Music in Worship

Slater Murphy, Music in Worship

Our God is God

SATB

Words by J. Paul Williams, Music by Joseph M. Martin

GlorySound/Shawnee Press, A8542, Orchestration available

This symphonic setting, with questions (“who holds the wind in His hands?”) voiced in the first part of the anthem, followed by answers in the second section (“have you not heard, do you not know, our God is God!”) is one of Joseph Martin’s best choral pieces for the church.  The orchestral accompaniment definitely adds to its beauty.  A moderately skilled church choir/orchestra will find this song to be within reach; it also would be appropriate for festival occasions or with senior high and university groups.  Martin also has scored this for TTBB.

Thou, O Lord

SATB

Lisa Ireland

Arranged by Carol Cymbala

Brooklyn Tabernacle Music, 0 80689 97127 3, from the collection I’m Amazed, Orchestration available

The words are lifted from a much-quoted Biblical text highlighting God’s protection and care during times of difficulty.  Even though those in opposition to you may torment you with troubling words and actions, the song continually states that the Lord is a shield and the lifter of one’s countenance.  The musical setting fuses gospel and jazz chords throughout.  If you are familiar with the Brooklyn Tabernacle style of worship music, you may already know that this song is one of their earliest classics.  It has become one of my favorites; still you will hear it used all over the world.  The orchestration is interesting and quite challenging in certain sections.

Precious Lord, Take My Hand

SATB

Thomas Dorsey

Arranged by J. Reese Norris, not yet published

SSAA arrangement published by Alfred Publishing, Warner-Tamerlane

Reese Norris was commissioned this year to reset this arrangement for SATB divisi, by the Mississippi Baptist All-State Youth Choir & Orchestra.  Hopefully we will see it published in a few months.  If you heard the SSAA arrangement he did for his Hernando Middle School choir, you will have some working knowledge of the beauty of this song.  It requires much attention to detail, discipline, sensitivity, and will increase the musicianship of all who take to heart this marvelous addition to the choral repertoire.  Do not miss this piece once it goes to press!

Worship Old & New

By Robert E. Webber

Zondervan Publishing House/HarperCollins

Churches of nearly every tradition are discovering the worship of the Biblical and historical traditions.  Many churches, representing most denominations, are recognizing that elements of worship preserved in other traditions are relevant to today’s worship.  These trends are giving rise to a convergence of worship traditions, blending worship old and new.  This is an excellent text for the student of worship who seeks to gain a comprehensive understanding of the themes of Old Testament and New Testament worship, each of which guided the formation of early Christian worship.  As the centuries unfold, Webber describes and explains ancient and medieval worship, the reformation, and the free church movement.  He skillfully connects the strength of the historical liturgy to the current worship renewal emphasis, particularly to the importance of the arts in worship expression.  Church musicians will find this to be a valued resource in their ongoing efforts to maintain a sense of musical and theological balance.