Spiritual Discipline of Singing/Music?
Posted by tom | Apr 24, 2007I can't articulate it yet, note: there many times are no words for the mysterious work of the Spirit, but I was deeply moved by the time of worship that our family experienced with the Body of Christ last night. It touched roots of faith that extend beyond our short lives to the work of God among sinners across the ages who have come to him At the Cross and continue to find Him their Vision until they Fly Away with Him. More later, as I find words to express my experience/thoughts which almost kept me up all night praising God in song . . . let me know if the Spirit has likewise moved you by the hymns of the faith. Would love to read your stories. -- from 12/1/05 post The Sparks.
Recently, Scott McKnight posted on singing/music as I spiritual discipline. Since a meeting with my spiritual director last week, this has been a topic I've been considering. Why? Because of the power of the psalms, hymns and spiritual songs in my life, not just in assembled worship, but in daily life. I find praying through and singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs a regular reminder of my direction as a follower of Christ and at many times an overflow of gratitude for the grace of God by which I am filled and surrounded. See Ephesians 5:18b-20, Colossians 3:15-17, and Psalm 19. By-the-way, I find this the case despite of my lack of ability to lead or read music with any proficiency . . .
Most recently, I have been considering Lent/Easter and the reality of living in the Kingdom of God with a vision toward the new heaven and the new earth. During this time I have sung and reflected upon a number of the traditional hymns such as At the Cross, Nothing But the Blood, and Come Thou Fount, as rendered by the Sparks in Rapture. In addition, I have dwelt in Michael Card's meditation upon Revelation in Unveiled Hope, which has influenced me significantly as I prepare for the coming weeks of leading an adult education class' consideration of the power of the resurrection.
Note: McNight's post is referring to a chapter in Darryl Tippens’ Pilgrim Heart. I've not had the opportunity to look at a copy, but positive reviews abound, e.g., 'Pilgrim Heart' calls readers to Christlikeness every day. Just was alerted to more conversation regarding this comment at the Evangelical Covenant Church Worship Blog.
Earlier related posts, but I've posted a number relating to song, worship:
One more day: living day by day in Christ by the encouragement of Dave Bailey's One More Day, alongside the Lord's Prayer and Psalm 23. Also Another holy Morning, If I had Another . . .
Redemption Songs: comments on Old Words, Vibrant Faith, Rapture, the Moravians, the Wesleys
The Sparks: comments on Rapture worship time, which by God's grace still can't be expresed in words.
More Advent & Christmas Worship Quotes
While researching calling for a study I'm preparing, I came across another page of interest: http://www.practicingourfaith.org/prct_singing.html Check it out, you'll probably find the whole project of interest. I've found several of the books featured on the site of value, including Growing in the Life of Faith: Education and Christian Practices and Making Room: Recovering Hospitality as a Christian Tradition. Just placed
Posted by Tom Grosh, May 1 2007, 10:10Leading Lives That Matter: What We Should Do and Who We Should Be on order to go alongside Callings: Twenty Centuries of Christian Wisdom on Vocation.