I just had this thought for a fun excursion. Think of a favorite hymn and find the lyrics for it. I would recommend either printing out a copy, or putting it in document on your computer so you can edit it as we go.

Now take that hymn and go phrase by phrase through it. Find a verse or passage that says what the hymn writer is communicating, and write the reference (or the whole verse) next to the phrase.

My hope is that through this exercise, you will gain a deeper love for your favorite hymn.

If you take this journey with a different hymn periodically, not only will you find a new love for the hymns you do this with, but you may even find that you have a more full understanding of some hymns for the first time.

Once finished with this exercise, it's so much more fun to sing these hymns, since you know that you are singing truth straight from scripture. It gets the hymns out of rote memory, and helps you start engaging your mind.

I wanted to do this with one of the hymns we sang at church this past Lord's day:

And Can It Be

And can it be that I should gain
An int’rest in the Savior’s blood?
[Hebrews 9:12]

Died He for me, who caused His pain—
[1 Corinthians 15:3]

For me, who Him to death pursued?
[1 Peter 2:24]

Amazing love! How can it be
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
[Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:10]

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night.
[Romans 3:10]

Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray;
[Ephesians 1:5]

I woke – the dungeon flamed with light!
[1 John 1:5]

My chains fell off, my heart was free;
[Acts 16:26]

I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
[Matthew 4:19]

No condemnation now I dread:
[Romans 8:1]

Jesus and all in Him is mine!
[Luke 22:19-20]

Alive in Him, my living Head,
[Galatians 2:20, 1 Corinthians 15:21]

And clothed in righteousness divine,
[Isaiah 61:10]

Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
[Hebrews 4:16, Romans 5:2]

And claim the crown
[1 Timothy 4:8]

through Christ, my own.
[Philippians 3:9]