Singing with Understanding
                Keyed to Sacred Selections

Song Service Purpose: in order to help understand what we are 
singing (cf. 1 Corinthians 14:15), we will consider some of the 
Scriptural references behind songs and some stories that make 
the songs more meaningful.

Introduction

Opening Prayer

First Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 34:1-5

First Song: Sweet Hour of Prayer (#23)

Second Scripture Reading: Matthew 26:36-46

Second Song: A Beautiful Prayer (#32)

Third Scripture Reading: Isaiah 6:1-7

Third Song: Holy, Holy, Holy (#59)

Fourth Scripture Reading: Exodus 33:12-23

Fourth Song: He Hideth My Soul (#127)

Fifth Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18

Fifth Song: Soldiers of Christ Arise (#225)

Explanation of Amazing Grace:

"Amazing Grace" was written by John Newton in 1773.  Previously 
known for a thoroughly sinful life, and heavily engaged in the 
slave trade, one night his ship was in great danger and he 
received great deliverance after calling out to God.  At this
point he converted and later left the slave trade. 

Sixth Song: Amazing Grace (#257)

Sixth Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 7:5-13

Seventh Song: O Thou Fount of Every Blessing (#545)

Explanation of It is Well with My Soul:

"It is Well with My Soul" was written by Horatio Spafford and 
composed by Philip Bliss.  This hymn was written after two 
Job-like experiences in Spafford's life. The first was the 
death of his only son, shortly followed by the great Chicago 
Fire of October 1871 which also brought him into financial ruin.  
Two years later, while his family was crossing the Atlantic 
without him, all four of Spafford's daughters died in a 
collision with another ship. Spafford's wife Anna survived and 
sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone." Several weeks 
later, as Spafford's own ship passed near the spot where his 
daughters died, he wrote the words to the song.  It should 
also be noted that only a few months after it was first sung 
in 1876, the composer Philip Bliss and his entire family died 
in a train accident near Ashtabula, Ohio.

Eighth Song: It is Well with My Soul (#561)

Invitation

Invitation Song: God is Calling the Prodigal (#596)

Closing Prayer