A song in our hearts and on our lips—God’s word, written indelibly in our hearts.

One of the many things I love about worship at Messiah is the music.  (Of course, I love the sermon, Lord’s supper, prayers and passing of the peace, too!)  I look to forward singing with the congregation—lifting up words of praise, prayers and thanksgiving.  My hunch is you enjoy the music played and sung, too.

Do you ever find yourself humming the hymns during the week?  Or singing them out loud (maybe in the car or even in the shower if you are shy about singing a cappella)?  Can you listen to them playing in your mind, like your very own built in i-Pod?  If you are like me, the music helps you to remember the words–words so often based on bible texts.

It struck me this week as I was punctuating my prayers with the words of a favorite hymn, that singing with our children and families is another beautiful way to share our faith.  When we might not be able to find the right words to simply speak about our faith, we may very easily be able to sing about it.

What a gift it would be within our families to talk about our favorite hymns and Christian music.  And then sing them together.  If you have plans for a car trip yet this summer, be sure to bring some Christian music CDs for a road-trip sing-along!  Let your children help decide what music to bring.

Or if you commute to work alone and are facing those summer construction traffic delays, why not consider having a one person hymn-fest in your car?  I can promise you it will improve your commute, your outlook and your ability to see how God is present in all the things you will encounter.  It may cheer you, it may give you the added calm or patience that you find you need.  It will certainly help you to focus on what is truly important.  It will encourage you!

Make a joyful noise to the Lord!  Lift up your voice and sing God’s praise.  Hum softly or play that in the mind “recording” as you go through your day.  Share a song or favorite hymn with family or friends.  Let God’s word be indelibly written in your heart.