ACU Press released the first installment of a new hymnbook series this week, complete with Bible commentary and original songs from Old Testament scholars, lyricists, poets and ACU faculty.
Timeless: Ancient Psalms for the Church Today will contain 108 new hymns, both traditional and contemporary, within its three volumes, which will be released over the next three to four years.
Dr. Leonard Allen, director of ACU Press, said he hopes the resource will help students learn to see the book of Psalms as a more relevant resource for Christian worship.
“We really don’t sing many songs in churches anymore,” Allen said. “The purpose of this book is to help Christians, young and old, reclaim those resources provided in book of Psalms.”
Allen said he believes the book illustrates the natural poetic nature of the word.
“Psalms were meant to be sung,” Allen said. “They made up the songbook of the early Christian church, and they were created for the church today.”
Allen said he also hopes the publication will put the important messages of the Old Testament into contemporary use through songs of praise as well as lament.
“Our song repertoire is mostly missing songs that help us express our struggles, pains and hurts,” Allen said. “Singing these hymns help us give that back to God.”
Timeless is edited by R. Mark Shipp of Austin Graduate School of Theology. Contributing ACU faculty members include Dr. Jack Reese, dean of the Graduate School of Theology, Dr. Sean Pullen, director of choral activities, and Dr. John Willis, professor of Bible.
Willis said he believes the songbook is useful not only for churches and worship leaders but also for students.
“What I like about our students right now is that many of them are creating, writing and composing songs,” Willis said. “This book can help them pick up on psalms and themes they can use in their music.”
Willis said he believes people should look to the lyrics to find daily guidance and instruction.
“I think that whether it is in a nation, church, community or family, what sustains us always are songs,” Willis said.
Willis said he frequently notices the correlation between the psalms read and songs sung during Chapel.
“If people just paid attention to the words, they would be so encouraged and uplifted,” Willis said. “The most important part of any song is the words.”
The hymnbook is available in the campus bookstore, on Amazon.com or at the ACU Press office on 1626 Campus Ct. for $29.99 in hardback and $19.99 in spiral-bound paperback. CDs featuring performances of the new songs will also be available for purchase.
