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Why Do We Sing Hymns?


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#1 Thinker

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 06:14 AM

Consider some possible reasons why we sing hymns in a worship service. First, some people just enjoy the music. Second, some like to sing because they have good musical ability. Third, some simply sing because that's what you do when you come together. Fourth, it is possible that some sing "specials" as a sort of Spiritual(?) performance. (Otherwise, why do people often clap for their rendition)? In a typical service, how many really think about the message that is found in the music? If they do, does the message touch their lives? Can they relate to what the hymnwriter is communicating? Can they identify with the hymnwriter's experience? As another way to look at it, is what we are singing truly Scriptural? (Not all hymns are). Do the words of a hymn help us to express something to God that we haven't been able to find the way to express before? Do the hymns instruct us or can we use them to instruct others? Do we allow hymns to be simply mood setters? Are any contemporary gospel songs shallow? Do they only make us feel good? Do any help us mature Spiritually? Hymns, properly used, are a vital and valuable means of worship. We must determine that we will use them in the way that God intends and not just allow them to be more going through the motions. "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" (Colossians 3:16). Selah! Singing the words of hymns and enjoying the music without entering into the meaning of the words with our hearts and minds is like having a wonderful meal in a nice box and only admiring the box. Thinker (Ron)

#2 Charles Miles

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 10:00 AM

Amen to that Ron. When we sing it should be worship to the Father....not for anyone else. I think an area where some miss the hymns is the story behind the music...the story of what God has done for us as well as well as the story behind what caused the writer to compose the hymn. Anyone who can sing "Amazing Grace" or "All is Well with My Soul" and not have the feelings of overwhelming Grace in those stories, IMHO missed what it is all about. If you don`t know those stories, I urge you to go and read them, because the meanings will have an effect on how we sing.

Some in the church won`t sing at all! They think they don`t have a good voice and may disturb those who are near them who do have good music ability. To that situation, I say this.....Sing your song to the Lord and sing it like He was sitting there listening, because He is. Makes no difference if those around don`t like your voice, or even if you don`t like your own voice....the Father likes it and has requested "songs of praise" to be lifted to Him. We have a purpose in this world and it is to refect God`s glory and magesty back to Him. Just do it and do it the best you can with all reverence. God will be pleased.

Praise Him, Praise Him...

Charlie
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#3 Jay Turner

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Posted 21 January 2013 - 11:53 AM

Some in the church won`t sing at all! They think they don`t have a good voice and may disturb those who are near them who do have good music ability. To that situation, I say this.....Sing your song to the Lord and sing it like He was sitting there listening, because He is. Makes no difference if those around don`t like your voice, or even if you don`t like your own voice....the Father likes it and has requested "songs of praise" to be lifted to Him. We have a purpose in this world and it is to refect God`s glory and magesty back to Him. Just do it and do it the best you can with all reverence. God will be pleased.


What you say here not only applies to singing, but to whatever we do to the glory of God. When He lays something on our heart and we step out, it doesn't matter what the apparent outcome may be. It is the act of obedience and doing it to the best of your ability and understanding; that is what matters to God.
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