Scripture songs may be integrated into traditional approaches to planning a worship service in ways that will enliven the service without disrupting its logical order and flow.
The suggestions that follow may help you make Scripture songs a more meaningful part of your worship.
ONE: Use a short Scripture song as a “frame” around another psalm or hymn, similar to the alleluia frames found in Psalms 103–106. The following Scripture songs also make good “frames”:
- “He Is Lord”
- “Rejoice in the Lord Always”
- “Our God Reigns” (refrain only)
Be sure that the Scripture song and its companion psalm or hymn are in the same key or in a suitably related key that permits direct transition from one song to the other; transpose one of the songs if necessary.
- “This Is the Day”—at the beginning of worship
- “Arise, Shine”—at the Service of the Word (or during Epiphany)
- “Jesus, Remember Me”—as a response in a litany-style prayer
- “The Lord Bless You and Keep You”—at the close of worship
TWO: Choose a Scripture song just as you choose other psalms and hymns—paying careful attention to its place in the liturgy and to the season of the church calendar. Note how the following songs fit into the liturgy:
THREE: Add more stanzas, particularly to songs in which there is already some repetition of text. For example, add a second stanza to “I Will Sing of the Mercies,” or add other first lines to “Those Who Wait upon the Lord,” as follows:
- Those who love the God of grace shall renew …
- Those who love a life of love shall renew …
- Those who die on the march shall renew … [funerals]
- Those who offer gifts of praise shall renew …
- Those who grow in his ways shall renew … [profession of faith]
- Those who pray “Come Quickly Lord” shall renew … [Advent]
FOUR: As with all other church music and congregational song, bring creativity and variety into the singing of Scripture songs. Make full use of musical features such as descants or rounds. Occasionally sing select songs in a medley style. And, if the group sings the same Bible song several times in sequence, introduce different levels of dynamics (louds and softs) and provide occasional changes in harmonization and/or accompanying instruments (including Orff instruments and folk instruments in smaller settings).
The contemporary revival in singing Scripture songs is a powerful sign that the Holy Spirit is still making fresh the meaning of the inspired Scriptures to the lives of God’s people. When the pitfalls of amateurism, poor leadership, and undue commercialization begin to loom larger, then a simple but well-crafted and wisely used Scripture song may help all of us: “Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God.”