Musical devotions: Hearing familiar hymns with new ears

Charles Wesley wrote more than 6,000 hymns that were sung by the early Methodists. Through these lyrics they learned about God, Jesus, discipleship, love, and so much more.
This is still true for United Methodists today. Spending time with the hymns of Charles Wesley, both those in the United Methodist Hymnal and others, can help us grow in our faith.
For Lent and Easter
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“The invitation is to all:” A Wesley hymn devotion for Lent
Charles Wesley’s “Come, Sinners, to the Gospel Feast” invites everyone to new life in Christ, to communion, and to welcome others. Devotion 1 of 4 for Lent and Easter. Read More

Forgiveness for me? A Wesley hymn devotion for Lent
Charles Wesley’s “And Can It Be that I Should Gain?” teaches that Jesus' death and resurrection are expressions of God's love for us. Devotion 2 of 4 for Lent and Easter. Read More

Lost in love: A Wesley hymn devotion for Lent
“Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” is Charles Wesley’s prayer for God to fill us with his love more and more each day. Devotion 3 of 4 for Lent and Easter. Read More

Risen today! A Wesley hymn devotion for Easter
Charles Wesley's "Christ the Lord is Risen Today" celebrates the triumph of life over death. Devotion 4 of 4 for Lent and Easter. Read More
Advent and Christmas Hymn Devotions
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“Born to set thy people free:” A Christmas hymn devotion
Charles Wesley’s Advent song “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” is a prayer for Jesus to come into history, into our lives, and into our world. Read More

“And God himself is born:” A Christmas hymn devotion
How is Jesus both fully God and fully human? Charles Wesley explains the mystery of the incarnation in beautiful poems for Advent and Christmas. Read More

“Glory to the newborn King!” A Christmas hymn devotion
Charles Wesley’s popular carol, “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing,” teaches that God’s love and grace are available to all people everywhere. Read More
Related stories

Singing Our Faith in Lent & Easter with Paul Chilcote
Hymns are meant to be sung! A United Methodist scholar and pastor shares how Charles Wesley’s also have much to teach us during this season of resurrection. Listen

Charles Wesley’s Gift of Music
John's younger brother made his own contribution as “the poet laureate and great writer of Methodism.” View

Worship Resources
Prayers, liturgies, music resources and more are available to enhance your worship experience. More