📖

How Great Thou Art: Timeless Hymn

Music History: 20th Century and Beyond

Day 159of 180
Week 32of 36
30Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand the historical background of the hymn 'How Great Thou Art'

2

Practice vocal performance of the hymn with proper dynamics and emotion

3

Recognize how music can express worship and praise

📖 Scripture Connection

Psalm 104:1

“Bless Yahweh, my soul. Yahweh my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty.”

— Psalm 104:1 (WEB)

Mirrors the theme of the hymn in praising God's greatness

📦 Materials Needed

  • Hymn sheet for 'How Great Thou Art'
  • World English Bible
  • Optional: Audio recording of hymn
  • BibleMouse Song Collection
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (3 min)

Recall yesterday's lesson about film music and how music tells a story. Today, we'll explore how hymns tell God's story.

💭 Review Question: How does music help us express our feelings?
2Teaching (10 min)

Explore the origins of 'How Great Thou Art', originally a Swedish poem by Carl Boberg, translated and popularized globally

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Hymn's journey from Sweden to worldwide recognition
  • How the lyrics reflect biblical praise
  • Different cultural versions of the hymn
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What words in the hymn remind you of God's greatness?
  • How does this song make you feel about God?
3Activity: Hymn Performance Practice (12 min)
singing

Learn and practice singing 'How Great Thou Art' with proper vocal technique

📝 Instructions:
  1. Read through all verses carefully
  2. Practice pronunciation and meaning of each line
  3. Sing with expression and understanding
  4. Use BibleMouse Song Collection for additional guidance
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Focus on first verse only

Challenge: Prepare for potential recital performance

4Closing (3 min)

Reflect on how music can be a form of prayer and praise

📝 Review Questions:
  • What did we learn about the hymn today?
  • How can music help us worship?

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll explore music of the future and how Christians can influence musical culture

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Hymns are powerful tools for teaching biblical truths through music

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Encourage emotional connection to the lyrics
  • Help child understand the meaning behind the words
  • Use BibleMouse Resource Guide for additional context
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might find older language challenging

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Genuine engagement and understanding of worship through music

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Research other versions of 'How Great Thou Art' in different languages
  • Create artwork illustrating the hymn's lyrics
  • Write a personal reflection on what the hymn means to them

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 160 →Back to Music