Rev Chris’s Weekly Update – 23/10

Dear all,

I am no singer, but I think we all know that singing can be good for you – music in general is therapeutic. Many people from amongst our community sing in local choirs and it is always interesting to see programmes that appear on the subject on television. One such programme, called Our Dementia Choir, has been on the BBC just recently promoting the benefits of singing amongst those suffering from dementia.

Singing is an important part of church worship as it signifies a desire to connect with God as a means of praise in recognition that He is the one who inspires and sustains us week by week. Such singing might come in the form of traditional hymns such as Amazing Grace, Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer, Great is Thy Faithfulness and so on, equally it might be with modern worship songs, and different people will have their preferences, but the purpose is the same – as it says in the Psalms;

Psalm 96:1 Sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth.

Psalm 13:6 I will sing to the LORD, for He has been good to me.
Psalm 33:3 Sing to Him a new song; play skillfully with a shout of joy.
Psalm 105:2 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; tell of all His wonders.

Psalm 149:1 Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of his faithful people.

 

It is clear from these verses the part that singing plays in worship, and I take my hat off to all those who lead us with their God given skills that they have as organists, musicians, singers, worship leaders and choirs. May we continue to be truly blessed through all that they give so that we can worship as we have been called to do.

Blessings,

Rev Chris

 

p.s. The following prayer was part of the Church of England daily prayer on Thursday this week;

GIVE US THE MUSIC OF YOUR PRAISE, LORD,

MORNING, NOON AND NIGHT,

THAT OUR LIVES MAY BE FRUITFUL

AND OUR LIPS CONFESS YOU AS

THE TRUE AND ONLY GOD