“Lift up your heart, lift up your voice.”
“Lift up your voice and with me sing.”
“Sing from your heart; let your praises be ringing”
“Sing praises to Him.”

The tradition of singing in the Presbyterian Church is part of our heritage. The Reformed Church cut itself loose from the Latin hymns and adopted the Psalms as the sole medium of church praise. Over the years the church has integrated Scripture and spirituals into the music library that be used in service. Today’s Presbyterian Church sings over 250 different hymns and spirituals in a year.

Singing is a way for Christians to open their hearts and praise the Lord. However, just singing will lighten your heart, put a spring in your step, a smile on your face a helps you see your purpose. Part of God’s purpose is for you to sing joyously. If you can’t sing or don’t have the confidence, hum along or whisper the words until you feel the spirit move within.

David, the writer of many psalms, described God as a “man after his own heart” and sang many praises to God even in the toughest times.

Life’s challenges can rob you of your song when you need it most. Don’t let that happen! A song can bring a renewed sense of peace and a feeling that God is near. Try singing a new song.

Look up the lyrics to a favorite song or learn the words to a new praise song. Sing it joyously to God!

“I will be happy because of you; God Most High, I will sing praises to you name.” – Psalm 9:2 NCV Photo by Muppeto

MUSIC

Music (noun) Origins of the word are found all over Europe, dating back to the 13th century. One definition is: the science or art of ordering tones or sounds in succession, in combination, and in temporal relationships to produce a composition having unity and continuity. Another is: the vocal, instrumental, or mechanical sounds having rhythm, melody, or harmony.

Keeping in mind, I grew up in the Presbyterian church I have noticed Presbyterians like to think of music as a response which engages the whole self in prayer.

According to the Presbyterian Book of Order, “music can unite the faithful in common prayer wherever they gather for worship”. Outside of church the youth will sing praises and play music for the Lord at camps and retreats; thus creating a bond between each other and God. Many people of all ages will attend concerts and feel uplifted by the wondrous sounds made by those have been entrusted with such gifts.
Also according to the Book of Order, the primary role of the choir and other musicians is to lead the congregation in the singing of prayers. Instrumental music is considered a form of prayer since words are not essential for praying; God listens to one’s heart.

My church has been blessed with a very talented and gifted man who is the Director of Music and is considered a special member of my church family. Make sure you take some time to get to know the Director or Minister of Music in your church.

The music played during the service is carefully chosen. It is not a cover for silence, it is not for entertainment. Close your eyes the next time you listen to the choir sing or instruments play. Feel the music. Let the melody slip into your ears, dawdle in your mind, and touch your heart; let your toes tap; let your fingers strum your knee.

Let the Holy Spirit fill you.