One of our recent visiting preachers slipped into her sermon the fact that her PhD research had focused on the theology of Methodist hymnody.

Hymns are an integral part of the worship of most Christian denominations. In the last few decades hymnody has evolved significantly, with different denominations and individual churches emphasising a range of musical styles and, perhaps covertly, a similar range of understandings of their purpose and place in a service. In relatively traditional churches such as the University Church Oxford we follow a very Anglican structure.  Hymns are carefully selected and placed at specific points in the Eucharist. Our service booklet identifies their role: a Processional hymn as we gather for worship. “Oh worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness”. “Hail to the Lord’s Anointed! Great David’s greater Son”. A Gradual hymn which is sung immediately before the reading of the Gospel and signifies its proclamation to the people of God: “The people that in darkness set a glorious light have seen. The light has shined on them who long in shades of death have been.” An Offertory hymn which allows us to offer ourselves and what we have to God: “We three kings of Orient are; bearing gifts we traverse afar”. “Here our humblest homage pay we, here in loving reverence bow”. A Post-communion hymn in which we are invited to express our wonder and gratitude: “Now thank we all our God with hearts and hands and voices.” “Extol the God of justice with heart and soul and voice; remember all his wonders, recount them and rejoice.”

Over the past few weeks I have found myself reflecting on what additional roles and purposes hymns have for those of us who sing them. At times it has been little more than a welcome opportunity to stand, stretch my legs, get some relief from the hard pew I’ve been sitting on, and enjoy participating in an activity which is corporate and spirit-lifting. But I realise this is inadequate, even if it is certainly not to be disdained. Hymns do have a ‘theology’; they must have, as they express aspects of Christian belief. And this very fact should challenge us at the very least to pay attention to what we are singing. While critical thinking is more appropriate for intellectual research, singing hymns with an attentive eye and mind should allow us to engage with their content in a way that encourages us to reflect on our faith, and in some, perhaps strange, way, to live and experience it. This is all the more important because hymn singing often provides us with a way of taking something from the service home with us, something that may contribute to our walk of faith from week to week. How much easier is it to remember words when they are accompanied by good tunes! How many of us gain spiritual benefit from that ear-worm that keeps us humming and re-articulating an aspect of our faith!

How shall I sing that majesty
which angel hosts admire?
Let dust in dust and silence lie;
sing, sing, you heavenly choir.
Thousands of thousands stand around
your throne, O God most high;
ten thousand times ten thousand sound
your praise; but who am I