Articles & Teachings

The following is stated on page 20 of the new liturgy: “Following these words of preparation for the forgiveness of sins and Holy Communion, the congregation sings the hymn of preparation.” 

Now available in the NAC USA mobile app under "Worship & Music," this 10-session video series highlights the significant connection between liturgy and music

Dear worship and music teams: a reminder that, per our Liturgy and Music document, all music used within the divine service experience is to be sacred in nature, given the holiness of the gathering.

As a final expression of communal worship, the thanksgiving hymn is ideal for congregational singing, or for the combining of choir and congregation (only here and there should this hymn be sung by the choir only).

When celebrating Holy Communion for the departed, the liturgy calls for a hymn of preparation. This song should be fairly short, no more than 90 seconds in length. It should also be centered on communion with Christ—not on eternity.

In these holy, awe-filled moments, the congregation has intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ. The communion hymn(s) should reflect the significance of this fellowship, and serve to maintain a holy and peaceful atmosphere.

A reminder that Bible readings should take place on Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter. These readings are provided within the April Divine Service Guide, and are also attached for quick reference and sharing purposes.

Over the past years, the Chief Apostle has turned our focus to this season prior to Holy Week and the Passion of Christ. It is worthwhile that we familiarize ourselves with the understanding of this observance as well as its importance.

In light of the sacrifice of Christ and the deep love of God, the repentance hymn should lead the congregation into prayerful and humble awareness of, and reflection on, their sins. The repentance hymn is a wonderful opportunity to utilize a soloist, small group, or the choir.

Acceptance hymns comprise the hymns between assisting ministers, or, if there are no assisting ministers, directly following the sermon, before preparation for Holy Communion. These hymns should reflect the congregation’s acceptance of God’s word, provision, and presence.

The response hymn’s lyrics should provoke in-depth thought from each congregant. You may want to consider a song that has lyrics written from a first person point of view to help encourage this in-depth thought.

The reason for this is that ending the divine service experience, the congregation has one final opportunity to express their collective praise and thanksgiving to God. This is a significant element of our liturgy, and of the divine service experience as a whole, and must not be removed for any reason.

Consider that at this point in the divine service, the sermon message has not yet been delivered, and so it does not necessarily need to be communicated through the opening hymn. The focus here is on greeting God and giving Him praise!

The music that is rendered in worship (before the sermon) should focus our attention on the Triune God. The overriding goal in these moments should be to draw people closer to God by bringing His characteristics to the forefront. For this reason, the song lyrics in worship should be invitational, praise-filled, and worshipful.

There may never be a perfect day to start singing truths with your kids. But there is today. They are not too old. They are not too young—we have been surprised that even our two-year-old knows several songs well (remember the ancient motto—“Give me a child until they are seven and I will show you the man”). 

When he was working out how to write stories for children, C.S. Lewis was guided by what he liked himself. Songs are the same. Sing what you like, what you enjoy singing, the songs that are good for your spiritual well-being. At the heart of encouraging your kids to sing is having a heart for singing the songs yourself.

It was the Puritan practice back in the seventeenth century that a man would be refused communion on a Sunday if he was not actively and consistently involved in leading prayer and singing and Bible study with his family during the week. We are not suggesting reviving that approach! But if our spiritual forefathers took what happened in the home so seriously, shouldn’t we, too?

 Do I feel fully realized in my life in this world or am I actively seeking something beyond? Do I sense the voice of Christ calling me to a deeper, more fulfilled living? Do I understand, as the lyricist did, that this fulfillment and purpose is only realized in my intimate relationship with the Lord? The hymn gives a nice impulse—that at the end of each day, I reflect on how I lived through this day and assess myself.

In part 1 of this series, we talked about how to incorporate God naturally into your everyday family life. Remember – you are your child’s most significant spiritual guide! Do your best not to miss opportunities to teach about God. Here are nine additional, simple ways to bring Jesus into your child’s daily routine

The best way to incorporate God into everyday life is, first and foremost, to model it for your children. If you talk about God every day, your kids will hear and see that. If you live in awe of Him, they will too. This kind of routine talk involves talking about God and the things He created that your kids may not pay attention to.

Worship is one’s expression to another of their worth, value, or benefit to them. As Christians, we use this word in reference to God, our Father and Creator, our Savior and Redeemer, our Helper and Comforter. Naturally, we understand that God doesn’t need our worship, however, worship is necessary for us and for the development of our relationship with God.

Family worship is a time set aside by a family unit to worship God together in the home. In these moments of worship, we become more aware of who God is and all that He’s done. We hope that this article highlights the value of this important spiritual discipline and inspires you to begin engaging it in your home, or to continue with it if it’s something that you’re already doing.

Be encouraged to keep at it, and to have patience. Remember the words of Malachi 3:16: Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, And the Lord listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name.

May our singing and worship always be a response to the overwhelming love of God toward us, shown through Jesus Christ, and may we increasingly find great joy and strength in helping our congregations sing praises to His name.