- Choose a topic.
- The hymn should be in strophic form with a minimum of TWO STANZAS.
- Indicate the METER of your hymn and a SUGGESTED TUNE under the TITLE.
- The hymn should utilize RHYME SCHEMES and various POETIC DEVICES discussed in class.
- Use contemporary language (no thee’s and thou’s).
- Use inclusive language.
- Writing an original tune is optional and will not add any points to the grading of your hymn.
- If you do not write an original tune, RECOMMEND A TUNE.

See Writing Hymns.

Here is an example of how your hymn should be typed and submitted:

When Jesus summoned Lazarus
(76.76 D ONEGO. Alltenate tunes: NEW 130TH or LANCASHIRE)

When Jesus summoned Lazarus the people were amazed:
"Why would he call to someone who had been dead four days?"
But Jesus shouted loudly, his eyes to heaven raised,
"Come out, dear Lazarus, come out and offer God your praise!"

When Lazarus walked among them the people were surprised:
the shroud around his body, the veil about his eyes.
They overcame the horror of things they once despised,
then tore away his bindings and God was glorified.

When shame and terror bind us and place us in a tomb,
When sanctified tradition then seals it with a stone,
still Jesus stands and calls us, "Your name is loved and known,
Come out and join the living, unveiled but not alone."

Awakened in the sunlight to walk unhidden ways,
We celebrate our freedom, in prayer our voices raise.
In Christ set free to flourish, as faith its power displays,
United with our neighbors, we offer God our praise!

- Daniel Landes, 2001
© 2001 by Owl Creek Music, Nashville, TN