Hymns for the Christian Life - Keith and Kristyn Getty

We interrupt our regular broadcast to bring you news of a new album by modern hymn writers, Keith and Kristyn Getty: Hymns for the Christian Life.

Every so often I have to tell you about some of the music I like. Personally, I am very moved and encouraged by the worship of God. Being personally moved is not worship's primary purpose but a mere and glorious benefit of it! (I've talked about this before so I'll not repeat.)

Keith and Kristyn Getty might be familiar to you. Keith Getty is co-author of the modern hymn, In Christ Alone. They have a host of songs which they have written and there are very few which I do not like. This new album, Hymns for the Christian Life definitely deviates from their usual sound and focus. This album has a strong celtic/Irish flair to it. Instead of hymns which are designed to sing in a corporate worship setting (i.e., church), these songs are meant to explore worship "outside of the pew" - in our daily lives. There are hymns about motherhood, money, work and other things we have to deal with in our daily lives. Some songs make you want to dance a jig and others bring you to your knees in worship. Since that rather describes life - full of ups and down - I think this album is rather awesome. It's not what I've come to expect of them but it's very fitting all the same.

Here are some of the songs which I really loved:




Before you close your eyes to sleep
I have a promise still to keep
As I hold you in my arms.
I pray your little frame grows strong
And that faith takes hold while you are young;
This is my prayer for you.

. . . .

You'll travel where my arms won't reach
As the road will rise to lead your feet
On a journey of your own.
May my mistakes not hinder you
But His grace remain and guide you through;
This is my prayer for you.
This next one might be my very favorite on the album. Maybe. It is a very HAPPY song!



Oh how good it is
To embrace His command
To prefer one another
Forgive as He forgives.
When we live as one
We all share in the love
Of the Son with the Father
And the Spirit.

So with one voice we’ll sing to the Lord
And with one heart we’ll live out His word
Till the whole earth sees
The Redeemer has come
For He dwells in the presence of His people.
But the following is also quite remarkably on target and is the prayer of my heart more often that I'd really like it to be, quite honestly! (In other words, I wish I just naturally bend to His will instead of opting to war against it more often than not!)



Oh grant me wisdom from above,
To pray for peace and cling to love,
And teach me humbly to receive
The sun and rain of Your sovereignty.
Each strand of sorrow has a place
Within this tapestry of grace;
So through the trials I choose to say:
“Your perfect will in your perfect way.”
Although this album is different in vision and focus than their work has been in the past, I still like it and find it a great boon in my Christian walk. And I'm just so excited about their new album that I had to tell you about it - not to say, "you should like this TOO!" but just to share songs which have spoken truths to my heart. If they can minister to you as well - then wonderful!

I was not given a copy of this album for review. Rather, my husband realized it was coming out and surprised me with it! I love that man!