Music For The Four Acts Of Worship

Music is integral to each of the four basic acts of worship. Music sets the tone or mood for what takes place in each act. It is also a means by which the unique aspects of each part of the service many be expressed. The process of planning music for worship should always take into account the function of music in relationship to the structure of the worship service. Music has the power to express the various moods of each part of worship: the Entrance employs joyful music; the Word, instructive music; the Table, celebrative music; the Dismissal, triumphant music. This is equally true of the various seasons of the church year: Advent music expresses the longing of the heart as it awaits the coming of Christ; Christmas, the joy of his appearing; Epiphany, the stirring command of the missionary advance; Lent, the quietness of the inner journey; Holy Week, the sobriety of death; Easter, the joy of resurrection; Pentecost, the excitement of the coming of the Holy Spirit. Music captures a…