Sing to the Lord - Reflection by Canon Myles

I was 14 when I was confirmed. Our preparation took place on winter evenings, sitting in a cold church and listening to the curate. The word ‘inter-active’ was not yet invented, and I can recall very little of what was said.

I do recall almost ‘putting my foot in it.’ The curate asked what were the two most important books for the Church. The answer he expected was the Bible and the Book of Common Prayer. Fortunately I have never been one to put my hand up unnecessarily, but had I done so, my answer would have displeased him. I would have said the most important books in the church were the two which were handed to us as we came through the door each week – the prayer book and the hymn book.

Over time I have become convinced of the central importance of Holy Scripture, and I acknowledged this publicly and gladly when I was ordained and on every occasion since when I have been licensed for new ministry. However hymns have always been very dear to me, and I would be most reluctant to part with the hymn books I have collected over the years. I am not generally all that good with numbers, but my one and only party trick is that I can recall hymn numbers very readily.  As well as speeding up the process of choosing the hymns, it has proved useful in remembering my PIN numbers!

Hymns arouse strong emotions, and many of us have favourites, and perhaps pet hates as well. Often these are linked in our memories with a significant occasion or with a particular person. Their words are often memorable, and for many of us, they have helped to shape the way we think about God, of Jesus and his love, of how we seek to follow him as his disciples. A good tune helps as well!

As we return to public worship, one familiar feature which sadly will be missing is the singing of hymns. I find it hard to imagine our Sunday worship without them, but to begin with at least it is not considered safe for us to sing as we gather together. For many of us, this will be a real impoverishment, and we will long for their safe return.

Canon Myles

While you're here:
Why not prepare for next Sunday's worship? Our preparation sheet for adults and for children can be accessed by clicking on the Resources tab of this website: https://www.prayerforliverpool.org/prayer-resources.html.