Amazing Grace: 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions

I've owned this book for years and have used it for personal devotions and leading group devotions. It enlightens the soul through words, history, and song lyrics (it even has the music written out to the refrain for each song). It has a devotion for every day of the year. Unlike some other devotions, it can be used any year, as the devotions are not designated by days of the week, only numbered by days in the month. It can be used straight through the year or for parts of the year and returned to anytime. Each month has a theme with hymns appropriate. Some months are even coordinated with holidays. For example: February - God's love; April - Easter; June - Pentcost; November - Thanksgiving & All Saints' Day; & December - Advent & Christmas. This book will not only inspire, but it will help the reader understand the history and background of many classic hymns. If one is less familiar with traditional hymns, I believe it would also serve as a basic course in hymn appreciation. It is a great book to have for spiritual growth whether you know all the hymns or want to start learning about them.

Kenneth Osbeck has compiled a collection of background stories on some wonderful hymns. In reading the story as well as the accompanying Bible verses, you get a solid sense of the message that the hymn is trying to convey. This is a great devotional book, whether you're familiar with these hymns or not. You don't have to be a musician or even know the hymns really well to enjoy this book.

This devotional is unique because it gives the hymn's author and composer and some encouraging background information. I read it to my wife in the morning, and then we sing the hymn if we know it, then read the Scripture portions and then I pray. What a glorious way to begin the day. I highly recommend it.

Excellent book. It's definitely one of those rare "must-have" books. Starts your day off right if you read it in the morning; or ends your day right if you read it before going to sleep at night.

Every morning I can awake eagerly looking forward to the day's hymn. The tune stays with me throughout the day. What a joy it has been for me and to all those to whom I gave the book. It brings cheer, hope, light to my day and it keeps me singing everyday. God's grace to me daily has been truly amazing.