Center For Church Music, Songs & Hymns

Browse Hymns:

We Invite You To Sing

To sing with us, 1) Click on the music thumbnail icon to view the sheet music (you don't have to read music!), and 2) Engage the audio file by clicking on the Real audio or Mp3 file.

Imagine a choir of timid singers, barely daring to raise their voices. A few of the choir members are actually hiding behind the person in front of them, and some of the tenors are simply mouthing the words. Now compare that image to a regal chorus belting out the "Hallelujah Chorus" in a great cathedral. Which one would you rather listen to?

Of course, we'd prefer the bold chorus. We like the sound of strong voices blending together in beautiful worship. And that's the kind of s...

See More

Imagine a choir of timid singers, barely daring to raise their voices. A few of the choir members are actually hiding behind the person in front of them, and some of the tenors are simply mouthing the words. Now compare that image to a regal chorus belting out the "Hallelujah Chorus" in a great cathedral. Which one would you rather listen to?

Of course, we'd prefer the bold chorus. We like the sound of strong voices blending together in beautiful worship. And that's the kind of singing this week's hymn calls to mind. It repeats the words "Alleluia, Amen" again and again. And those words mean "Praise the Lord, Indeed!"--a phrase that demands jubilant voices!

Such praise comes easily in our church sanctuaries. Our hearts soar as the congregation joins together in this hymn. But somehow, it's more difficult to express that kind of worship in everyday life. We live among skeptics who raise eyebrows at such expressions of praise. Even among other believers, "Praise the Lord!" doesn't always feel like a natural phrase when it comes to day-to-day activities.

Yet as Christians, we should never be timid about praise. When we're blessed with a bright, sunny day, we should sing "Praise the Lord, Indeed!" When a daughter receives excellent grades on her report card, we should echo the words again. Family times, work success, good health--they're all reasons to boldly praise God because those everyday blessings come from him.

As you go through this week, look for God's little blessings in your everyday activities. And then sing out loud. Because each of these things gives a great reason to "Praise the Lord, Indeed!"

See Less

"Come Christians, Join to Sing" began as a Sunday school song for children. Originally entitled, "Come, Children, Join to Sing," the hymn's name was changed when its author realized everyone loved to sing his hymn. The hymn was written in 1843 and first appeared in a Scottish hymnbook for children entitled Sacred Melodies for Sabbath Schools and families.

The words "alleluia" and "amen" are found in each stanza, drawing on rich biblical language. "Alleluia", the Latin equivalent o...

See More

"Come Christians, Join to Sing" began as a Sunday school song for children. Originally entitled, "Come, Children, Join to Sing," the hymn's name was changed when its author realized everyone loved to sing his hymn. The hymn was written in 1843 and first appeared in a Scottish hymnbook for children entitled Sacred Melodies for Sabbath Schools and families.

The words "alleluia" and "amen" are found in each stanza, drawing on rich biblical language. "Alleluia", the Latin equivalent of Hallelujah, is found in many of the Psalms and means "Praise the Lord." "Amen," of course, ends many prayers, and it simply means "truth," "assuredly," or "so be it."

Combining the praise of "Alleluia" with the jubilant assertion of "Amen" this hymn resounds with praise for Christ our King. Calling on Christians to sing praise both now and forevermore, it's a fitting hymn for children and adults alike.

See Less