The place of music in worship has a solid theological base in the fact that Old Testament scripture refers to the use of music in times of victory, praise, prayer and sorrow: Moses in Egypt after crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 15), Deborah and Barak after the victory of the Israelites over Sisera (Judges 5), and David at the placing of the Ark of God in Jerusalem (I Chronicles 16) and throughout the Psalms. In the New Testament references are made to music at the Passover meal before going out to the Mount of Olives (Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26) and to Paul and Silas in prison, singing at midnight, with its overwhelming result (Acts 16:25). Paul also encourages singing in worship of the Lord in his epistles to the churches (I Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16), and John refers to music in the book of Revelation (5:8-10; 15:2-4; 19:5-7).

The cosmic forces, which continue to this day, each in its own sphere, each in its own path, themselves give testimony to the order of the universe and the limitless power of our Lord. This cosmic harmony affirms the use of music in worship and gives basis for our desire, as part of that cosmic creation, to express our worship and praise of the Lord, establishing our own cosmic identity.

Our human psychobiological need to react to beauty in all its forms is a basic tenet of the aesthetic ideal. All people of our world, with their cultural diversity, possess the unique ability among all creation to both react to and return created beauty, one energizing the other to the awakening of the spirit, thus bringing a new creation to created beauty and new meaning to life. This meaning is perpetuated in music: a channel through which our creative worship (our prayer) is conveyed to God and to others in the liturgy. This, in my opinion, is and must be the highest form of natural worship. With the exchange of beauty for beauty—spirit for spirit—we are lifted above and beyond ourselves; we are able to catch a glimpse of the spiritual realm, the very gates of heaven! This is the goal of regeneration, of spiritual renewal, as the natural in us reaches for and is met by the spiritual in God.

With carefully and conscientiously planned worship music and artistically rendered presentation, the worship experience can be a most fulfilling one for those who open themselves to its flowing currents. Whether the medium is choral or solo, congregational or instrumental, organ, piano, or handbells, the striking of the air with music of beauty may provide welcome uplift for the worshiper.

Where there exists a common language of expression, through the sounds of music in worship, so also is found the basis for other common expressions. When people share their lives together, opening their hearts to one another in true charity, they participate in a communion of souls—heart for heart, mind for mind, spirit for spirit. This is the goal of worship music: to reflect the meaning of our creation in the image and likeness of God; the love of God shining in us, our love for God and for our neighbor; all manifested in a life lived in accordance with the Lord’s teachings. The rich fellowship of the Body of our Lord is found in this, which is what the Church on earth, and in heaven, are all about!

Donald E. Dillard