I have always enjoyed singing. Many times my singing is not to be heard by anyone but God. I learned a little bit about singing in grade school and what some of the symbols meant. I have learned to sing by repetition and by singing by someone who was right on key.

Singing in Eastern All State Chorus in Virginia while in high school was a wonderful experience. I still sing those songs but only for God. They give me great joy. A few years ago, I actually sang one of those songs as a solo at a Maundy Thursday service.

I believe singing is a vital part of worship. I know that there are those who feel close to God when they are hiking in the mountains or fishing on a Sunday. That may be true for them, but I prefer to sing in church, gathered with believers and those seeking God.

I recall songs we sang in Vacation Bible School like, Deep and Wide, This Little Light of Mine, and Joy, Joy, Joy. I suppose I could be classified as a traditionalist as far music and hymns go. Some of these hymns were written hundreds of years ago.

I finally got the courage to join a church choir after being told by someone close that I could not carry a tune. I thought I would break into tears when I sang in my first cantata. Before that I ran the church sound system for a few years. I felt a part of a cantata when helping the choir practice for the Easter or Christmas performance.

I enjoy many contemporary songs of worship. Some I learned on my Emmaus Walk. I understand the lyrics of contemporary songs are more meaningful to younger and some older people than those of traditional hymns. Some churches with one service have blended music with some traditional and some contemporary music. Regardless of your preference, sing with joy and for joy. My personal goal is:

I'm going to sing in the heavenly choir, Where I'll always be on key; And folks will gather around, Because they want to sing with me.

I will sing to the God I love, To the one who loves me too; I will sing the best I can, But I plan to sing from my pew.

Dear God, help us to enjoy music and singing. Help us to be more accepting of all singing to you as a meaningful form of worship. Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Emmit Rawls.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

If you would like to respond to these devotionals in any way, we would enjoy hearing from you. Our email address is: podcasts@1stchurch.org.

First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.