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. Some examples of appropriate songs include: All Creatures of Our God and King; Great Is Thy Faithfulness; What a Beautiful Name It Is; Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise; Goodness of God; Worthy of Worship; Psalm 150 (Praise the Lord), and Come, Christians, Join to Sing.
Depending on the flow of music chosen for worship, you may also consider including some contemplative hymns. There should always be an intentional flow to the music before the service, and opportunities for the congregation to participate (at least one, if not a couple).
These moments of worship also give us the freedom to express what has been done for us in Christ. As believers, we’ve been delivered, justified, and given new life through Him. Songs full of adoration, gratitude, and the joy of grace can all come to expression as we lift up the name of Jesus in song.
Jesus! It is the name which moves the harps of heaven to melody. Jesus! The life of all our joys. If there be one name more charming, more precious than another, it is this name. It is woven into the very warp and woof of our psalmody. Many of our hymns begin with it, and scarcely any, that are good for anything, end without it. It is the sum total of all delights. It is the music with which the bells of heaven ring; a song in a word; an ocean for comprehension, although a drop for brevity; a matchless oratorio in two syllables; a gathering up of the hallelujahs of eternity in five letters.
– Charles Spurgeon
It is not necessary to connect the worship songs to the Bible verse or to the sermon theme. We realize that this may require a change in thinking. Please keep in mind: people do not necessarily know the sermon theme until it’s stated by the officiant, nor is it necessary for them to. What is necessary is a turning to God—a greater of understanding of His goodness and glory through song. The themes of praise and worship are always appropriate. If a song that is worshipful or invitational also happens to connect with the Bible verse or theme—wonderful! However, a song that is worshipful and speaks to the nature of God shouldn’t be passed over for a song that is only selected because it fits with the theme or verse, but perhaps isn’t a song of worship.
Something else to consider: not all sacred songs are worship songs. Immortal, invisible God only wise is a wonderful example of a worship hymn because it is telling us about God (who He is and what’s He’s done), and helps us express how we feel about Him. The hymn Just As I Am—even though sacred in nature—is not a worship song because it’s all about “me”. Both songs have their place within the divine service experience, but a song like Just As I Am would be less appropriate for worship.
During this time of worship, and throughout the divine service experience, consider the importance of singing together as a community of believers. Even the etymology of the word “liturgy” is rooted in “works of the people.” Our worship in the divine service is public, corporate, and participatory. It is a unique and special opportunity for the congregation to express themselves collectively in song, and we need to give them room and voice to communally worship God (consider, for instance, that if only the choir sings in worship, the rest of the congregation is just consuming; outside of prayer, they haven’t been given any opportunities to express their thoughts and feelings toward God in worship).
In addition, it’s important to make use of the talents and various gifts that you have available to you in the congregation. Consider utilizing small ensembles, soloists, and instrumentalists throughout the divine service experience, where possible. Think about how you can help create a new and unique worship experience for the congregation each time they gather.