Worshipers need to learn how to praise God in the freedom of the Spirit. Reflecting the insights of the charismatic tradition, this article directs the church musician toward a number of different ways to lead the congregation in the praise of God.
As we move our congregations into higher and deeper times of praise and worship, there are a variety of types of scriptural songs we can sing to the Lord. These various songs will help keep our times of praise and worship refreshing and avoid lapsing into “rut-routines.” Our job as Christians is to maintain good communication and a pure walk with the Lord. Let’s remember that God is looking for consecrated vessels that are continually able to abide in his power and anointing for the edifying of his church.
Praise and Worship as a Lifestyle
Don’t ignore the obvious. The most common type of singing to the Lord is the maintenance of a lifestyle of praise and worship. It is a life full of singing praises and worship that lasts throughout the day. These songs may be Scripture songs, choruses, or hymns, but they should give expression to that which is flowing from our heart. Psalm 22:3 (KJV) says, “but thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praise of Israel.” As we sing to the Lord, we create a flow with the Holy Spirit, a time of intimate communion with him that transcends our normal prayers. There is the element of having a song sung continually from our mouths.
David encourages us to worship the Lord often: “Seven times a day” he says he praises God (Ps. 119:164). As I pondered this Scripture a thought came to me of how this could work. Praising God seven times a day could effectively be done in the following manner:
1. Before breakfast
2. Mid-morning
3. Before lunch
4. Mid-afternoon
5. Before dinner
6. Mid-evening
7. Before bed
By taking regular praise breaks during our day we would become more aware of God’s direction in our lives. The more we acknowledge what God has done for us, the more we realize how great God is, and the more we praise him. It becomes a constant cycle.
It isn’t only individually that we need time in the secret place. We also need a meaningful family worship time that is set apart from everything else. Additionally, joining in corporate worship in a local church is a scriptural priority.
Singing in the Spirit
Psalm 33 says, “Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. Sing unto him a new song: play skillfully with a loud noise” (vv. 1–3).
Singing in the Spirit is a natural part of our worship time as a church. Tongues are edifying whether spoken or sung. Singing a new song can also be done “with understanding,” that is in one’s native language. Both of these types of songs to the Lord take an unction of the Holy Spirit. They flow out of our inner person unto the throne of grace.
Singing Meditation
While the musicians play a simple chord progression, encourage the congregation to take a favorite Bible passage, a psalm, or a verse that is important to them, and then begin singing it over and over again. It might be chanted by some. This is much like regular biblical meditation only you are singing. You can do this for 5 to 15 minutes at a time even in a public meeting. Start with a musical foundation of three or four chords like C-F-G. Then with this “musical bed” have the congregation begin singing over it.
Afterward, ask for people to come up and share what they experienced. Many have said that they’ve never had such revelation about a verse as during this time. Psalm 4:4 (KJV) says, “Commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still,” which encourages us to meditate. This time can yield beautiful moments of corporate expression.
Singing Intercession
While singing in the Spirit or while singing the words of a song, cease using those familiar words and begin to intercede using the same music. Call upon the Lord and ask him for help for other people’s situations. Sing out healing for them or for their families—whatever the needs are that you know about.
Music alone can be intercession. Prayerful musicians can break the yoke of bondage, just as David did for Saul (1 Sam. 16). As they play, the anointing on their music can be the power that breaks down the gates of brass. Music in praise and worship can cause people to be brought to salvation, even without an altar call. Without any preaching, music—through anointed musicians and singers—has drawn people out of their seats and up to the front. It is a powerful influence. Allow time for the musicians to play as they are led. Healings, too, have resulted from anointed worshipful music. This is true musical intercession.
Singing Songs of Deliverance
Psalm 32:7 (KJV) says, “You compass me about with songs of deliverance.” The power of God’s unction and anointing is in our mouths. We need to learn to sing deliverance from our bondage as we mature in the Lord. The songs of deliverance are twofold: (1) for yourself and (2) for others. They can be sung either corporately or individually. “You compass me about” gives us the faith promise that we are surrounded by God and can expect protection from our enemies.
You can sing for deliverance as David did, or rejoice after deliverance, as did Deborah and Barak (Judges 5). Our songs of praise cause the devil to flee. Mature Christians can sing their own freedom from bondage. A young believer should call upon others to help.
Singing the Pastor’s Message
The minstrels and song leaders sit up front where they can concentrate on what the pastor teaches. As they listen to the message, they write a song containing an abbreviated version of the message. At the end of the sermon, they sing the new melody and words to the congregation. One thing you can do to teach the new songs is to have the singer sing a line and the congregation repeats it. This responsive type of song helps get the Word into their hearts. Then the people can go home and sing the message all week long.
When you first implement this songwriting concept be sure to have a system of checks and balances. A potential song may be checked after the meeting but does not have to be performed. In the beginning, many of the songs may be unusable in their original form but can be reworked for future use. Through experience, the songwriters will develop a greater ability to write a quality spontaneous song that encapsulates the pastor’s message.
Singing Famous Songs of the Lord
This approach is specifically for the trained singer or musician. Take the songs right out of the Bible and let the musicians make up melodies to the words, then sing them. Some examples are the songs of Moses, of Deborah, and of Barak, and songs of David. Some of the songs are really long so they can be in parts. Develop these and have the people meditate on them.
Songs of communion with the Lord are biblical expressions of our spiritual walks and should be entered into freely. It’s time we tore down the walls and barriers that limit us. We must embrace reality. We are the sons and daughters of God; we have the privilege to come before his throne in lamentation, intercession, deliverance, and victory!
Let’s praise him!