Preparing for corporate worship

Singing is part of the church's worship -- an important part. It functions on a number of levels. It can act as a declaration of who God is and what He has done. It can serve as a response to God's attributes and works. It can help us remember -- and teach each other -- biblical and theological realities. It can connect mind and heart, express truth and affections. It can comfort and challenge. It can glorify God, exalt Christ and preach the gospel. God's people have sung through the ages -- and will continue to do so. For instance, they sang when God delivered them through the Red Sea (Ex. 15). "Sing the glory of His name," the psalmist urged God's people (Ps. 66:2). Jesus sang with His disciples after the Lord's Supper, just before He headed to betrayal, arrest, torture and death (Matt. 26:30). Paul called for the saints to teach and admonish each other "with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God" (Col. 3:16). Worshipers in Heaven will sing to the glory of God (Rev. 5:9, 15:3). We will sing again this Sunday. May we prepare our hearts and minds for this part of worship and the others we will participate in. May we use our voices to sing to God and to one another.