Hymns of Faith: Exploring the Stories Behind the Songs

At Lorien Wood, we begin each day with “Opening,” a time where students and staff gather for a moment of reflection and connection before diving into the day’s lessons. Each year, Opening revolves around a unique theme that deepens our understanding of faith and learning. Last year, we journeyed through every book of the Bible, using scripture as our foundation. This year, we turn our attention to the rich tradition of hymns, songs that have shaped Christian worship for centuries.

Hymns are more than just music; they are profound expressions of faith, carrying messages of grace, redemption, and hope. As we embark on this year-long exploration, our students will not only learn the words and melodies of beloved hymns but also uncover the stories behind them.

This year's Opening sessions will take us through over 30 hymns, focusing on their history, theology, and the lives of those who wrote them. Hymns offer a collective experience of worship that unites us across generations. As we sing these songs together, we will be building a shared heritage of faith, reinforcing the lessons we teach in the classroom and nurturing a heart of worship in every student.

Amazing Grace: The Story Behind the Hymn

Our first opening session of the year, featured the history of John Newton, composer of the beloved hymn Amazing Grace. Newton’s early life was marked by both love and loss. His mother, who passed away when he was just seven, instilled in him a deep knowledge of God through verses and songs that comforted him throughout his life. Though it took years for him to appreciate these teachings, they stayed with him.

After his mother’s death, Newton was sent to sea with his father, where he fell into a life of rebellion, rage, and godlessness. It wasn’t until a storm in 1748, when he cried out to God for deliverance, that his life took a dramatic turn. He later wrote, “The Lord came from on high and delivered me out of deep waters,” marking the beginning of his spiritual transformation.

As his faith grew, John Newton became a powerful evangelical preacher, a strong abolitionist voice, and the writer of hundreds of hymns, including the beloved “Amazing Grace.” Originally titled “Faith’s Review and Expectation,” it reflects on his past life and the grace of God that saved him, no matter how undeserving. Written in 1779, the hymn is a powerful reminder of the gospel's truth: that even in our sin, God’s grace is given freely through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

"Amazing Grace" remains one of the most cherished hymns, continually reminding us of the boundless grace we receive through Christ.

Discussion for the Family:

• What are some ways you can show grace to a sibling or friend? Write down 5-10 ideas and act one out at your first opportunity.
• Romans 5:8 offers a beautiful definition of grace. How would you describe God’s grace in your own words?
• Who is your favorite singer/performer of “Amazing Grace”? Listen to a few versions and share what you like and dislike! 
  
  

Whether you are a long-standing member of our community or just learning about Lorien Wood, we invite you to join us in this journey through hymns. We encourage you to create a Spotify playlist of hymns and use the insights shared in these posts to foster conversation with your family. Let these timeless songs inspire faith and reflection as we walk together through this year.

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