dulce carmen
Hymnology
Comprehensive history of the Latin hymn "Alleluia, dulce carmen," sung before Septuagesima, detailing its man…
Am I a soldier of the Cross?
Hymnology
Background of Isaac Watts's popular hymn on Christian fortitude, "Am I a soldier of the Cross?"
Amazing love! transcendent grace
History
Brief note on Joseph Irons's hymn "Amazing love! transcendent grace."
And is my soul with Jesus one?
Hymnology
An entry on Joseph Irons's 1825 hymn on union with Christ.
And is the gospel peace and love?
Hymnology
An entry on Anne Steele's hymn on the example of Christ.
And now, my soul, another year
Hymnology
An entry on Simon Browne's 1720 New Year hymn.
Angel voices sweetly singing
Hymnology
An entry on Horatius Bonar's 1861 hymn on heaven.
Angels from your blissful stations
Hymnology
An entry on William Hiley Bathurst's hymn on the Second Advent.
Another portion of the span
Hymnology
An entry on Charlotte Elliott's Saturday evening hymn from Hymns for a Week.
Another year has now begun
Hymnology
An entry on Bishop Christopher Wordsworth's New Year's Day hymn from The Holy Year.