Hymns for a baptism

Baptism marks the start of a life with Christ, and the hymns sung around it are hymns of new beginnings: coming to Jesus just as we are, promising to follow him, and asking for the Holy Spirit's help. Churches that baptize believers often sing a hymn of commitment as the candidate comes out of the water; churches that baptize infants often sing of God's care for children and the promises parents and congregation make.

Choose a hymn the whole church can sing heartily — a baptism is a family celebration as well as a sacred moment — and, if you can, one the person being baptized has chosen. The list starts with hymns often sung at baptisms and adds the library's hymns written for the occasion. All are in the public domain, so the words can go straight into your service sheet.

If you need a hymn printed for the service sheet or projected on a screen, open it to choose verses, or build a full order of service with the readings and the baptismal promises in place.