These 5 Old Christian Hymns Every Child Should Learn are timeless treasures. They offer children a unique opportunity to connect with their faith through music. Hymns for children not only play an important role in Christian tradition but also provide valuable lessons about faith, love, and devotion.
While modern worship songs are popular today, the classic, old Christian hymns continue to resonate deeply. They carry messages that transcend generations. Learning and singing these hymns can be a beautiful way for children to build their spiritual foundation.
In this post, we’ll explore five old Christian hymns every child should learn. These hymns are simple, profound, and full of spiritual wisdom. Let’s dive in!
Names of Old Christian Hymns

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“How Great Thou Art”
This hymn is one of the most beloved in the Christian world. Written by Swedish poet Carl Boberg in 1885, “How Great Thou Art” expresses awe and wonder at the majesty of God. Its beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics praise God’s power in creation and His love for His people.
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For children, this hymn teaches them about the greatness of God. It helps them grasp the concept of God’s love and magnificence in nature. Also, the sweeping melody is fun for kids to sing, helping them engage with both the message and the music.
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“Holy, Holy, Holy”
This old Christian hymn, written by Reginald Heber in 1826, is a celebration of the holiness of God. Its repetitive structure and uplifting melody make it a great choice for children. The lyrics focus on the majesty of God as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, a beautiful reminder of the mystery and awe that comes with worshiping the Trinity.
The hymn’s refrain, “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty,” is simple enough for children to repeat. The song as a whole emphasizes reverence and respect for God. Teaching this hymn can help children understand and appreciate the sacredness of God’s nature and their role in His creation.
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“What a Friend We Have in Jesus”
Written by Joseph M. Scriven in 1855, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” is a beautiful hymn of comfort and assurance. The hymn reminds us that Jesus is always there for us—our constant companion and the one we can turn to in times of trouble. The message of friendship with Christ is simple, profound, and reassuring for children, making it a great hymn to learn.

For children, this hymn teaches them about the intimate, personal relationship they can have with Jesus, one based on trust and prayer. The comforting lyrics, “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear,” remind them that they can talk to Jesus about anything, and He will listen and care for them.
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“Sweet Hour of Prayer”
“Sweet Hour of Prayer” is a beautiful hymn written by William W. Walford in 1845. It speaks to the power and peace that prayer brings, offering children a model for communicating with God. The hymn teaches the importance of taking time to pray and the joy that can come from seeking God in moments of solitude.
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For children, “Sweet Hour of Prayer” can help them understand that prayer isn’t just about asking for things, but about connecting with God on a personal level. The gentle melody and uplifting lyrics are a great way to instill the practice of prayer in a child’s heart from an early age.
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“Amazing Grace”
“Amazing Grace” is perhaps the most well-known hymn in the English-speaking world. Written by John Newton, a former slave trader who converted to Christianity, this hymn tells the story of redemption and the transforming power of God’s grace. Its simple lyrics have made it a favorite in churches and other special life events.
What is the most popular Christian hymn of all time?

It’s hard to narrow down which hymn holds the title of the “most popular Christian hymn of all time,” but “Amazing Grace” certainly ranks as one of the top contenders. Its worldwide popularity, deeply moving lyrics, and simple yet beautiful melody have made it a hymn that transcends denominations and cultures.
“Amazing Grace” is sung in churches, concerts, and memorial services around the globe, making it arguably the most widely recognized Christian hymn. Its timeless message of God’s grace has touched the hearts of generations, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. For many, this hymn is a powerful reminder of God’s love and redemption.
In a world where music keeps changing, these classic old Christian hymns give kids a strong foundation for their faith. They’re simple but powerful, teaching important lessons about grace, prayer, and reverence.
As children learn and sing these songs, they’re not just remembering lyrics—they’re soaking in messages that will stick with them for life. Keeping these hymns alive is a wonderful way to pass on the timeless beauty of the Christian faith to the next generation.
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More Old Christian Hymn Resources: Great Hymns of The Faith
Ready to dive deeper? Explore Great Hymns of the Faith by Music in Our Homeschool. It’s an engaging, all-ages study that brings beloved children’s hymns to life. Designed to inspire faith, enrich family worship, and cultivate a love for music, this course is perfect for spiritual growth, building meaningful family moments, and teaching your children the beauty of timeless hymns.

With engaging activities tailored for all ages, Great Hymns of the Faith makes learning fun and impactful.
Here are the 10 children’s hymns included in the course by Music in Our Homeschool:
- Amazing Grace
- Fairest Lord Jesus
- It Is Well With My Soul
- A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
- Blessed Assurance
- Be Thou My Vision
- The Old Rugged Cross
- Holy, Holy, Holy
- Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing
- What a Friend We Have in Jesus
Don’t wait to start this incredible journey of faith and music appreciation with your family. Click here to explore the hymns course and inspire your family’s worship today!




