Even thousands of years ago, philosophers understood the power of music.  Artistotle wrote, “Music directly imitates the passions or states of the soul…when one listens to music that imitates a certain passion, he becomes imbued with the same passion.^”   Plato said of the importance of music that, “Musical training is more potent instrument than any other, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.”  Music is able to penetrate and transform Our mood, our attitude, and even our soul.

And so, in worship we sing.  The Presbyterian Handbook gives helpful advice on hymn singing.  “Music is an important part of the Presbyterian tradition,” it reads, “and an enjoyable way to build community.  Hymn singing can be done without demonstrable emotion, but many otherwise stoic Presbyterians appropriately channel emotion into their hymn singing and are therefore loud.” Perhaps the best advice is here, “If the hymn is unfamiliar, sing the melody for the first verse.  If you do read music, explore the written harmony parts during the remaining verses.  Loud-singing neighbors may or may not be in tune, so follow them with caution.”  Take that back, this is the best advice, “Focus on the hymn’s content…  And “avoid dreariness….  Sing with energy and feeling.”