The PuritanBoard - View Single Post - Rules to be Observed in Singing of Psalms

VirginiaHuguenot · #8 (**permalink**) 05-22-2006, 05:07 PM

From the RPCNA Directory for the Worship of God:

Quote:

The Singing of Praise

1. The singing of praise is an ordinance of worship and is expressed in words set to music. The Psalms of the Bible, by reason of their excellence and their Divine inspiration and appointment are to be sung in the worship of God, to the exclusion of all songs and hymns of human composition. They are to be sung without the accompaniment of instruments, inasmuch as these are not authorized in the New Testament. The metrical versions of the Psalms used in the praise of God shall be such as may be approved from time to time by the church.

2. All the people are under obligation to praise God and to sing thoughtfully, reverently, fervently, with grace in the heart, as becometh the worship of the High and Holy One. A knowledge of music should be cultivated, and the congregation should be trained in singing. None should be chosen to lead the singing in public worship who are not of recognized Christian character.

3. The oversight of the singing of praise in the congregation belongs to the session. Great care must be taken against the tendency to leave the singing to the choir, although under the guidance of session, for specific purposes, or in unusual circumstances, the choir may sing by itself. Congregational singing must always be the rule.

Explanation of the Psalm

4. The Psalms have a depth of meaning and beauty which cannot be fully appreciated without careful study. The custom of explaining the Psalm or a portion of the Psalm should be maintained, and for this the pastor should make careful preparation. The explanation may well present the central thought of the Psalm, the interpretation of passages that seem obscure, and the presence of Christ in the Psalm. It may on occasion be directed especially to the children. It should be brief and a stimulus to spiritual worship.