I have just finished reading John Pollock's biographies of John Wesley and John Newton (Kingsway Publications), an inspiring read but I was particularly touched, among other things, by the hymns in these accounts. Others have made the valid point that some contemporary hymns/songs lack the doctrinal weight of these old hymns.
However, my object is to draw attention to the importance of singing in church. While singing is not all there is to worship, singing is notable as it sets Christians apart -interestingly, our society loves being entertained by singers but is not so keen on singing itself. This fact has been attributed to present Western joylessness- because singing is an expression of Holy Spirit joy. The Spirit and singing are strongly related in Eph 5:18-20 and the undercurrent of joy is not hard to detect in this same passage.
Once I went with a group of Christians to a Anglican service/church influenced by the Toronto Blessing. Although I had been raised in the Pentecostal tradition, I was in a bad state emotionally/spiritually that evening and somewhat resistant about attending the service. However, being an Anglican setting, the service was quiet and dignified which suited me.
Then during the singing I felt my spirit gently touched and lifted up. A burden rolled away during the singing. I was also prayed for later but "nothing" else happened as such; it had already happened!
Joyfully, I walked free for 2-1/2 weeks following that service of the besetting depression and anxiety that I had been suffering from.
Although my condition is now under the control of medication, depression and anxiety still afflict me from time to time. Yet, again and again, I have experienced that lifting up of my Spirit when the people of God sing the songs of Zion. Doubtless, praising God in song is something from which the demons harassing us flee.
