The largest collection of the stories behind the most popular hymns and praise songs! There are rich stories behind the popular hymns and praise songs we sing today: The popular hymn "Amazing Grace" was written by a former hardened slave trader. A poor insurance agent first penned the song "Great Is Thy Faithfulness." A missionary who had trouble raising support to go to Africa wrote the song "Have Thine Own Way, Lord." In Australia, a young woman struggling with depression wrote "Shout to the Lord" and nervously sang it for the music pastor of her church. You'll discover the background on the composers of 600 of your favorite hymns and praise songs, the stories and verses that inspired the lyrics, scriptural references for devotional consideration, and a sampling of the lyrics. An ideal resource for pastors and worship leaders, The Complete Book of Hymns brings the message of these great songs of the faith to life like never before