hymnals

Hymnals are collections of hymns intended for use in Christian worship. They typically present hymn texts accompanied by musical notation or melody lines and may include information such as tune names, meters, keys, authors of lyrics, composers of tunes, and liturgical guidance. Hymnals are often organized by number, theme, or meter to help congregations locate songs for specific occasions or seasons.

Across denominations, hymnals differ in emphasis: congregational singing is common in Protestant and Anglican traditions, while Catholic churches often use hymnals in parishes alongside other liturgical books; some hymnals are intended for choir use or organ accompaniment in addition to congregational singing. A hymnal may include service music, psalm settings, and indexes of first lines or tunes, enabling quick reference.

Hymnody has roots in medieval chant and psalm settings, but movable-type printing in Europe accelerated the publication of hymnals in the 15th–17th centuries. Early compiled hymnals helped standardize worship, and in North America the Bay Psalm Book (1640) and subsequent volumes shaped regional hymnody. Over time, hymnals reflect doctrinal positions, language, and musical tastes of their communities.

Today, hymnals remain central in many congregations, while digital and projected displays supplement or replace traditional print editions. Modern hymnals may offer multi-language texts, inclusive language, and alternative tunes. They are often published by denominational bodies and licensed to churches; digital databases provide cross-searchable access to thousands of hymns.

Well-known hymnals include The Hymnal 1982, The United Methodist Hymnal, and Hymns Ancient & Modern, among many national and regional editions. Anthology-style collections and software-driven hymnals are also common, reflecting ongoing changes in worship practice.