The Power of old hymns

What is it about older Christian hymns that are so powerful? My sister-in-law from Keller, TX, Tami Weaver, says that one reason they're so effective is because of the great theology in them. I love "Rock of Ages," especially the new updated version by Wes King. Many times God has used this song to bring me to the foot of the cross, reminding me that my salvation totally depends on what Jesus did for me. "Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling."

Yesterday a few of us witnessed once more the power of one of these hymns. A good of friend of Susan and me, Carol Riordan, suffered the loss of her brother, who lived in Abilene. Willard Tate and I conducted the funeral. And God blessed the whole service.

What was especially touching to so many of us, based on the comments of many people there after the service, was the song, "I Will Sing of My Redeemer." We played the version done by Fernando Ortega, from his CD, Hymns of Worship. Wow! What a incredible voice he has. The chapel was filled with the beauty of his voice, the guitar and orchestration. And what great lyrics! -- (you might sing these words rather than just read them):

"I will tell the wondrous story, how my lost estate to save,
In His boundles love and mercy, He the ransom freely gave.
Sing, O Sing of my Redeemer! With His blood He purchased me.
On the cross He sealed my pardon, paid the debt and made me free."

Our friend, Carol, went to a Christian bookstore with my wife yesterday afternoon and bought two copies of this Fernando Ortega CD (the rest of the songs are excellent, including the very moving last song, "Just Give Me Jesus," which, by the way, we played at the end of yesterday's funeral).

I'd love to know what older hymns especially speak to your soul. Perhaps you have a story to tell of when the Lord used that hymn to minister His loving grace to you.

And I'd also like to hear of some other CD's you know of that are great contemporary updates of older hymns.

Singing of my Redeemer,

Jim