Singing in worship (No 2)

After receiving some expected and constructive feedback on ‘Singing in Worship’ I thought I would expand a little more on what I previously said and attempt to correct the perceived imbalance. 

Let me state it again, I appreciate the many new contemporary lyrics and tunes that have been written and sung in many of our churches.  For example, “How deep the Father’s love”, “Grace, greater than our sin”, “His mercy is more,” “Power of the cross”, “Speak O Lord”, the new version of “Just as I am”, “Amazing Grace – my chains are gone” and many more.  

I also acknowledge there are hymns in our regular hymn books which are questionable as far as their theological content is concerned and some have difficult tunes.  But that is probably true for most hymn / song books. I guess there needs to be some tolerance both ways and we need to have the grace to allow for some poetic license.  

My concern is that we seem to be coming more comfortable singing hymns and songs, whether old or new, where the focus is more about our affections and emotions towards God our Saviour, rather than us singing and exalting God’s name for his marvellous love and affection to us seen in so many wonderful ways, not least our forgiveness and salvation in Christ.  

Now it is not wrong that lyrics or even tunes should fuel our affections and emotions.  Sometimes I hear the tune of Amazing Grace and it stirs me, for I know those wonderful lyrics. Similarly, when one reads Scripture our emotions and affections can be stirred.  For example, when one reads Romans 8:35ff which reminds us that there isn’t anything in all creation that can separate us from God’s love, surely, one cannot remain detached or not show emotion.  There isn’t any better news for the repentant sinner.  

So, rather than just singing repetitive phrases, let us add some depth to the lyrics and let us sing, “How great is our God for he has promised never to leave us and nothing can separate us from his love etc.” In other words, give us the Scriptural evidence why we sing “How great is our God” and let that fuel our affections, emotions and our commitment to Him.  

Most of the hymns and songs we have grown to love over the years usually have good lyrics and memorable and singable tunes.   Someone made the valid suggestion to encourage gifted musicians to take some of the ‘old’ hymns that have difficult tunes and modernise into more contemporary tunes, yet keeping the lyrics which are rich in theology.  This doesn’t mean we have to throw out the old tune, but we could simply add a new tune - version b.  In this way we can have good lyrics and memorable tunes which we and our children may sing for years to come.  And again, some tolerance is required for the Lord’s people have different tastes.  

Finally, it would be very unwise to not allow new hymns or songs and just go with the same old, same old.  Change is good and should be encouraged.  Even the Psalmist said, “Sing to the Lord a new song for he has done marvellous things…”   Blessings.  JZ.