One way to introduce a song with great words but difficult music is to sing it to a familiar tune. And likewise, familiar words can take on new meaning and power when placed in a new musical context.
This is why I rely on the metrical index, a feature in many of the better hymnals. Because likemetered hymns are virtually interchangeable, this can add freshness to congregational singing.
The following list represents just a few examples of the hundreds of possibilities a metrical index provides. The numerals indicate the number of syllables per line; the letter D stands for a doubled (repeated) metrical pattern.
Long Meter-8,8,8,8
All People (Old 100th)
Jesus Shall Reign
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
‘Tis Midnight
Just As I Am
O Master, Let Me Walk with Thee
Doxology
Short Meter-6,6,8,6
A Charge to Keep
Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart
Come We That Love the Lord
Blest Be the Tie
I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord
Breathe on Me
Short Meter Double-6,6,8,6D
Crown Him with Many Crowns
This Is My Father’s World
Make Me a Captive, Lord
Common Meter-8,6,8,6
Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee
O for a Thousand Tongues
While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks
Majestic Sweetness
All Hail the Power
Alas! And Did My Savior Bleed
O God, Our Help in Ages Past
Amazing Grace
Joy to the World
Common Meter Double-8,6,8,6D
The Son of God Goes Forth
I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say
I Sing the Mighty Power of God
It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
O Little Town of Bethlehem
8,7,8,7D
Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken
Hail, Thou Once Despised Jesus
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Once to Every Man and Nation
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Alleluia (Chorus)
Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
Oh, the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus
7,7,7,7,7,7
Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me
For the Beauty of the Earth
Rock of Ages
7,6,7,6D
O Jesus, I Have Promised
The Church’s One Foundation
O Word of God Incarnate
O Sacred Head Now Wounded
Stand Up for Jesus
Lead On, O King Eternal
-Howard Stevenson
Copyright © 1990 by the author or Christianity Today/Leadership Journal. Click here for reprint information on Leadership Journal.
