Singing Hymns
The rich treasury of hymnody we have as a church is one of the highest expressions of artistic excellence. Hymns are exquisite musical compositions married to masterful poetry, filtered through orthodox Christian theology. Additionally, this body of music has been sung for centuries. When we sing hymns we join the songs of the saints and are rooted in tradition. They are a glorious way to offer praise, learn Truth, and be comforted on the journey of faith.
Meditating on Art & Music
Many of the world’s most admired and treasured works of art and music are Christian in theme and origin. Sacred art is a cornerstone of Western culture, and the church historically has been the greatest producer of artistic masterpieces. Our rich inheritance of sacred music and art was specifically consecrated to communicate profound truths to every Christian, as well as to form our affections to love what is beautiful and good, and to grow in our ability to perceive beauty.
Whether or not you “know anything” about these art forms, the historical church understood that there are different ways of “knowing” and apprehending truth. Sacred art adorns the truth of scriptures with radiant beauty, instructing as well as inspiring – leading us to adoration, prayer, and the love of God, the Divine Artist of the world.
What should I do with this art?
Consider doing a “Picture Study” with your family. Display the picture and look at it quietly until all can see it clearly in their minds’ eye. Turn the picture over and everyone tries to describe it. This active re-tell is a powerful way to plant a memory deep in one’s mind. After this, display the picture again and discuss it as desired. “What do you notice?” “What do you wonder?” and “What does this remind you of” are all great questions to ponder. You could also research the artist, time period and context in which is was created.
What should I do with the hymn?
Consider committing one hymn to memory this month. Sing during morning prayer or after dinner, each week learning one verse and then adding on the next verse the following week. Through memorization, truth and beauty are written on the tablet of your heart and these songs become companions for all of life. If you are with a group of people and inclined to part singing, do this. Part singing is magnificent, and a trinitarian metaphor in and of itself - One voice, diverse parts. Singing in parts is a profound joy to participate in and experience.
What should I do with this music?
Consider setting aside intentional time for attentive listening. For families with younger children, consider making a special treat to enjoy during listening time together (hot chocolate? popcorn?) or bring out some art supplies and everyone can be invited to process what they are hearing imaginatively. Older children and adults can listen to the music during times of prayer and worship, relaxation and rest, celebration and delight. On the specific Feast Day sections of All Saints’ website (found here - more to come!) there will be more information about the composer and piece of music to give some background information on each piece.
We do not live in a culture that values quiet listening or looking, and establishing new habits takes time. Start with a few minutes every day and notice whether your ears and eyes do not begin to develop more acuity or whether your soul begins to long for the beauty of melody and harmony, of color and light. Is your family culture strengthened by this shared experience, or your prayer experience deepened? Children intuitively sense our feelings toward new activities, so try to make it as relaxed and enjoyable as possible. After you’ve looked or listened, chat about what you noticed, or what you wondered. The point is simply to give your attention and time, and allow the beauty of the music and art to elevate your spirit and provide consolation to your soul.