The Joy of Singing Together
Singspiration
Before we left the house this morning, my wife reminded me that the leaders of our church scheduled a time of singing before the main worship activity. This is a time for singing while people are gathering together, and the songs are picked randomly by the group. The pastor usually takes the lead, and after the first song hands are quickly raised, allowing the next person to suggest a song. This process continues for about 15 minutes until the time for the main worship has arrived.
We sing from a hymnal which contains a mix of traditional hymns and gospel songs. Most are familiar, but every now and then I am challenged by the tune. I noticed this morning that the subject of the message was going to be the resurrection, and the choice of songs offered by the group focused mainly on that theme. It is a great time of worship, and everyone gets involved in the fun.
“Singspiration”, as we call it, is just an old-fashioned good time. There is nothing so sweet as fellowship in song with your brothers and sisters. And it is interesting to see what songs are special to other people. We all have our favorites, but part of the fun is just keeping your hand down and submitting to others choices. This is an example of the “one another” aspect of church life that gives every part of the body a chance to minister to someone else, even if its just the simple act of choosing a song.
That last song we sang before the main worship was “Our God Reigns”. I have included some of the lyrics here for your encouragement. My prayer is that the words of this song prove as uplifting to you as they were to me as we sang together this morning.
How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him,
Who brings good news, good news;
Announcing peace, proclaiming news of happiness.
Our God Reigns! Our God Reigns!
He had no stately form, He had no majesty
That we should be drawn to Him.
He was despised and we took no account of Him.
Yet now He reigns, with the Most High.
It was our sin and guilt that bruised and wounded Him.
It was our sin that brought Him down.
When we like sheep had gone astray our Shepherd came,
And on His shoulders He bore our shame.
Meek as a lamb, that’s led out to the slaughterhouse,
Dumb as a sheep, before it’s shearer;
His life ran down upon the ground like pouring rain,
That we might be born-again!
Out from the tomb He came with grace and majesty;
He is alive, He is alive!
God loves us so, see here His hands, His feet, His side;
And yes, we know, He is alive!
Chorus
Our God reigns! Hallelujah, Our God reigns!
Our God reigns! Our God reigns!
Our God reigns! Hallelujah, Our God reigns!
Our God reigns! Our God reigns!
Peace.
March 30, 2008 at 5:01 pm
Hello!
I am fairly new to blogging here and am trying to check out the blogs of brothers and sisters in Christ (as well as others!). This whole blogging thing is about community, aye? Anyway: I loved your post. As a worship leader, and especially as one from a liturgical tradition, I believe in a balance between “formal” and “informal” worship. When I read, “a time for singing while people are gathering together, and the songs are picked randomly by the group,” that totally resonated with me!
My family and I missionaries in Bolivia, and we offer what we call a monthly “Community Group”, mainly as an outreach of encouragement to the English-speaking Christian community (though some Bolivians come to practice their English and to fellowship). During part of the evening, we have what I alternately call “Bring Your Own Worship” and “Stump the Band”. Folks (kids and adults alike) get to suggest songs for a portion of the evening. I can often start strumming the song on my guitar, but quite often I am “stumped” and we sing a’capella, which can often be a sweet part of the evening.
Thanks for sharing about what you guys do before some of your services. God bless you, your family and your church!
March 30, 2008 at 5:02 pm
PS - Oh, and “Our God Reigns!” is a favorite of mine!