The Power of Song: Why Music Still Matters in Worship
I’ll never forget the moment the melody broke through. It was a quiet Wednesday evening, and I was sitting alone in the sanctuary after choir practice. The last notes of our final hymn were still echoing faintly in my ears—“He is Worthy!” The room was dim, the pews empty, but in that stillness, I felt something holy linger. It wasn’t just the quiet. It was the way the music had filled the space, and somehow, my heart too.
That’s the power of song.
From the earliest pages of scripture to the life of the church today, music has always held a sacred place in worship. In the Psalms, we’re reminded again and again to “sing to the Lord a new song.” The people of God have always used music to express their deepest prayers, their highest praises, and even their most honest questions. Singing wasn’t just a tradition—it was a vital part of the spiritual life.
That’s still true today.
When we sing together, whether it’s a beloved hymn passed down through generations or a newer song that helps us express our faith in fresh ways, we’re doing something deeply meaningful. Both the old and the new have their place in worship. The familiar melodies of hymns can be like a warm embrace, grounding us in the promises of God. And new songs can open our hearts to the movement of the Spirit in today’s world. Each, in its own way, is pleasing to God—not because of how polished they are, but because of the love and faith behind them.
Music unites us. It gives voice to our shared faith and allows each of us to participate fully, even if we don’t feel like singers. A simple tune can stay with us through the week, reminding us of grace, hope, and joy when we need it most. Sometimes, a song says what our hearts can’t quite put into words.
So the next time the music starts in worship, I invite you to join in—wholeheartedly. Whether the song is hundreds of years old or one you’re hearing for the first time, let it rise from your heart. You never know who might be strengthened by your voice. And you might just find, as I did that quiet evening, that God is nearer than you imagined—singing alongside you.
