When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun.
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise,
Than when we’ve first begun.

Do those words sound familiar? No, it’s not a verse from a somewhat well-known poem or a snippet of a quote from a book. It’s actually the last verse from the popular hymn, “Amazing Grace” as it appears in the Gather Hymnal (you know, that thick green song book tucked away in the pews). Despite the more well-known first verse of the song, the last verse happens to be one of my most favorite verses.

Sometimes, for whatever reason, all the verses of a particular hymn don’t get sung at Mass. Maybe collecting the offering took less time because there’s not as many people, maybe the priest walked fast that day or maybe the main aisle of the church is really short or really long. I know I’m being funny here, but it happens, sometimes the third, fourth and fifth verses are not used.

So in honor of those hymn’s verses which may or may not be sung at Mass as often as they should, here are a few of my favorites!

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And when from death I’m free I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be,
And through eternity I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on!
And through eternity I’ll sing on.
- What Wondrous Love Is This?

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Glory be to God the Father; Glory be to God the Son;
Glory be to God the Spirit; Glory to the Three in One.
From the heart of blessed Mary, From all saints the song ascends,
And the church the strain re-echoes, Unto earth’s remotest ends.
-Sing of Mary, Pure and Lowly

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I am the Word that leads all to freedom,
I am the peace the world cannot give
I will call your name, embracing all your pain,
Stand up, now walk, and live!
-You are Mine

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The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart, A fountain ever springing.
All things are mine since I am his; How can I keep from singing?
-How Can I Keep From Singing?

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Do you have a favorite verse of a hymn? Share it in the comment section below!

photo: flickr.com/krislitman