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Hymns and songs of the liturgy

The liturgy provides an opportunity for God’s people to actively join together in worshiping our Lord. Hymns and songs are the easiest ways for people to express worship. The apostle Paul exhorted the Ephesians (5:19) and the Colossians (3:16) to use “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs” with gratitude in their hearts. Music is used in worship to give expression to our various moods— reverence, adoration, praise, and prayer. Most important, hymns serve our Lutheran worship as both confession and response to the glorious working of the triune God, for us and in us.

Early Christian churches continued the Jewish synagogue practice of using hymns and psalms in their services. Then, in western Europe, hymn singing by congregation members declined during the Middle Ages, as the laity used Latin less and hymns became more complex. Not until the Reformation was congregational music restored to worship.

The music of the worship service has fundamental importance. The songs of the liturgy work to enhance the meanings and emotions behind the major components of worship—confession and absolution, the reading of the Word, the sermon, and the Sacrament of Holy Communion. By singing, worshipers prepare themselves to receive God’s abundant grace.

The Lutheran order of worship usually begins with the confession of our sins. With our confession, we sing the reverent words “Lord have mercy,” from the Latin Kyrie. These words express our humility before God and acknowledge our need for a Savior. The pastor proclaims the absolution of our sins and exhorts the congregation to praise the Lord for his forgiveness. We joyfully respond to the triune God by singing “Glory be to God,” or Gloria in Excelsis. These ancient words reflect the angels’ joy at the birth of the Savior, giving God glory, praise, and thanks. They clearly express our joy in what Christ has done for us.

The readings from the Word of God have sung responses that might be considered musical transitions. A psalm is often sung after the Old Testament reading. The Verse of the Day, with alleluias, follows the Epistle. Acclamations are often sung before and after the Gospel—”Glory be to you, O Lord!” and “Praise be to you, O Christ!”

The ancient hymns and liturgical songs used in our services today give all people an opportunity to share in praising the Lord. The words and melodies work to prepare our hearts and minds for the full and attentive receiving of God’s Word and sacraments and invite an appropriate response of prayer and praise.

By singing, worshipers prepare themselves to receive God’s abundant grace