Methodism was ‘born in song’, so they say. It was Brian Hoare, a past President of the Methodist Conference, who quite recently penned a hymn with this same title. As we reflect on the history of the Methodist Church, we remember that Charles Wesley wrote over 6000 hymns during the period which gave birth to the Methodist Church. Many of Wesley’s original hymns are still present in our current hymn books.
Music plays an important part in the lives of so many people and it has a special place within Christian worship. There is a saying attributed to different people, but certainly to St Augustine, ‘He who sings, prays twice’. Music, along with other art forms, can help us express ourselves in worship at a much deeper level than merely reciting mechanical phrases. Music can lift our spirits, it can inspire our souls and it touches our emotions in a way that words alone can never do.
It is important to recognise that we all have different tastes and whilst one hymn may help and elate some of us it will set other people's teeth on edge. Another hymn might do the exact opposite. However, both hymns would reveal, hopefully, something of our faith which leads us to worship. It is difficult to find a hymn that will simultaneously touch the hearts of every person, but every hymn will help someone to worship God.
Music is a powerful vehicle which can lead us into God's presence. Great skill and care have gone into the writing of music. The words and music of so many hymns help us to worship as one and they express something of the truth of God and our relationship with him. Indeed, the most important function of a hymn is to draw us deeper into a relationship with God. The words of the Psalms are full of invitations for us to sing God’s praises…
‘Make a joyful noise to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise.’ (Psalms 66:1-2)
‘O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord all the earth.’ (Psalms 96:1)
‘I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God all my life long.’ (Psalms 146:2)
So, it is not just Methodism that was ‘born in song’; it goes right back to our Christian roots. Let us keep singing!
Nick Lakin , Methodist Minister
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