It is no secret that Charles Wesley wrote many hymns. But until I started looking into this particular one, I had no idea how many. It is reported that he wrote 6500 hymns in his lifetime. By my calculations, he would have had to write at least 80 hymns a year throughout his 81 years of life. Now, granted, some of them were probably less good than others, but still, he has earned the title of the “Bard of Methodism” by the fact that 623 of the 770 hymns in the Wesleyan Hymn Book were his. And let’s not forget that he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1995! Quite an accomplishment. Quite a legacy.

This hymn is considered by many to be one of his best. I must admit that I hadn’t heard or sung it in a long time, but it is indeed very familiar. Certainly I remember singing it as a child. It was suggested to me by a friend who relates the story of learning to conduct it as a course requirement at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. It may be her only conducting skill, but she claims she can fill in, in a pinch, on this one if needed!

The story goes that Wesley wrote these words in 1738 to celebrate his conversion experience.

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

He was a writer that used the hymn form to express his feelings on all sorts of experiences. Christian festivals, doctrine, personal experiences, natural disasters, historical events, Scripture. Everything. And by the vast number of hymns he wrote, he obviously felt he had much to say. I suppose self expression is what music is about, and obviously musicians and lyricists still do that today, but I like that it’s been going on forever, this need to speak through song. This desire to write and write and write.  What really interests me, however, is that he chose hymns to express himself.  Hymn writers have an ability to share what is deep within and then they provide a space for others to take part in the experience. Because singing hymns is a participatory act. Writing hymns is about getting others involved with the text and music – there is an underlying assumption that they will not just be read or listened to. We are all invited to engage.

I love that we sing many of these hymns together. I love having a glimpse of someone’s thoughts and feelings, whether I agree with or even understand every word. I love having the opportunity to participate. So, thank you Charles Wesley – and many others – for writing the songs we sing. It is an amazing act of love to have done so, whatever the motivation. To share these words and tunes with the generations is a gift that I am grateful for.