Awake, My Soul - Hymn Devotions Book Review

Giveaway and review!

The following is an edited version of the YouTube transcript:

Awake My Soul: Hymn Readings for Daily Devotion is a daily devotional featuring 365 hymns from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, each paired with a brief meditation. Edited by Dan Kreider, who also edited Sing! Hymnal, this book offers readers a way to engage with the rich history and theological depth of Christian hymnody.

Published by P&R Publishing, Awake My Soul is the kind of devotional I love. Each entry presents the lyrics of a hymn alongside a short meditation. Readers can work through one entry at a time, reading the words almost like poetry, reflecting on their meaning, and meditating on the truths they communicate.

The collection includes timeless hymns as well as lesser-known and relatively obscure selections curated by Kreider. The accompanying meditations introduce readers to the hymns and their writers while offering a deeper glimpse into the meaning behind the words and lines of each song.

I especially appreciate this type of devotional because of its artistic approach. As a worship leader, musician, and artist, I enjoy looking behind the scenes at how a piece of art communicates meaning. The meditations explore the hymns without becoming overly critical. Instead, they remain devotional in nature, drawing the reader's heart and mind toward God.

Honestly, this is the kind of book that can warm your heart and sharpen your mind.

Books like this had a significant impact on me as a young Christian. Sometimes, more substantial or intensive devotionals can feel overwhelming, especially during busy seasons of life, such as when I was a student. Short, focused meditations like these helped me engage with Scripture and Christian truth without feeling overwhelmed.

The book can also be a source of inspiration for musicians and songwriters. Spending time with the words of these hymns may encourage readers to write their own lyrics and songs, drawing on the theological richness and poetic beauty of the Christian tradition.

Another helpful feature is the attempt to align the readings with the Christian calendar. Readers will encounter hymns for Advent, Christmas, Easter, and other seasons, helping establish a regular rhythm of reading, reflection, and worship.

If you're struggling to maintain a daily devotional habit, Awake My Soul is a great place to start. It's approachable and easy to use. You may discover familiar hymns, but you'll also encounter lesser-known songs and thoughtful meditations that encourage you to reflect more deeply on the words you sing.

I recommend Awake My Soul: Hymn Readings for Daily Devotion to Christians who love hymns, appreciate the connection between theology and music, or simply want a fresh approach to daily devotions. It's a reminder that the songs of the church are more than melodies and lyrics; they are rich expressions of faith that can continue to shape our hearts and minds.

Awake My Soul: Hymn Readings for Daily Devotion is published by P&R Publishing.

I received a media copy of Awake, My Soul (Amazon, 5% off your entire order always at Westminster Bookstore with code DIVEINDIGDEEP) and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.