The Peculiar Practice of Singing

This coming Sunday as we gather for worship we'll be taking a look at a verse from 1 Peter 2:9 :- "You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people;that you should show forth the praises of Him who has called you, out of darkness into His marvelous light". The phrase in that verse that always brings a smile to my face is the one that describes church folk as 'peculiar people'. 

We can indeed be an odd bunch. Now, as I'll be explaining on Sunday, that's not really the sense the original Greek text intended to convey, but it has to be said that over the centuries the Christian faith has attracted it's fair share of eccentrics and unique personalities. It still does. Indeed a lot of what those 'in the faith' do Sunday by Sunday does seem peculiar to the way we live our daily lives. Take for example singing. 

Where else (aside from large sporting events) do people these days indulge in communal singing? The sing-song down the local pub, the family gathered around the piano, the music hall... these are relics of the past that have been replaced by karaoke machines and contemporary music concerts where we may be invited to sing along to "We will, we will rock you" or some other uplifting slogan.

On the TV the focus is on the solo performer (American Idol - The Voice) or occasionally the group (The Sing-Off) but the idea of the rest of us non-professional singers lifting our voices seems increasingly absent. Which is sad. Because it gives the impression that singing is only about performance and gives folk the idea that they shouldn't even be trying to do it.

I unashamedly have a peculiar love for hymns and the communal singing of them. It breaks my heart to look at a congregation and see folk not even giving their voices a try. Most hymns (old or modern) are easy to pick up ... and by the final verse you can blast them out with much enthusiasm. Never mind the tonality or the fact that you may not totally resonate with all the words or that nobody else seems on board, I say 'be peculiar' and go for it.

Communal singing of hymns and spiritual songs can be such a joy. I truly feel a sense of sadness for folk who don't get to experience it. They are missing out on a peculiar pleasure. Old or young, it doesn't matter. Everyone can carry a tune.. if their hearts in it. Communal singing isn't a talent contest. It's not putting on a show. It's being together with others in song. 

So many of our hymns carry such deep insights, not just into theology, but about life in general. And it's always good to let an 'Alleluia' fill the air. (As this clip from the 2006 Trinity Youth Conference demonstrates). Just do it. Indulge yourself in the peculiar practice of singing. Forget who may be watching, listening or noticing. It's not about them. It's your time, your voice and your privilege to be a person of song. If you read the Psalms, you'll notice that God seems to really enjoy it as well. 

"You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of Him who has called you, out of darkness into His marvelous light"