What Shall We Sing?
This article discusses congregational singing. It notes New Testament passages like Ephesians 5:18 and Colossians 3:16, and the Old Testament Psalms. Along the way, commentary is offered on modern songbooks and hymnody.
Singing Christ into Our Hearts
Singing has been a vital part of the life of God's people since the Old Testament. This article encourages the use of hymns in the worship of the church, but particularly hymns rich with godly experience as well as a focus on the mercies of God in his Son. The church must exercise great care in choosing its hymns.
Hymn for during Epiphany and Lent
This article introduces a number of hymns that can be used in public worship during Epiphany and Lent.
"I" in Psalms and Hymns
Faithful or Faddish? Weighing the Strengths and Weaknesses of Praise Choruses
Do praise choruses contribute to the expression of our worship of God? This article outlines the strengths and weaknesses of such choruses.
Singing a New Song: A Review of Three New Denominational Hymnals
This article is a review of three new hymnals: the United Methodist Hymnal, Presbyterian Hymnal, and Trinity Hymnal.
Abide with Me
What Is a Hymn?
What constitutes a good hymn text? This article suggests that good hymns have six general characteristics.
Two Churches – Two Tunes
Through a number of questions and answers, this article considers a wise way of selecting and introducing a new hymnal to a congregation.
The Gospel According to Christmas Carols
This article shows how Christmas carols can be used to share the gospel. It mentions several of the great carols and the deep truths they convey.
So Which Hymns Should We Sing?
Worship Music Beyond Only the Psalms
This article gives reasons why the Psalm singing should not be exclusive in church music, but how other songs can be included in the worship service.
Songs for Ascension, Pentecost, and Professing Our Faith
This article introduces a number of hymns that can be used in corporate worship for Ascension, Pentecost, and profession of faith.
My Grandmother Saved It, My Mother Threw It Away, and Now I'm Buying It Back
Why are hymns connecting with young people? This article reflects on the resonance older hymns find with the younger church generation.
Songs for Intercession, Ordination, and Trinity Sunday
The article introduces a hymn and a psalm for use in public worship at ordination and on Trinity Sunday: "God the Spirit, Guide and Guardian" and Psalm 29, respectively.
Songs for Lent and Easter
The article introduces two songs for use in corporate worship during Lent and Easter.
"Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise"; "O Sing to the Lord"; "Like the Murmur of the Dove's Song"; "Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading"
This article introduces a number of hymns to be used in public worship: "Hail the Day That Sees Him Rise," "O Sing to the Lord," "Like the Murmur of the Dove's Song," and "Gracious Spirit, Heed Our Pleading."
Songs for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany
This article introduces a number of hymns for use in public worship during Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany.
Hymns and a Psalm: "Prepare the Way of the Lord," "When Jesus the Healer," Psalm 1
This article introduces two hymns and a psalm that can be used in corporate worship: "Prepare the Way of the Lord," "When Jesus the Healer," and Psalm 1.
A Fresh Look at Martin Luther's "A Mighty Fortress"
This article looks at Martin Luther's "A Mighty Fortress" and suggests ways in which the English text could be clarified.
Hymns: "Lord, You Give the Great Commission," "Holy God, We Praise Your Name," and "What Shall I Render to the Lord?"
This article introduces a number of hymns for use in corporate worship: "Lord, You Give the Great Commission," "Holy God, We Praise Your Name," and "What Shall I Render to the Lord?"
Hymns and a Psalm: "Holy, Holy, Holy," "There Is a Balm in Gilead," Psalm 65
This article introduces two hymns and a psalm for use in the public worship of the church: "Holy, Holy, Holy," "There Is a Balm in Gilead," Psalm 65.
The Canticles of Christmas: Singing the Songs of Zechariah, Mary, the Angels, and Simeon
The singing of canticles has been a part of Christian worship for centuries. This article reflects on the "Canticles of Christmas" as a refreshing departure from as well as an excellent alternative to today's trendy musicals. The songs of Mary, Zechariah, the angels, and Simeon are reflected upon as rich songs of worship.
Musical Resources for Singing Scripture
This article introduces a number of resources that could be used in singing in public worship.
Hymns – "On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry," "The Song of Simeon," "Rejoice in the Lord Always"
A number of hymns for use in public worship are introduced in this article: "On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry," "The Song of Simeon," "Rejoice in the Lord Always."
Hymns – “Tell Your Children,” “How Firm a Foundation,” and “Sing to the Lord of Harvest”
This article introduces a number of hymns to be used in worship services: “Tell Your Children,” “How Firm a Foundation,” and “Sing to the Lord of Harvest.”
Organ Music for Funerals: A Selected Bibliography of Organ Collections
This article offers a selected bibliography of organ music to be used at funerals.
Hymns and a Psalm: "God of the Prophets," "When Morning Gilds the Sky," and Psalm 113
This article introduces two hymns and a psalm for use in worship services: "God of the Prophets," "When Morning Gilds the Sky," and Psalm 113.
What We Sing Is Not What He Wrote: Evolution of "God of the Prophets"
This article introduces the history of the lyrics of the hymn "God of the Prophets."
Hymns and a Psalm: "Jesus Lives and So Do We," "All Creatures of Our God and King," and Psalm 18
This article introduces Psalm 18 and a couple of hymns for singing in public worship: "Jesus Lives and So Do We," "All Creatures of Our God and King."
Hymn – O Come, O Come, Immanuel
This article introduces the hymn "O Come, O Come, Immanuel," for use in public worship.
Bridges to Praise: Three Songs in the Praise and Worship Style
This article introduces three songs in the praise and worship style: "Father, We Love You," "Change My Heart, O God," and "Give Thanks."
Hymnal – Songs of Rejoicing
This article gives a short review of the hymnal Songs of Rejoicing that provides hymns to be used in worship services.
Hymns and a Psalm for Lent, Easter, and Pentecost: "The Lord Is Risen, Yes, Indeed," "Eternal Spirit, God of Truth," and Psalm 116
This article introduces a number of hymns and Psalms to be used in worship services around Lent, Easter, and Pentecost: Psalm 116, "The Lord Is Risen, Yes, Indeed," and "Eternal Spirit, God of Truth."
Hymns: “Earth and All Stars,” “Built on the Rock,” “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need”
This article introduces a number of hymns for use in public worship: “Earth and All Stars,” “Built on the Rock,” “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need.”
Alternatives to "O Perfect Love"
This article suggests hymns to be sung at a wedding ceremony.
Hymns and a Psalm: "O Holy Spirit, By Whose Breath," "Seek Ye First," and Psalm 81
This article introduces a number of hymns and a psalm for use in public worship: "O Holy Spirit, By Whose Breath," "Seek Ye First," and Psalm 81.
Hymns for Lent, Easter, and Ascension: "See, Christ Was Wounded," "Alleluia! Alleluia! Give Thanks," and "Here from All Nations"
This article introduces a number of hymns for use in worship services: "See, Christ Was Wounded," "Alleluia! Alleluia! Give Thanks," and "Here from All Nations."
Hymns and a Psalm: "Comfort, Comfort Now My People," "The King of Glory," and Psalm 72
In this article a number of hymns and a psalm are introduced: "Comfort, Comfort Now My People," "The King of Glory," and Psalm 72.
Hymns and a Psalm: "May the Mind of Christ," "Now Thank We All Our God," and Psalm 114
Readers are introduced to the hymns "May the Mind of Christ," "Now Thank We All Our God," and Psalm 114 as songs that could directly involve children in worship.
Various Hymns for Worship
This article introduces the hymns "O Sons and Daughters," "Holy Spirit, Truth Divine," and Psalm 134 as liturgical music.
Hymns for Worship
This article introduces a number of hymns and a psalm for use in corporate worship.
Hymns for Easter and Ascension Day
This article introduces a number of hymns to be used at Easter and the celebration the ascension of Christ.
Singing Scripture – A Healthy Revival
For centuries Christians have been singing both the psalms and other portions of Scripture (canticles). This article offers a reflection on Scripture songs as part of Christian worship.
Hymns, Form and Language
In Praise of "Thee" and "Thou"
Bernard of Clairvaux “O Sacred Head”
Personalizing the Hymnal: Educating the Congregation through Bulletin Notes
This article demonstrates how new hymns can be introduced in a congregation through bulletin notes.
Book Review – How Shall I Sing to God?
The author reviews in this article Brian Wren's How Shall I Sing to God? The book is a thought-provoking introduction to contemporary hymnody,
In Hac Fossa Me Reconde
This is a study in comparative hymnology. It wants to trace the roots of the imagery of the hymn "Rock of Ages."
Hymn Singing in Victorian England
Gather Us In; Taste and See; Holy, Holy, Holy Lord; Holy Is the Lord; Go, My Children, with My Blessing; Hallelujah, We Sing Your Praises
This article introduces a number of hymns that can be used in public worship that includes the Lord's Supper: "Gather Us In," "Taste and See," "Holy, Holy, Holy Lord; Holy Is the Lord," "Go, My Children, with My Blessing," and "Hallelujah, We Sing Your Praises."
Some Aspects of the British Reception of German Music in the Nineteenth Century
This article considers the musical background of German hymns in current English hymnals. It gives some general notes on the Victorian-era.
William Cowper: God Moves in a Mysterious Way
Morning and Evening – Hymns of John Keble
'Blest Be the Tie That Binds'
If Thou but Suffer God to Guide Thee … The Life and Hymn Translations of Catherine Winkworth
Take My Life and Let It Be … Ever, Only, All for Thee Frances Ridley Havergal and Her Hymns
Psalms for the Nation of Scotland
It Came upon the Midnight Clear; Angels We Have Heard on High; In the Lord, I'll Be Ever Thankful; Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light; Psalm 97
This article introduces a number of hymns and Psalm 97 for singing in a corporate worship service: "It Came upon the Midnight Clear"; "Angels We Have Heard on High"; "In the Lord, I'll Be Ever Thankful"; "Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light."
Songs for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany
This article introduces a number of hymns for use in corporate worship during Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany: "I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light," "Gloria, Gloria," "Glory, Glory, Glory!" and "Glory to God."
Hymns: "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus," "Arise, Shine, For Your Light Is Come," and "I Come with Joy to Meet My Lord"
This article introduces a number of hymns to be used in public worship: "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus," "Arise, Shine, For Your Light Is Come," and "I Come with Joy to Meet My Lord."
Songs of Hospitality, Stewardship of Creation, Ascension, and Pentecost
This article introduces songs to be used in worship that focuses on hospitality, stewardship of creation, Ascension Day, and Pentecost.
The Afscheiding’s Commitment to Psalm-Singing
Is the singing of hymns a deviation from God’s word? This article discusses the viewpoint of the Secession churches (of the Netherlands in the 1900's) on the singing of Psalms and hymns in the worship service.