101 Hymns Old and New by Secular Country Artists
FlourishAnyway believes there is a playlist for just about any situation and is on a mission to unite and entertain the world through song.
Christian Praise Music by Popular Country Musicians
Looking for a new hymn for your church service or a modern rendition of an old favorite? Modern country music lends itself nicely to religious hymns. We have a long list of song and artist suggestions for praising and rejoicing.
Matthias Bachmann via Flickr, CC-BY-SA 2.0, modified by FlourishAnyway
Country Artists Provide Religious Inspiration
If your congregation is looking for positive new ways to incorporate contemporary culture into Sunday services, music is a great choice. Some churches already offer more relaxed, casual worship services that start at later times.
Recently, I compiled a playlist of pop, rock, and country songs about God, faith, and church. As a result, several readers requested another faith-based playlist. Therefore, I offer this collection of both old and new hymns by over 40 modern country artists, including George Jones, Blake Shelton, and Faith Hill. (A hymn is a religious song, typically one which praises God.)
Whether you're using this songlist for yourself or your congregation, there's a godsend of inspiration in these tunes. Enjoy!
1. "Amazing Grace" by Alan Jackson
One of the most recognizable praise songs in the English language, this simple hymn provides testimony that forgiveness and redemption are possible through God. The hymn became a Christian standard in both a capella and musically acompanied versions since its first publication in 1779. It has since crossed over to secular audiences.
More recent versions of the hymn have replaced the line "that saved a wretch like me" with text such as "that saved and strengthened me," "saved a soul like me," or "that saved and set me free." However, Alan Jackson's 2013 rendition is true to the original.
Other Notable Hymns by Alan Jackson
| Song | Year Released |
|---|---|
2. I Love to Tell the Story | 2006 |
3. I'll Fly Away | 2006 |
4. Sweet Hour Of Prayer | 2013 |
5. I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You | 2006 |
6. 'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus | 2006 |
7. Just as I Am | 2013 |
8. Precious Memories | 2013 |
9. "Oh, Happy Day" by Reba McEntire
Reba relied heavily on her faith to get her through a 2015 divorce that was not her idea. Her husband and manager of 26 years not only left her but also began dating the couple's close friend.
In 2017, Reba released her first contemporary Christian CD filled with both new tunes and old favorites. This basic, uptempo hymn from the mid-18th century celebrates Jesus' sweet forgiveness.
Other Notable Hymns by Reba McEntire
| Song | Year Released | Artist(s) |
|---|---|---|
10. Oh, How I Love Jesus | 2017 | Reba McEntire |
11. Back to God | 2017 | Reba McEntire |
12. I Got the Lord on My Side | 2017 | Reba McEntire |
13. Softly and Tenderly | 2006 | Reba McEntire (featuring Kelly Clarkson & Trisha Yearwood) |
14. "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" by Joey + Rory
Rory Lee Feek and his wife, Joey Feek, were a dynamic country duo until cervical cancer took Joey in 2016. Rory had been a songwriter for Clay Walker, Blake Shelton, and other top country artists. The couple's singing career took off in 2008 when they placed third in Country Music Television's (CMT's) talent competition, Can You Duet.
Joey + Rory released gospel albums in both 2013 and 2016. Their delivery of this beautiful hymn is particularly bittersweet.
Other Notable Hymns by Joey + Rory
| Song | Year Released |
|---|---|
15. I Need Thee Every Hour | 2016 |
16. It Is Well With My Soul | 2016 |
17. Jesus Paid It All | 2016 |
18. He Touched Me | 2016 |
19. I Surrender All | 2016 |
20. "Go Rest High on That Mountain" by Vince Gill
Vince Gill started writing this Grammy Award-winning song in 1995 to recognize the memory of country music star Keith Whitley, although he didn't complete it until his older brother died years later. The ballad describes the sorrow that loved ones on earth feel at the passing of a beleaguered soul.
It contrasts that grief with the elation that the deceased must be feeling upon entering Heaven:
Go rest high on that mountain
Son, your work on earth is done.
Go to Heaven a-shoutin'
Love for the Father and the Son.
Other Notable Hymns by Vince Gill
| Song | Artist(s) | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
21. Rock Of Ages | Vince Gill (featuring Amy Grant) | 2005 |
22. Tell Me One More Time About Jesus | Vince Gill (featuring Amy Grant) | 2006 |
23. All Prayed Up | Vince Gill | 2006 |
"God loves each of us as if there were only one of us." - St. Augustine, early Christian philosopher
pixel 2013 via Pixabay, Free Domain, modified by FlourishAnyway
24. "Something in the Water" by Carrie Underwood
This 2014 Grammy Award-winning song topped both the Christian and country music charts. It describes the strong, life-changing influence of the narrator's baptism. Carrie's powerful ability to cross genres was displayed first in 2005 with her memorable song, "Jesus Take the Wheel."
25. "Savior's Shadow" by Blake Shelton
Co-written by Blake Shelton just a month following his divorce from Miranda Lambert, this song of faith was released in 2016. It portrays trouble-imbued times in a man's life and how he leans on Jesus for love and support:
I'm standing in my Savior's shadow
Grace will lead to where I'm free.
I take His hand, we walk together
And His light shines on me.
26. "He Walks with Me (In the Garden)" by Merle Haggard
This gospel song was recorded by country artists from Elvis to Johnny Cash to Glen Campbell. In 1981, Merle Haggard added his touching version. The hymn describes a narrator's walk in a garden, side-by-side with Jesus who and provides soothing comfort unlike anything else.
Other Notable Hymns by Merle Haggard
| Song | Year Released |
|---|---|
27. What a Friend We Have in Jesus | 1981 |
28. Take My Hand, Precious Lord | 2001 |
29. Victory in Jesus | 2001 |
30. What Will It Be Like | 1970 |
31. This World is Not My Home | 2001 |
32. "Changed" by Rascal Flatts
In arising from the water at his baptism, the man in this contemporary hymn feels utterly transformed. The 2012 song acknowledges how he made mistakes and had been a lost soul. However, when he handed it all over to the Lord, he felt whole and completely changed.
Other Notable Hymns by Rascal Flatts
| Song | Year Released |
|---|---|
33. He Ain't the Leaving Kind | 2006 |
34. The Glory of Life | 2002 |
35. "Down to the River to Pray" by Alison Krauss
Once an African American spiritual, this hymn was popularized in 2000 by Alison Krauss who has a voice so inspired she certainly must be hiding wings and a halo. The song describes relying on God to show one the way during times of hardship.
Other Notable Hymns by Alison Krauss
| Song | Year Released |
|---|---|
36. Sweet Beulah Land | 2003 |
37. I Know Who Holds Tomorrow | 1994 |
38. Lay My Burden Down | 2010 |
39. I Know Who Holds My Hand | 1994 |
40. "Will The Circle Be Unbroken" by Randy Travis
Multiple lyrical versions of this old hymn exist. However, the one that Randy Travis released in 2003 depictssa grieving man standing at a window watching his mother's body being taken away in a hearse. Although he will miss her, he knows that heaven waits to receive her with open arms.
Randy Travis has released several spiritual albums.
Other Notable Hymns by Randy Travis
| Song | Artist(s) | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
41. Baptism | Kenney Chesney (featuring Randy Travis) | 1999 |
42. Shall We Gather At The River | Randy Travis | 2003 |
43. Blessed Assurance | Randy Travis | 2003 |
44. "Me and Jesus" by George Jones
This is such a FUN song—yep, you read that right!
The narrator declares in this 1972 song that he and Jesus are BFFs. Even though he was once "a sinner," "a drunk," and "a loser," he's finally found forgiveness through Christ. They have their own thing going. He says that he and Jesus have it all worked out.
Other Notable Hymns by George Jones
| Song | Year Released |
|---|---|
45. Family Bible | 2013 |
46. Just a Little Talk with Jesus | 2003 |
47. Bringin' It Home | 1967 |
48. I Can't Find It Here | 2013 |
49. Jesus Hold My Hand | 2003 |
50. "New Again" by Sara Evans and Brad Paisley
This gorgeous 2004 song is from the Passion of the Christ movie CD. Its lyrics feature Jesus and his mother conversing as he faces crucifixion.
51. "On the Wings of His Victory" by Glen Campbell
This praise song from 1992 is full of positive energy. The guy in the song describes how he has been tempted by the dark side of life and given in. He's been burned by the heat.
But whereas many others fall by the wayside, our narrator is a one-time loser who is about to win thanks to the redemption he has found through Jesus. He explains that God can make winners of us all.
Other Notable Hymns by Glen Campbell
| Song | Year Released |
|---|---|
52. Jesus and Me | 1991 |
53. I Will Rise | 2011 |
54. Sure as the Sun | 1996 |
55. "He's Alive" by Dolly Parton
This modern1989 hymn captures the sorrow, fear, and confusion that was felt by many when Jesus was crucified. It is told from the perspective of one of the women who hid. However, she rejoiced to discover that He was indeed alive and that she was forgiven.
Other Notable Hymns by Dolly Parton
| Song | Artist(s) | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
56. When I Get Where I’m Going | Brad Paisley (featuring Dolly Parton) | 2005 |
57. Farther Along | Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris | 1987 |
58. Church in the Wildwood | Dolly Parton | 1999 |
59. "I'm Getting Ready to Go" by Loretta Lynn
The woman in this hymn from 1968 is singing hallelujah because this world is simply her dressing room, and she's getting reading to go to Heaven! Crying tears of joy, she's looking forward to her eternal trip.
Other Notable Hymns by Loretta Lynn
| Song | Year Released |
|---|---|
60. In the Garden | 1968 |
61. In The Sweet By and By | 1965 |
"God never said that the journey would be easy, but He did say that the arrival would be worthwhile." - Max Lucado, American writer
Pixabay, Free Domain, modifed by FlourishAnyway
62. "Kneel at the Cross" by The Charlie Daniels Band
Who would imagine that the same country band who sang "Devil Went Down to Georgia" would record a contemporary Christian album of hymns?
In this simple hymn, released in 2002, the narrator urges you to kneel at the cross. Give up your idols. Let your cares fall away. Come as you are, and Jesus will meet you there.
Other Notable Hymns by The Charlie Daniels Band
| Song | Year Released |
|---|---|
63. Nothing but the Blood | 2002 |
64. Somebody Was Praying for Me | 2002 |
65. "Long Black Train" by Josh Turner
This 2003 song likens temptation to a long black train, with Satan as the locomotive's engineer. Sinners climb aboard for their journey to nowhere while others cling to the Lord and refuse to get their tickets punched.
Other Notable Hymns by Josh Turner
| Song | Artist(s) | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
66. Me and God | Josh Turner | 2006 |
67. The Answer | Josh Turner | 2010 |
68. For the Love of God | Josh Turner (featuring Ricky Skaggs) | 2012 |
69. "The Rock of Your Love" by Kenny Rogers
With God in his life, the narrator in this 2012 hymn feels he can withstand any storm clouds and rain that come his way. Whatever troubles threaten him, he is unafraid because he is standing on the rock of His love.
Other Notable Songs by Kenny Rogers
| Song | Year Released |
|---|---|
70. Love Lifted Me | 2011 |
71. Peace | 2012 |
72. "(When) The Man Comes Around" by Johnny Cash
There are so many biblical allusions in this 2002 country hymn—particularly to the Book of Revelation. The hymn refers to the the Four Horsemen of the Apocolypse, the "man goin' 'round takin' names," and the trumpets of 100 million angels on judgment day.
Other Notable Hymns by Johnny Cash
| Song | Year Released |
|---|---|
73. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot | 1959 |
74. This Train is Bound for Glory | 1979 |
75. I Came to Believe | 2006 |
76. God's Gonna Cut You Down | 2006 |
"God will meet you where you are in order to take you where He wants you to go." - Tony Evans, American pastor
geralt via Pixabay, Free Domain, modified by FlourishAnyway
77. "The Master is Waiting" by Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives (featuring Handsome Harry Stinsome)
This 2014 song asks searching questions:
What do you want? What do you need?
What have you done? Do you want to be free?
Are you losing the battle?
Then it assures you that the Master is waiting to come in to your heart, if you'll just let him in.
Other Notable Hymns by Marty Stuart
| Song | Year Released |
|---|---|
78. He Turned the Water into Wine | 2014 |
79. Working on a Building | 2014 |
"Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God." - Dr. Leo Buscaglia, American author
Even More Hymns Old and New by Modern Country Secular Artists
| Song | Artist | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
80. Keep Your Eyes on Me | Tim McGraw and Faith Hill | 2017 |
81. Believe | Brooks & Dunn | 2005 |
82. Angels Among Us | Alabama | 1993 |
83. Love Can Build a Bridge | The Judds | 1990 |
84. How Great Thou Art | Martina McBride | 2012 |
85. River of Jordan | Ricky Skaggs | 1982 |
86. God Must Really Love Me | Craig Morgan | 2009 |
87. Wayfaring Stranger | Trace Adkins | 1997 |
88. There is God | Lee Ann Womack | 2009 |
89. Lay Our Flowers Down | Lady Antebellum | 2017 |
90. The Little Girl | John Michael Montgomery | 2000 |
91. The Old Rugged Cross | Brad Paisley | 2001 |
92. Soldier of the Cross | Ricky Skaggs | 2005 |
93. Here I am Lord | Collin Raye | 2011 |
94. There Will Come a Day | Faith Hill | 1999 |
95. Holes in the Floor of Heaven | Steve Wariner | 1998 |
96. Uncloudy Day | Willie Nelson | 1976 |
97. I Saw the Light | Hank Williams Sr. | 1948 |
98. I Saw God Today | George Strait | 2008 |
99. Just a Closer Walk with Thee | Willie Nelson & Patsy Cline | 1996 |
100. You Raise Me Up | Josh Groban | 2003 |
101. Hallelujah | Brett Young | 2018 |
This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2017 FlourishAnyway
Comments
FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on April 19, 2020:
Peggy - I'm glad you enjoyed this. Have a lovely Sunday.
Peggy Woods from Houston, Texas on April 18, 2020:
I love many of these song hymns, so reading this one brought a smile to my face. In the Garden "He Walks With Me," is a personal favorite.
FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on July 01, 2017:
Devika - Glad you enjoyed these. Have a wonderful weekend.
DDE on June 30, 2017:
I like your list of songs. Great emotions from these songs and for me as well.
FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 23, 2017:
Shyron, Oh, I do know that. I figured that if I could point people in the direction of country stars who have hymns, they could find albums filled with the other hymns they have. Many of them have multiple religious albums filled with hymns. Thanks for all of your support and suggestions. I'm stil trying to catch up! You are wonderful.
Shyron E Shenko from Texas on June 23, 2017:
Shelley, this was a giant undertaking and I love all the songs and videos listed on here. The list is countless for these at least for me.
Precious Memories.
Blessings and hugs
FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 21, 2017:
Jo - I'm glad these songs touched youAlan Jackson has a nice rendition of "Precious Memories" as well. I added both that and "I Know Who Holds My Hand" by Alison Krauss. I'm sorry for the loss of your dear mother.
FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 21, 2017:
Patricia - I hope you are well. I'm glad these songs were meaningful for you today. Sending you and your family all the best.
Jo Miller from Tennessee on June 21, 2017:
As the daughter of a Methodist minister, many of these songs are in my heart and soul. My mom's favorite hymn was "I Know Who Holds My Hand". We had it sung at her funeral, and I still can't listen to it without weeping.
My first thought when I saw your title, though, was Willie Nelson's rendition of 'Precious Memories'. I didn'
Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on June 21, 2017:
Good morning
Listening to Saviour's Shadow while I write this....just was commenting to vocalcoach how much the magic of music means to my life....it gives me a way to deal with the challenges and the good times (which too are very plentiful)....each one of these songs says for me what I need to hear. Thank you for sharing these. Angels are once again on the way. ps
FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 15, 2017:
Bill - Thanks for stopping by to leave a comment. I hope you have a terrific rest of your week!
Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on June 15, 2017:
For sure, country is all about family, loyalty, God, and country..toss in a little love now and then, tell it all in story form, and you've got the makings of a good country song.
FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 15, 2017:
Linda - Thanks for your feedback. Have a great week!
FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 15, 2017:
Larry - We are kindred spirits. I've added Hank Sr. as #97. Thanks for the suggestion!
Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on June 14, 2017:
You've included some lovely hymns in your playlist, Flourish. Thank you for sharing them.
Larry Rankin from Oklahoma on June 14, 2017:
I'm not a traditionally religious person, but I love some religious tunes. My favorite is "I Saw the Light" by Old Hank.
Great list!:-)
FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 14, 2017:
Robert - What a beautiful way to describe the power of praise music. Thanks for sharing.
FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 14, 2017:
Linda - I'm so glad you enjoyed this. Some of the artists are traditional country but others you may never identify them as such. Have a terrific week!
Fiddleman on June 14, 2017:
I love the old hymns and have played and sung most in your list. Accappella or just a guitar they warm our hearts to worship. I have sat in church services where an old hymn was being sung and have seen the transformation of a whole congregation brought to unity in spirit and worship. It's not so much the singer artist singing as it is the Presence of the Spirit of Christ as the Lord is lifted in praise. Sadly many have not yet come to know Him in an intimate way.
Linda Lum from Washington State, USA on June 14, 2017:
I'm pretty sure I know over half of these. Not a huge fan of country music, but I love hymns. I grew up listening to Jim Reeves (wow, that was a long time ago!). Thank you for such an amazing list.
FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 14, 2017:
Heidi - You're right. Just about every country singer seems to have dipped their top in the water, and others have waded deep. Thanks for stopping by. Have a fabulous rest of your week.
Heidi Thorne from Chicago Area on June 14, 2017:
Wow! Quite a list. I think almost every country star has covered a gospel tune or hymn at some point. Thanks for sharing your playlist, as always!
FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 14, 2017:
MsDora - Yay! My hope was to provide people with some sample selections and names of popular country artists, many with contemporary Christian albums. Sometimes it's good to mix it up a little when it comes to music selection. Glad you liked this, Lady Dora.
FlourishAnyway (author) from USA on June 14, 2017:
Terrielynn1 - Thank you for being the first to comment. I knew you'd enjoy this one.
Dora Weithers from The Caribbean on June 14, 2017:
Finally, I know more than half of the list. I don't know the majority of artists, but they're worth a try to listen. Thanks for including hymns.
Terrie Lynn from Canada on June 14, 2017:
Thank you Flourish. This selection made me think of some good old fashioned hyms I had completely forgot about. One of my favorites is amazing grace. And I'll meet you at the river. And peace in tjhe valley is another one. have a great week. Amazing and a blessing what a great work up of songs..
