Not only was the book of Psalms the song book for Israel; it also included many admonitions to sing. As a very small sample, consider
Sing praise to the LORD, you His godly ones,
And give thanks to His holy name. (Ps. 30:4)
Sing to Him a new song;
Play skillfully with a shout of joy. (Ps. 33:3)
Sing praises to God, sing praises;
Sing praises to our King, sing praises. (Ps. 47:6)
As you read the Psalms, you also understand that the admonitions are for the congregants. While there was musical structure and order and leadership, the singing was for the mass of people who had come to worship, not a few who might lead. Echoing the same thought, one writer on worship has recently made this simple declaration:
Make no mistake about it: the most important musical group in the church is the congregation. Worship is for all of God’s people; the New Testament doctrine of the priesthood of all believers calls for the saints to lift up their voices (whether musically gifted or not) in a unified chorus of praise and adoration to God. [HT: WQOTW]
So as you prepare for worship this Sunday, prepare your heart to sing to the glory of God as one who not only participates in worship, but is key to that corporate worship.
Words of Grace 