Tag: hymns

Thoughts on Modern Sacred Music

by Ashton Harat

Modern Sacred Music

Modern Sacred Music

Not long ago in my church, one of the songs sung was Rejoice Hymns #106 – How Deep the Father’s Love for Us. As the second pianist, I know the song as a simple Eb reflective piece with an odd 5/4 – 3/4 rhythm (and a seemingly optional refrain.) But what makes this song so popular among the lay people of the church, and so praised by the ministry and musicians? That’s what we’re going to talk about. Let’s think a little about modern sacred music.

In an article, Stuart Townend—the author of this song—said that he was not particularly in the hymn-style background before he wrote this piece, and he was more of a contemporary Christian writer. 1 However, God often uses us to do things we never would have imagined.

The true aspect of why this hymn has stuck is probably a number of factors.

First, it has a message that is convicting, challenging and edifying. Honestly, the lyrics are astounding. The solid, lofty truths are refreshing in a world of watered-down praise choruses. The lyrics are doctrinally sound and rely heavily on the Bible. 2

Next, the prose is glorious. Think of some of the phrases in this song, how vast beyond all measure, the pain of searing loss—are there any lines that could be phrased better? Songs in worship to God should be beautiful and creative, just as He is.

Third, the tune is beautiful. Absolutely wonderful. It has an air that fits the message perfectly. And it is stylistically traditional.

These descriptions apply to many of the Getty/Townend songs. They are lasting because they are based on biblical truth, and are skillfully written. People recognize this, and love these songs—and they should, because they are firmly planted in biblical doctrine. But, as one author put it,

“The songs we sing not only reflect our theology; they also shape it.” 3

Dan Kreider

Therefore, singing these songs full of great doctrine should point our thoughts to Christ, the Word and His truths, keeping our focus exactly where it needs to be. That is why hymns­—modern or ancient—are so important for our worship, personal or corporate. Let us never forsake them, or the Word they are rooted in.

If you’re interested in finding new hymns to use in worship, check out our Songs page and the other music websites listed in Resources.

  1. Townend and Getty 2016, 35b
  2. https://www.stuarttownend.co.uk/song/how-deep-the-fathers-love-for-us/
  3. Kreider 2018, v

A Fool-Proof Song Selection Process

Ideally, song schedules should be assembled with great care and attention to detail. And doing it well in advance is usually best. However, that is not to say that an effective service cannot be selected last minute. Let me show you a method of choosing songs that can be done in mere minutes, yet result in a meaningful time of worship for a congregation.

By Ashton Harat — April 12, 2023

Hi folks! I was recently reading a blog post about the selection of songs for congregational singing. It was very interesting and helpful. One of the quotes stuck out to me:

Because music plays such an important role in our worship services, you should give it the attention it deserves. One thing is for sure, it can’t be planned in half an hour.

David West, Grace For All Publications

Now, his overall premise is entirely correct, and I agree that—ideally—song schedules should be assembled with great care and attention to detail. And doing it well in advance is usually best. I try to select songs a month at a time so we can be well-prepared for them. Unfortunately, though this is ideal, it’s not often practical. Often, music gets the short end of the stick when folks are prepping for services.

However, that is not to say that an effective service cannot be selected last minute. Let me show you a method of choosing songs that can be done in mere minutes, yet result in a meaningful time of worship for a congregation.

Step 1: Choose a song that says “I will worship God” or “I must worship God.”
Songs such as “All Hail the Power of Jesus Name,” “Brethren, We Have Met to Worship,” “O Worship the King,” “I Will Glory in My Redeemer,” “Crown Him with Many Crowns,” “O Magnify the Lord,” etc., are excellent to open a service. Think of this first song as a Call to Worship. Also, pragmatically speaking, this song should a bit louder and faster than the rest of the songs.

Step 2: Choose a song that tells me why.
In other words, You’ve called me to worship God, now tell me why I should. God wants our worship to be informed by knowledge of Him. The most meaningful worship of God will result from a deep knowledge of Him. This song will usually describe the nature or attributes of God or His acts in history, or in our own life, testimonially. Songs such as “And Can It Be?” “Holy, Holy, Holy,” “He Leadeth Me,” “A Mighty Fortress,” “God of Heaven” or “God of the Ages” works beautifully here.

Step 3: Choose a song that is a response to this knowledge of God.
Basically, you’ve said, “I must worship God. This is why: He is holy, sovereign, He has given His only Son to save the world from sin, He has saved me and led me and kept me from falling. Now, I must respond.” These are typically songs of consecration or testimony such as “A Passion for Thee,” “Just As I Am,” or “My Jesus, I Love Thee.” Or maybe a song like “For the Sake of His Name” or “From My Heart.”

This schedule of songs makes up an incredibly powerful unit of worship. Try out this mindset the next time you’re picking music for a service—you won’t be disappointed.

(As a music director, I have developed all sorts of music selection processes. This is the one I use most commonly. In a future post, I’ll tell you about some of the other models and strategies I’ve used.)