Music is an important part of the Lutheran tradition and an enjoyable way to build community. Hymn singing can be done without demonstrable emotion, but many otherwise stoic Lutherans appropriately channel emotion into their hymn singing and are therefore loud.
Locate hymns in advance.
As you prepare for worship, consult the worship bulletin or the hymn board to find numbers for the day’s hymns. Bookmark these pages in the hymnal using an offering envelope or attendance card.
Familiarize yourself with the hymns.
Examine the composer credits, the years the composers) lived, and whether the tune has a different name than the hymn itself. Note how the hymn is categorized in the hymnal. Many hymnals group the songs into categories, such as “Society” and “Christmas.”
Assist nearby visitors or children.
Using a hymnal can be confusing. If your neighbor seems disoriented, help them find the correct pages, or let them read from your book.
Adopt a posture for best vocal performance.
Hold the hymnal away from your body at chest level. Place one hand under the spine of the binding, leaving the other hand free to turn the pages. Keep your chin up so your voice projects outward.
Begin singing.
If the hymn is unfamiliar, sing the melody for the first verse. If you 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.
Focus on the hymn’s content.
Some of the lyrics may connect with a scripture reading of the day. Certain ones may be especially inspiring.
Avoid dreariness.
Hymns are often sung in such a serious way that the congregation forgets to enjoy the music. Sing with energy and feeling.
Be Aware
- Hymnals are not just for use at church. Consider keeping a personal copy of your congregation’s hymnal at home for further reference and study. Hymnals also make excellent baptism or confirmation gifts.
- Some hymns use words and phrases that are difficult to understand (such as, “Here I raise my Ebenezer,” from the hymn “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”). Use a dictionary or a Bible with a concordance to clear up any uncertainty.
