Two years ago, I surveyed my incoming students in my history and theology of Christian worship class. I shared the responses here. I did the same this year, so far thirteen of the students responded. Seven songs were named two of more times in this year’s survey. A total of twenty-eight songs were named. Five were also among last year’s twenty-eight titles: “Be Thou My Vision,” the Doxology, “Great Are You Lord,” “How Deep the Father’s Love for Us,” “In Christ Alone.” The presence of the Doxology (that is, “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow”) is best explained by its use every Sunday at at least one popular local church.

I asked the students to indicate the hymn writer et cetera if they knew.. I’ve included this information when they have.

• Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me-City Alight (4)
• Promises by Maverick City (3)
• A Thousand Hallelujahs — Brooke Liertwood “SEVEN” (2)
• Be Thou My vision (2)
• Doxology (2)
• Great is Thy Faithfulness (2)
• It is Well (2)
• King of Kings (2) by Hillsong and Brooke Ligertwood
• A Mighty Fortress (Heartsong)
• Ancient Gates by Brook Ligertwood
• Awake my soul by hillsong
• Blessed Assurance
• Firm Foundation (Maverick City Music)
• Goodness of God — Bethel Music “Victory”
• Great are You Lord
• How deep the Father’s love
• How Great thou Art
• In Christ Alone
• King Jesus by Brooke Ligertwood
• King of my Heart by bethel music
• My Soul Sings (Maverick City Music)
• Nothing But the Blood of Christ (Wilder Atkins)
• O Come to the Altar (Elevation Worship)
• Peace Be Still
• Son of Suffering by Maverick City
• Steadfast (Sandra McCracken)
• Thank You Jesus for the Blood by Charity Gayle
• Too Good to Not Believe by Cody Carnes and Brandon Lake

The word cloud below was generated from all the songs in this year’s list receiving chosen by more than one student.

They very different theological and liturgical world that I inhabit can be suggested by this word cloud formed by asking the same question of the folks I’m spending Thanksgiving with.