Preparing Our Hearts for Eternity

We have a great song this week form our past that is so special to our heritage. “Rock of Ages” is a Christian hymn written by Augustus M. Toplady, with music by Thomas Hastings. This very personal hymn uses pronouns such as “I and me” rather than “we and our” focusing on individual salvation, Rock of Ages

“Leave It There” is a song which strongly encourages us to cast our burdens upon the Lord and let him sustain us. The text was written, and the tune was composed both by Charles Tindley. Hymnologist James Abbington has called Tindley a “pastor, orator, poet, writer, theologian, social activist, ‘father of African American Hymnody,’ and ‘prince of preachers.’”

Today's song is one of three most widely used alter call songs. The hymn has a message of submission, and it is used as a song of response, invitation, dedication or commitment. It was written by Judson Van De Venter who lived on a farm near Dundee, Michigan. After school he went to Hillsdale College where he studied Art and became interested in music. We also continue our study of Heaven and what...

We continue our series on "What's it going to be like in Heaven" with the song "Heaven of Rest" Written in 1889 by Henry Lake Gilmour who was born in the United Kingdom in 1836. This song pictures the sinner seeking a safe Harbor, and he presents the Lord Jesus Himself as that.

American evangelist Isaiah Martin wrote the words and produced the music to the hymn “Eastern Gate” in 1905. We look forward to the day when Jesus will come and we will be carried away to Heaven.

Clearly, Philip P. Bliss (1838-1876) knew exactly what he was doing with this text. He used his background as an educator to influence many generations of singers over the course of the last century and a half.

The hymn, “’Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus” was inspired by personal tragedy. One can imagine the questions that must have come to mind after the initial grief of this loss began to settle, perhaps the most difficult of those being, “Why?” While she may not have received the answer this side of heaven, Louisa did receive comfort in her pain. God’s sustaining power rescued her from drowning in her...

Today we have a song I am sure you will want to hear about. It's a song by Isaac Watts in 1707 that helps us analyze our hearts as we look at the cross where the miracle of atonement through the sacrifice of our loving Savior took place. It is such a beautiful arrangement that moves through several keys both major and minor that sets the mood for this time of the year. The song is “When I Survey t...

Today we are looking at one of the first songs I learned to play with my Dad when I was in the 3rd grade. We had a space in the attic upstairs we called our music place. It was hot up there but dad would bring his guitar up there and teach me songs note at a time. Great memories of times with my wonderful Dad playing Whispering Hope

“Lord I'm Coming Home” was written by William Kirkpatrick in 1892 and it became a much-used hymn of invitation in gospel meetings, inviting the sinner to come to the Savior. There are echoes of the parable of the prodigal son in it also, as the wanderer comes home to God.

Our song today shares the scriptural reasons we need to learn to exercise our faith in God.

Deep River is a traditional old spiritual arranged in 1917 by Harry Burleigh. Today we are looking at the history of this song and it's connection with our black brothers and sisters at the time of slavery. This song is played today on the Bass Clarinet in memory of that haunting time.

Today our song is a beautifully arrangement of an old Fanny Crosby hymn. It begins with a wonderfully moving introduction and moves into a soothing melody that is so reassuring and modulates to a second key and leaves you with complete contentment.

Today we look at what the first day in heaven might look like.

Today we are looking at a song widely sang in country music programs all over the country. But the melody actually has its roots in evangelism during a time of turmoil within the church.

Today we have 2 songs on our podcast, Near to the Heart of God and a surprise song for you. Being close to God is the sweetest gift one can possibly have and today we will look at this.

This week we're studying a song so many have loved on the radio over the years and it's been sang so many times in our churches over time. So many men of God who have stepped out to the outdoors to get alone with God and spend time with him in the early hours of the day, and “In the Garden” describes such a scene as this.

Today we are looking at a wonderful and beautiful old song. I've made a 2 key arrangement of this beautiful and meaningful song we'll hear today and we'll study its history. I will sing it and play it on the wonderful low notes of the alto clarinet.

This week's Preparing Our Hearts for Worship Podcast we are telling the story of when and how the hymn “It is Well With My Soul” became to be and how it demonstrates the power our God has to comfort our weary souls when the darkest tragedies overtake us. The story behind the verses that still carry the statement of faith from many facing grief, loss and tragedy reads like a retelling of the Old Te...

Preparing Our Hearts For Worship Podcast - Just A Closer Walk With Thee by Glenn Dawson

Merry Christmas. This is such a wonderful time of the year. We have enjoyed the season's festivities so much. This is our last Christmas song of this season this year and we examine the very heart and focus of the season looking at "What Child is This"

This season is flying by and we are still enjoying the Christmas spirit. We've got yet another beautiful Christmas song this week--Joy to the world!

Preparing Our Hearts for Worship Podcast is a weekly program and the Christmas season is underway. We've got yet another beautiful Christmas song here today. O come all Ye Faithful is our song for this week.

Our Podcast continues the Christmas carol theme for the season and we are checking out another Christmas song this week. It's yet another beautiful Christmas carol this week, “Away in a Manger”.

We are looking at another holiday song of the Christmas season today. It's for sure the most popular Christmas song ever written. Silent Night has been requested and played more than any other Christmas carol.