This past Sunday in church, we sang this as one of our congregational worship songs. It’s been one of my favorites since I first heard it in the 1980’s, and hearing it made me think back to that time … when many, including myself, felt that it was destined to become the next “How Great Thou Art” in popularity with the Christian masses.
It was written by California pastor Jack Hayford, who describes its inspiration thusly:
In 1977 my wife and I spent our vacation in Great Britain, traveling throughout the land from the south country and Wales to the northern parts of Scotland. It was the same year as the 25th Anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s coronation, and symbols of royalty were abundantly in evidence.
For years I have been convinced that the provisions of Christ for the believer not only include our forgiveness for sin; but provide restoration to a royal relationship with God as sons and daughters born into the family through His Majesty, our Savior, Jesus Christ.
One day, as Anna and I drove along together, the opening lyrics and melody of Majesty simply came to my heart. I continued driving, asking Anna to jot the words and melody line in the notebook she had beside her.
Jack went on to note that it wouldn’t be until after returning home that he’d complete the writing of “Majesty.”
While it’s never seemed to reach the level where it ranks up with “How Great Thou Art,” which I’d say is # 2 behind “Amazing Grace” … it certainly has earned a respectable place on the list. What list? This list that I’ve compiled of the 50 most favorite and “beloved” hymns and songs of the church (but are not listed in any particular order):
Amazing Grace
How Great Thou Art
Blessed Assurance
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
It Is Well With My Soul
In the Garden
I Surrender All
What A Friend We Have In Jesus
Standing On the Promises
When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder
Victory In Jesus
The Old Rugged Cross
I’d Rather Have Jesus
I Love To Tell the Story
Just As I Am
Because He Lives
I Need Thee Every Hour
Rock Of Ages
Softly and Tenderly
Majesty
Holy, Holy, Holy
He Touched Me
Just A Closer Walk With Thee
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
Whispering Hope
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee
A Mighty Fortress Is Our Ged
O God, Our Help In Ages Past
This Is My Father’s World
Morning Has Broken
To God Be the Glory
Have Thine Own Way, Lord
His Eye Is On the Sparrow
Are You Washed In the Blood
Be Thou My Vision
O For A Thousand Tongues
Fairest Lord Jesus
His Name Is Wonderful
Nearer My God To Thee
There’s Something About That Name
There Is Power In the Blood
Trust and Obey
In the Sweet By and By
How Firm A Foundation
Beneath the Cross of Jesus
Nothing But the Blood
Jesus Paid it All
There Is A Fountain
Love Lifted Me
Come, Thou Almighty King
As noted, this list has been compiled with the entire Christian community in mind, not just from a Southern Gospel perspective. I’ve compiled from my own memory – which has a mainline denominational background along with Baptist, plus having a lifelong love of God’s music in its many forms – as well a variety of lists and hymnbooks to jog my mind.
I’m sure that after reviewing, you’ll say “why is that on the list” or “how could he leave out _____?” There’s others I feel should be on the list, but I wanted to limit to 50 and can’t decide which to eliminate.
Well, let’s get a dialogue going. Let me hear from you!
Marlin
