Sometimes we need a hymn for worship that isn’t in the hymnal, or any hymnal for that matter. And some hymns that have a good message simply aren’t “singable.” Here are some “custom hymns,” hymns that were written or re-written for various occasions. You may use any of these hymns as you wish for non-profit and/or worship purposes.
ONE THING NEEDFUL
(a hymn based on Luke 10:38-42)
Metre: 87,87.D
Suggested tune: “O du liebe meiner liebe”
SBH 69, LBW 93, TLH 145, LW 90, LSB 423
1. One thing needful, this one treasure
Teach me Saviour to esteem;
Other things may promise pleasure,
But are never what they seem.
Earthly burdens vex and chafe us,
Giving no true happiness;
This one treasure you provide us,
Gives us joy, our lives to bless.
2. Do you seek this one thing needful,
Leave all cares that hindering prove;
Turn to Jesus and be heedful,
Fix your heart on things above.
Jesus, God and man united,
Is the worthiest lot and best;
With God’s fullness be delighted,
Him our comfort and our rest.
3. Then with Mary’s full surrender,
I would offer you my heart;
At your feet my tribute render,
As my chosen better part.
Mary’s love and strong emotion
For her Saviour and her Lord;
Sought to serve him with devotion,
Worship him in one accord.
4. Therefore Jesus, my endeavor
Is to be forever true;
Let no earthly love whatever,
Hinder me from loving you.
Should the world forsake and leave you,
May I ne’er from you depart;
In devotion love and serve you,
Saviour, now I yield my heart.
5. Henceforth you alone, my Saviour,
Shall be all-in-all to me.
Search my heart and my behavior,
Cast out all hypocrisy.
Keep me from all paths unholy,
And all sin which does allure;
Throughout life, keep my heart lowly,
Focused on your Gospel pure. Amen.
–Rev. Dr. Daniel K. Schroeder
MOTHERS’ DAY HYMN
Metre: 76,76D.
Suggested tune: “Aurelia” TLH 473, SBH 149, LBW 369, LW 289, 644
Alternate tune: “Munich” TLH 294, SBH 252, LBW 231, LW 335, LSB 523
1. A Christian wife and mother
God’s gift from heav’n above.
To members of her family
A source of constant love.
A help-meet for her husband
In good and evil days;
A blessing to her children
In e’er so many ways.
2. She always well remembers
Her marriage vows with love;
To live in sacred honor
With help from heav’n above.
With him whom she has taken
As partner in her life;
According to God’s ord’nance
A truly faithful wife.
3. She looks with love and favor
Upon her children fair;
As precious gifts from heaven
God gave into her care.
With Christian admonition
And nurture in the Lord;
She rears them well and wisely
With Scripture’s full accord.
4. Thank God for Christian mothers
Remember them today;
And call upon your Saviour
To bless their earthly stay.
They are a nation’s blessing
A stronghold in the home;
We honor and salute them
Now and in life to come. Amen.
– – John Mueller