“…As you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks to God the Father at all times and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” –Ephesians 5:19-20
Several years ago, I was attending a lunch with other young United Methodists that were considering becoming clergy. During the lunch the Oklahoma Bishop, Bruce Blake, now retired, spoke to us about the importance of a devotional life. Bishop Blake emphasized the importance of taking time each day to draw close to God and how necessary it is for a consistent devotional time each day. Now several years removed from that luncheon, I can affirm that Bishop Blake was correct. It is so important to intentionally draw close to God, to start our day by looking to God first and ending each day in a prayer of thanksgiving to God.
During that lunch, Bishop Blake made one suggestion that has truly impacted me in a significant way. He suggested that we read the hymnal as a devotional book. It was a practice that he had found meaningful and he wanted to pass it on to us. This suggestion caught my attention and when I returned home, I found a hymnal and began to read it as a devotional book.
I have always loved singing the great hymns and music of our faith. When I began to read the words of those great songs my worship experience became all the more special. My understanding of our faith began to develop in new ways. I found that the lyrics of these songs helped me to daily grow in my faith.
Music has a powerful influence in our world and on our faith. Music has the ability to lift our spirits and give words to our deepest emotions. I want to encourage you to look up the words of some of your favorite hymns and songs of faith. Take time to read them (try hard to not sing them). Meditate on those lyrics. I promise the next time you sing them it will mean so much more to you and you will be able to sing your praise to God with a greater intimacy.
Rev. Keith King, Online Campus Pastor
“Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
look full in his wonderful face,
and the things of earth will grow strangely dim
in the light of his glory and grace.” –Helen H. Lemmel
