John Wesley
“Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to do this attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve here, and reward you when he comes in the clouds of heaven.”
- Quote from Select hymns with Tunes Annext: Designed chiefly for the Use of the People Called Methodists
This exhortation is fitting for all of us who aim to worship God as we sing, whether we are writing or leading the songs being sung, or if we’re in the gathered worshiping congregation, or in our cars, or even exercising while listening to worship songs.
Wherever we are, in whatever we’re doing while listening to and/or singing songs of worship, we should have our hearts fixed upon our Savior, tuned to sing HIS praise. It’s too easy for us to miss the meaning of the words we’re singing, to be caught up in the swelling dramatic sounds accompanying the lyrics.
Keeping my focus on the Lord in every word and lyric sung is a difficult challenge for me, and I’m sure for every worshiper. However, with the help of God’s Spirit we are able to sing with the eyes of our hearts opened to see the Risen Christ, to ponder the depths of His love and the meaning of His sacrifice for us. Praise God that His Holy Spirit enables us to sing spiritually.
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