Liturgy and Music

From the New Testament onward, “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” have played a part in Christian worship. While the primary hymn-collection of the Church has always been the Psalter, there are other forms of music, both ancient and modern, which help Christians to glorify and praise God. Singing aids memory and meditation, as well as lifting the heart to God. Saint Augustine famously wrote that “the one who sings, prays twice.”

In the Anglican tradition, there is a long history of chanting the Psalms. There is also a distinctive and beautiful tradition of chanting the Daily Office, especially Evensong. Portions of the Eucharistic liturgy have received many wonderful arrangements through the centuries, and continue to be adapted by contemporary musicians. In more recent centuries, other hymns and songs of praise have been introduced to Anglican practice as well. Translators like John Mason Neale retrieved a wealth of ancient and medieval Greek and Latin hymnody, even as Charles Wesley and his heirs contributed a variety of new hymns. Recent years have seen many old hymns set to new tunes, making them available to another generation of Christians.

Priests in charge of a congregation are responsible for all music that is used in worship. Hymns and songs are chosen based on the Scripture readings assigned for the day, and on the liturgical season. (For example, a song full of “alleluias” is not appropriate in Lent; a hymn of expectation for the return of Christ might be particularly suitable to Advent.) All lyrics must be theologically sound as well as musically appropriate. It is particularly important that the selected music encourages the participation of the congregation. At the same time, the ultimate point is not the effect music or singing has on us. Rather, its purpose—like all worship—is to please God.

Candidates should be prepared to exercise priestly oversight by familiarizing themselves with a wide range of hymns and other songs. They should also seek to cultivate at least basic knowledge of Anglican chant, including the chanting of Psalms, of the Daily Office, and of appropriate portions of the Eucharist.

Recommended Reading

Important hymnals in the Anglican tradition include the Hymnal 1940, the Hymnal 1982, and the 2017 Book of Common Praise

Areas of Liturgics

1. History of Christian Worship
2. Content and use of The Book of Common Prayer
3. Daily Office
4. Corporate and Private Prayer
5. Sacramental Theology
6. The Holy Eucharist
7. Baptism and Confirmation
8. Marriage and Children
9. Rites of Healing
10. Death and Burial
11. Sanctification of Time
12. Sanctification of Space
13. Liturgy and Music
14. Liturgy and Mission