Throughout the fall, our worship will be guided by themes drawn from a different focal hymn every Sunday. Our hope is to celebrate those church songs — whether old or new — that instruct us, bind us together, and bring us close to God. I hold a strong belief in the power of singing as a spiritual practice within the church.
Why so much emphasis on hymn singing in the sacred dialogue between Creator and creation that we call worship? Rooted in Holy Scripture and nurtured through centuries of tradition, hymn singing holds much of church life together. Behind our singing is an invitation to offer doxology — praise to God for who God is. Our worship is an expression of God’s worth and a celebration of the relationship God makes with us in Jesus Christ.
Hymns’ poetry condenses complex concepts into concise verses that endure through generations, etched into our hearts. How many verses of Scripture, parables, and insights are drawn together in memorable, singable lines? Thank God we have good hymns to teach us.
In a divided world, singing together as a Christian community offers a powerful alternative — a vision of unity within our diversity. Regardless of our differences, Christians can find unity in singing together — a tangible expression of the oneness believers share in Christ.
Beyond their capacity to instruct and unite, hymns have personal spiritual power. Singing can be a means of drawing near to God’s presence. The Psalms — ancient hymns of Israel — are filled with examples of singing as a means of spiritual nourishment and intimacy with God. Singing offers believers a full range of emotional expression — whether joy, sorrow, gratitude, or contrition — in the presence of God.
Hymn singing is also a discipline contributing to our spiritual formation. The act of singing hymns fosters spiritual growth much as prayer and meditation deepen our relationship with God. Consider the beloved hymn “It Is Well with My Soul.” The story behind it, rooted in Horatio Spafford’s personal pain, reminds us that even in the most trying times, singing honest songs can quiet the troubled soul.
In the end, singing in church is not just about singing; it’s a beautiful way to talk to God, to be close to God, and to remember how much God loves us and the world. Thank God for the gift of singing in church!
Grace & Peace,