Remembering Lyrics

Last Sunday the Chancel choir sang two anthems in worship. The second one was 'The Mind of Christ' by Mark Hayes. This is a setting of Philippians 2:5-11, the text that is often referred to as 'The Kenosis Hymn'

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Scholars are divided about whether this passage of scripture was written by Paul or not. Some believe Paul wrote this section in poetic form, whereas others believe Paul was quoting a contemporary hymn of the time. Some scholars paint the image of Paul in prison reflecting on these lyrics as a way of coping with being in chains for the gospel.

Lyrics are powerful. I think of many times in my own life where a fragment of an old Hymn comes to my mind and seems to just what I need to remember to help me cope with whatever life is throwing at me.

One hymn that I often reflect on is My Song is Love Unknown, a simple retelling of the heart of the Gospel story. Another is Crown Him with Many Crowns

What Hymns have been sources of strength and inspiration for you? Please post a comment and share them with us.