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The 6 Songs Billy Graham Picked for His Funeral
Christianity Today ^ | 03/05/2018 | SARAH EEKHOFF ZYLSTRA

Posted on 03/05/2018 11:11:19 AM PST by SeekAndFind

As Billy Graham is laid to rest in North Carolina today, the 2,000 invited funeral attendees will listen to—or sing together—six songs. Graham, who planned his own funeral [see CT’s live report], was the one who chose them.

In this, he seems to have taken the path of his longtime music director Cliff Barrows.

“I want a lot of music,” Barrows instructed Billy Graham Evangelistic Association choir director Tom Bledsoe before he died in 2016. “And I want the people to sing.”

Graham’s six picks:

  1. Until Then” (Stuart Hamblen, 1958), performed by musical artist Linda McCrary-Fisher
  2. All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” (Edward Perronet, 1779), congregational singing led by Bledsoe
  3. Above All” (Lenny LeBlanc and Paul Baloche, 1999), performed by musical artist Michael W. Smith
  4. Because He Lives” (Bill and Gloria Gaither, 1970), performed by the Gaither Vocal Band
  5. To God Be the Glory” (Fanny Crosby/William Howard Doane, 1875), congregational singing led by Bledsoe
  6. Amazing Grace,” bagpipe escort led by Pipe Major William Boetticher

CT asked worship and hymnody experts what they thought of Graham’s choices:

John Witvliet, director of the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship and professor of worship, theology, and congregational and ministry studies at Calvin College and Calvin Theological Seminary:

Each of these songs echoes central themes in Graham’s ministry: All glory be to Jesus, whose death and resurrection set us free from sin. There is also a steady focus here on life with Jesus in heaven, a hallmark of evangelical piety, a strong emphasis on one’s own individual and personal affirmation of faith, and a warmth of affection.

(Excerpt) Read more at christianitytoday.com ...


TOPICS: Evangelical Christian; Religion & Culture; Worship
KEYWORDS: billygraham; billygrahamfuneral; billygrahamsongs; dsj02; funeral; graham; music
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1 posted on 03/05/2018 11:11:19 AM PST by SeekAndFind
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To: SeekAndFind

Shall We Gather at the River.


2 posted on 03/05/2018 11:16:41 AM PST by xkaydet65
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To: SeekAndFind

Before I opine let me see how this thread breaks.


3 posted on 03/05/2018 11:18:50 AM PST by freedumb2003 (obozo took 8 years to try to destroy us. Trump took 1 to rebuild us. MAGA!!)
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To: SeekAndFind

I propose a national holiday for the REV. Billy Graham . We have one for the REV “ martin luther” king!! Let’s abolish “presidents” day ( which stands for nothing) and replace it with the greatest religious leader in our national history. ( no one else is even close)


4 posted on 03/05/2018 11:22:10 AM PST by raiderboy ( "...if we have to close down our government, weÂ’re building that wall" DJT)
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To: SeekAndFind

I love Amazing Grace.
I did a pipe organ/bagpipe duet of this years ago.
The audience loved it, as did I and the bagpipe artist.
Good stuff.


5 posted on 03/05/2018 11:22:40 AM PST by Da Coyote
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To: SeekAndFind

Billy Graham was listening to far more heavenly music that we can produce here on earth.


6 posted on 03/05/2018 11:24:31 AM PST by Telepathic Intruder
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To: SeekAndFind

I don’t know two of the songs, but the other four I know well. Excellent choices.

Ever the evangelist.


7 posted on 03/05/2018 11:27:40 AM PST by cyclotic (Trump tweets are the only news source you can trust.)
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To: SeekAndFind

The bag-piper at the end was ultimate class! Loved it, and I think was reflective of Graham’s Presbyterian roots.


8 posted on 03/05/2018 11:29:53 AM PST by AnalogReigns (Real life is ANALOG...)
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To: SeekAndFind

Great list! I would have added Hotel California.


9 posted on 03/05/2018 11:32:46 AM PST by rjsimmon (The Tree of Liberty Thirsts)
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To: SeekAndFind

How Great You Were Mr Graham!


10 posted on 03/05/2018 11:36:13 AM PST by Midwesterner53
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To: Telepathic Intruder

* Is listening.....


11 posted on 03/05/2018 11:36:49 AM PST by Midwesterner53
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To: SeekAndFind

I’ve sung 5 out of the 6 in congregational and choir settings. I was glad to see that two were done as congregational songs. I cannot think of anything more stirring than the pipes playing “Amazing Grace” as the recessional escort. The music selection left no doubt about Billy Graham’s faith in life and in death.


12 posted on 03/05/2018 11:48:21 AM PST by T-Bird45 (It feels like the seventies, and it shouldn't.)
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To: SeekAndFind

Jesus I Come

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-Af0DqZrSw

When the River Meets the Sea

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2Qm2uPJx-8

How Great Thou Art

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaDSaq2J6Cs

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6Mtpk4jeVA


13 posted on 03/05/2018 11:52:30 AM PST by Kartographer ("We mutually pledge to each other opleoour lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor.")
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To: SeekAndFind

Too bad long-time friend Bev Shea is no longer around to sing those songs.


14 posted on 03/05/2018 11:53:17 AM PST by Huskrrrr
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To: xkaydet65

and then... We will build a city of God


15 posted on 03/05/2018 12:05:16 PM PST by longfellowsmuse (last of the living nomads)
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To: rjsimmon

“Great list! I would have added Hotel California.”

LOL! I’m having “Deacon Blues” performed at mine. I doubt Rev. Graham considered that one either.


16 posted on 03/05/2018 12:19:03 PM PST by CrazyIvan (A gentleman arms himself for the protection of others.)
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To: longfellowsmuse

BECAUSE HE LIVES, I CAN FACE TOMORROW...

enough said...(love that song)


17 posted on 03/05/2018 12:19:23 PM PST by haircutter
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To: SeekAndFind

Bookmark


18 posted on 03/05/2018 12:23:11 PM PST by GOP Poet
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To: SeekAndFind

Me,

Amazing Grace
When I come to die, give me Jesus.
Lord of the Dance
Michael Row The Boat Ashore
Morning has broken


19 posted on 03/05/2018 12:25:14 PM PST by Chickensoup (Leftists today are speaking as if they plan to commence to commit genocide against conservatives.)
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To: Da Coyote

Beautiful and powerful. Wish I could have heard and seen it. :D I’m also a musician (also songwriter and singer.) To me. It’s the most powerful song. Thank you for sharing this. God bless.


20 posted on 03/05/2018 12:25:34 PM PST by GOP Poet
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