To Sing or Not to Sing
The Reformation service was an inspiring worship experience. My one tension is during the hymn sings. I'll sing, then stop to get the impact of hearing the full sanctuary and the harmony of the choir; then I can't help but joining back in; but...then I want just to listen again...
posted by M Clark at 10/31/2006 09:32:00 AM
3 Comments:
I have this very same difficulty!
I too struggle with the same.
We are so blessed to have such wonderful music performed by excellent musicians, and a congregation with talented voices. How can you not "sneak a listen?"
Well, I've overcome what may seem like a guilty feeling for those moments of not "verbally participating" during the hymns. Listening to the beautiful praise of God is as much a part of worship as is singing. After all, we "listen" to the sermons and are still worshiping. Sure, it would be quite awkward to loudly join Phil while he preaches! Nevertheless, I still do chime in from time to time with an "amen" when I "hear" something edifying and true.
You see, it's a heart thing- where is your heart during the hymn? Singing or listening is all a part of the worship. It's fine for one to sing and listen. And if you're anything like me (mildly schitzophrenic), you can do both!
But seriously, it is truly lovely to hear the praise and to sing the praise ... and even to add an occasional "amen" ... paricularly when our conductor doesn't add it to the end of the hymn!
I also love it when from time to time the organ/instruments drop out for a verse or two and you can more clearly hear the music of the voices. That is often when I am most tempted to drop out too and just soak it all in and feel swept away by what we can do.
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