Church Alive October 3, 2011 Issue

The following was written in support of Church Alive, a focus of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, that explores the meaning and possibilities of awakening to the spiritual basis and impact of Church.

Much more than a songbook

By Fenella Bennetts

I’ve loved hymns all my life, and played them for the Sunday School since I was ten years old—even before my small hands could reach all the notes! Nowadays children also play guitars, digital keyboards, and other instruments, and I love it when there are simple hymn accompaniments that they can easily play. Hymns are so friendly—they bring people together—and there’s a special joy in being able to play them so that a group of friends can join in.

Learning hymns doesn’t have to be difficult. Those who have learned to read music might learn them the written way, but most people learn their music by ear. I listen to hymns on CDs or an iPod, and sing along to them anywhere, anytime—especially in the car! Sometimes I’m on a wing of joy or gratitude, and sometimes I’m yearning for assurance or peace. But there’s a hymn for every moment, bringing the touch of God’s healing presence to every situation. That’s why a hymnal is so much more than a songbook—it’s a prayer book.

I think of the music like “clothing” for prayers. So we change into whatever’s appropriate for what we’re doing, but that doesn’t change who we are or how we pray. 