Reason for Spiritual Hymns Music in the Home

Accessibility

Hymns are very accessible. Many hymnals exist -- full books of hymns that are usually indexed according to topic and that include all of the lyrics and music scores for each song. If a family buys a few copies of one hymnal, it's easy for everyone to sing along, and even to play along with instruments.

Spiritual hymns are a historical part of the Christian faith. Hymns don't refer to songs from a particular era; in fact, hymns date back centuries, and some have been translated or adapted for modern times. Singing hymns in your home can pass a rich spiritual heritage to your children. As you learn a new hymn, try to find out about the life of the person who wrote the words or music to the song. For example, John Newton, who wrote "Amazing Grace," was formerly a slave trader; when he became converted to Christ, his life was changed. He could truly say, "I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see."

The Bible says one of the purposes of music is giving praise to God: ""Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!" says Psalm 11:1-2. Hymns and other choruses are used to worship God in church, but it's also appropriate to incorporate songs of worship and praise into a Christian home. Families can use hymns to turn their focus to God daily.

Ephesians 5:19 says that as Christians, we should be "...addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart." This suggests that songs can have an element of encouragement and teaching. In fact, many of the historic hymns of the Christian faith are very rich with lyrics that encourage and teach. By singing them and listening to them in the home, a family can find strength and encouragement in the words of these songs.