Whenever I work alongside a Music Director Search Committee (like our church has active right now) and we move toward the interview process with candidates, there is usually some friendly banter that develops regarding the topic of the most important portion of worship. Since musicians are often passionate about the role of music in what we do together in God’s house, I tend to become the defender of the absolute necessity of the spoken word and sermon. I hope most folks recognize the playful nature of my remarks in those discussions, because I truly do value how music helps us to praise God.

As we have been sharing in these Lenten devotions, there are so many songs that help our souls to soar to God. One hymn found in our current hymnal, “When In Our Music God Is Glorified,” summarizes this phenomenon.

When in our music God is glorified, and adoration leaves no room for pride,
it is as though the whole creation cried, Hallelujah!

How often, making music, we have found, a new dimension in the world of sound,
as worship moved us to a more profound, Hallelujah!

Let every instrument be tuned for praise!, Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise!
And may God give us faith to sing always: Hallelujah! Amen.

As we will gather this Sunday for Easter, God will be glorified through our music. The Easter hymns of the congregation, the anthem offered by the choir, and The Hallelujah Chorus by choir and congregation will be opportunities in which we will worship in song. In our music this Sunday, like every Sunday, we will be responding to the call that echoes in Psalm 100. (Psalm 110:1,3)

 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness;
come into his presence with singing. Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name.

Prayer

Thank you God for the gift of music. Help us to lift our voices, our instruments, our minds and our souls to you as we give you praise for all that you have done for us. In Jesus’ name we sing and pray. Amen