When In Our Music God Is Glorified

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth into joyous song and sing praises.…Make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.” (Psalm 98:4 & 6)

“When in our music God is glorified,
  And adoration leaves no room for pride,
 It is as though the whole creation cried, ‘Alleluia!’

 How often, making music, we have found

 A new dimension in the world of sound,
 As worship moved us to a more profound ‘Alleluia!’

 So has the church in liturgy and song,

 In faith and love, through centuries of wrong,
 Borne witness to the truth in every tongue, ‘Alleluia!’

 And did not Jesus sing a psalm that night,

 When utmost evil strove against the light?
 Then let us sing, for whom he won the fight: ‘Alleluia!’

 Let every instrument be tuned for praise!

 Let all rejoice who have a voice to raise!
 And may God give us faith to sing always ‘Alleluia!’”

       [–From The United Methodist Hymnal, #68, words by Fred Pratt Green, 1971]

As we celebrated Worship Arts Sunday today during our morning services, my hope and prayer is that you were not only inspired by all that you experienced, but that it also challenged you to live your life as a song of praise and thanksgiving to and for God.  Remember, God loves you and I do, too!