Sacred Poetry Celebrating Easter

Here are 3 short excerpts of selections of sacred poetry and hymn lyrics. They range from the 12th century to the 20th century.

I so appreciate the many poets, writers and musicians who, through the ages, used their ingenious gifts, talents—and their hearts—to create such beauty!

Don’t miss the links to inspiring vocal performances at the end of the lyrics, including performers such as Andrea Bocelli and Carrie Underwood.

O Sacred Head Now Wounded, 1153

O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded with thorns, thine only crown:
How pale thou art with anguish, with sore abuse and scorn!
How does that visage languish which once was bright as morn!

What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest friend,
For this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end?
O make me Thine forever, and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to Thee.

Text attributed by Bernard of Clairvaux, 1153
Translated by James W. Alexander, 1830
Tune: PASSION CHORALE (Hassler) Watch the video , featuring a female trio with cello

Amazing Grace, 1779

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise Than when we’d first begun.

Text by John Newton 1779; John P. Rees, last stanza
Music: Traditional American melody f
rom Carrell and Clayton’s Virginia Harmony, 1831,
arranged by Edwin O. Excell Watch the video, featuring Andrea Bocelli and Alison Krauss

Closeup background of decorative purple spring Crocuses flowering in a green meadow

Because He Lives, 1971

God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal, and forgive.
He lived and died to buy my pardon,
An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow. Because He lives, All fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living just because He lives.

Text by Gloria Gaither and William J. Gaither
Music by William J. Gaither (c)1971 Watch the video featuring Carrie Underwood

An Easter Invitation

Sin is not a popular word or concept these days. Nevertheless, it exists in all of us, and ruins lives. But worst of all, it separates us from the greatest relationship we will ever have.

As one line of a hymn says:
“Would you be free from the burden of sin?…”

If that expresses your heart, here is an example prayer you could pray as a step of faith: “Dear God, I admit that I am a sinner needing your grace. I believe that Jesus died for my sins and rose again. Please forgive me and be the Lord of my life. Guide me in your truth. Amen.”