Music for Divine Worship
T.M. Faggart

Hymn of Praise

The Hymn of Praise is the first congregational hymn.  It's purpose is to center the congregation's mind on God.  Hymns of Praise speak of the greatness of God and all of God's attributes.  Usually they are sung with gusto.  Therefore,  raising a sense of anticipation on the part of the congregation that something important is about to happen.  The subject of the morning can be presented in this hymn.  These hymns are usually found in the first section of the hymnal.  However, there others scattered throughout the hymnal.  Check the subject Index of your hymnal for Hymn of Praise and Adoration.

Some hymns of praise are:

"O for a thousand tongues to sing"
Come, Thou almighty King"
"All creatures of our God and King"
"Holy, Holy, Holy"
"Praise my soul, the King of Heaven"
"O Worship the King"
"How Great Thou Art"
"Immortal, Invisible; God only Wise"
"Great is thy faithfulness"
"Joyful, Joyful, We adore thee"   
"To God be the Glory"

These hymns may be chosen by Season.  However, on a given Sunday they may or may not reflect the subject of the morning.

Hymn of Preparation

This hymn should reflect he subject of the sermon.  It is good to pick one that will tell the message of the sermon in music.  If one preaches the Lectionary the particular season, and sometimes the very Sunday is listed in the seasonal index in the back of the hymnal.  

Hymn of Dedication

This hymn seals the service.  It should reflect the expected response to the sermon, and to re-state the essence of the sermon in music.  If the sermon is directed toward a call to Christian Discipleship the Hymn of Dedication should reflect that fact.  Sometimes the sermon deals with a theological subject and is teaching in nature.  The closing hymn should restate the essence of the sermon. 

Good liturgists will keep a record of the hymns they choose, and schedule a great variety of music.  It is unfortunate if only a dozen hymns seem to attract the attention of the clergy preparing the worship service.  Most hymnals have a wealth of material which ought to be used. 

The Summer is a good time to learn new hymns.  The major holidays and special Sundays are not good Sundays to introduce hymns with which the congregation is not familiar.