Psalms and hymns

The other day I was given an old church hymnbook published in 1859. It doesn't look like the hymnbooks found in church pew racks today, much less like the video-projected words and images seen in many worship services. The book is about the size of a box of kitchen matches, but it has about 750 pages! The pages are thin, the type is excruciatingly small. It is hard-bound with a brown leather cover. From all appearances, it has been well (and lovingly) used. The book's title is Psalms and Hymns Adapted to Social, Private and Public Worship in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. This hymnbook contains a wealth of spiritual wisdom and invites, by its very existence, a sense of reverence.

It reminds me that from the beginning of the Christian movement, disciples have lifted hearts and voices in songs of praise to God. This tradition was carried forward from the rich musical heritage of Judaism in both temple and synagogue. People of faith often "make a joyful noise to the Lord." It is part of who we are. It is a witness to our trust in God. And it is an aspect of our worship that is contagious, in the best sense.

I recall the story of the apostles Paul and Silas in the Philippian jail. They were singing songs of praise to God in the darkness of the dungeon. And all the other prisoners were listening to them, perhaps feeling some stirring of the Spirit in their own souls. Suddenly an earthquake freed them from their bonds. In a similar way down through the ages, believers have found genuine freedom through their songs of faith. So the Letter to the Ephesians in the New Testament reminds us to 'address one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.' That is: Let your hearts and voices sing!