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About Numbered Notation

Numbered Notation (also called Jianpu, 简谱) writes each melody note as a number from 1 to 7 instead of a note on a staff. The number shows the note's position in the song's scale -- not its exact pitch -- so the same tune looks identical no matter what key it's sung in.

Within one octave, the numbers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 correspond to the familiar do re mi fa sol la ti. A dot above a number raises it an octave higher; a dot below lowers it an octave lower -- no dot means the middle, as-written octave.

A plain number lasts one beat. A dash (-) right after a number holds that same note for one more beat. A line underneath a number shortens it instead -- one line is half a beat, two lines a quarter of a beat. A 0 is a rest: silence for one beat.

The label at the top of the sheet, like "1=C" or "1=Ab", shows which pitch scale degree 1 ("do") is tuned to. A song in a minor key is labeled "6=X" instead -- scale degree 6 ("la") is the true tonic. Chord names printed above the notes (like "C" or "G7") always use their familiar letter names, never numbers.

For example, under a "1=C" heading, the numbers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 sound as C D E F G A B. Under a "1=G" heading, those very same numbers sound as G A B C D E F# instead -- same shape, different key.

Never did I dream before

The Church As Our Home and Rest

New Tunes1238
1
Never did I dream before,
Such a place could e’er be found,
Where the tears of sorrow cease,
Songs of endless joy abound.
One who seldom ever sang,
Now delights his voice to raise;
Singing hymns with all the saints,
Echoing the ceaseless praise.
2
Day by day the world goes on,
Just as it has gone before.
Millions grasp and clutch at life,
Wond’ring if there could be more;
Such was I and would be, yet
Mercy found me out somehow;
With what gratefulness I say,
“I’m in God’s own family now.”
3
How delightful ’tis to know;
How subjective, real, and sweet
Is this inward joy of grace
We experience when we meet;
Life abundant Jesus gives
As my full reality;
Praise You, Lord, it’s really true,
I’m in Your own family.
4
At the closing of this age,
Just before Your kingdom’s dawn,
May You gain a people, Lord,
For Your dwelling place, Your home.
Since for me You gave Your all,
Everything I lay aside;
For Your church my all I’d give,
That You would be satisfied.

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Jonab Gama

Vitoria Da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil

Jun 19, 2010

Wonderful alternate melody.

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Boaz Lee

Fairfax, Virginia, United States

Apr 20, 2010

The second verse really shows me that I shouldn't worry about what's going on in my life. I just realize that God is all that matters, and I just feel so moved... It's that feeling where you're so joyful, that it can't be explained.

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Tony

London, United Kingdom

Apr 2, 2010

"Every spiritual experience is a dream. I cannot tell you how many dreams I have had through the years. Coming into the church life is a dream. Knowing the practicality of the church is also a dream. Many times we have said, "My, this experience is so good that it must be a dream. What a dream has come to me!" The more dreams we have, the better, for the more dreams we have, the more we touch and enjoy the ladder."

(Life-Study of Genesis, Msg. 68 (c) LSM)

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Madelene I. Camacam

Santiago City, Isabela, Philippines

Sep 23, 2009

I really treasure this hymn in my heart, it's so sweet to have this realization that there's no place on this earth like the church, our real family where in there's no tears, no sorrows, but ceaseless praise and real enjoyment of the Lord. May the Lord preserve our heart waiting for Him with this realization "to give our all for the church and lay aside all the things that is not of Him. Saints, may we satisfy the Lord's desire.

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jesreel b lasaga

Cagayan De Oro City, Mis. Or, Philippines

Aug 2, 2009

Praise the Lord. I enjoy this hymn. It refreshes my first love to the Lord.

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Joni Prudentino

Batangas City, Philippines

Jul 15, 2009

How delightful 'tis to know;
How subjective, real, and sweet
Is this inward joy of grace
We experience when we meet;
Life abundant Jesus gives
As my full reality;
Praise You, Lord, it's really true,
I'm in Your own family.

Read more
gles bagares

Cagayan De Oro City, Misamis Oriental, Philippines

Jun 21, 2009

I love the lyrics and the new tune.

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Selah Apiag

Sinacaban, Misamis Occidental, Philippines

Mar 13, 2009

I like this song because it made me realize how blessed I am that I am in the church, which is God's family; touching me to give my all for the church and to Him.

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mandy

Croswell, Michigan, United States

Jul 1, 2008

This song speaks of a family life and rest. I am thankful to be in the church--Gods rest and mine. If we can see this we are blessed. Thank You Lord You give us so many riches by the Spirit! Thank You Lord for hymns of thanksgiving and encouragment and life. May all my brothers and sisters in Christ be blessed by the words in this sweet hymn. Amen

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Gabriel

White Rock, B.C., Canada

May 22, 2008

This is the true church life, a foretaste of the New Jerusalem! Through our appreciation, enjoyment and experience of Christ, His bride is being prepared, even to be consummated in the New Jerusalem! What a glory! Praise the Lord!

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