I Can't Sing But I Can Sing Praise

By, Rebecca 

I grew up in a very traditional church where Sunday attire included a dress and heels, a few hymns led by an organist and songs led by a choir. The rest of the service followed the same standard of formality. I dreaded singing along to these ancient songs so I would opt out and follow along silently.  Although I knew it was part of worship, I still had a difficult time letting it out in this way. 

I carried this bias against worship music up until I was 22 years old when a friend invited me to a more contemporary service. The service started out with a live band! This four person band was jamming out to Christian music and at first I was taken aback. I had never seen Christian worship music played this way before. I was intrigued, although found myself once again following along rather than participating with the congregation.

That afternoon it registered in my mind that I really wanted to participate with the rest of the congregation in this way.  My eyes or should I say, ears, were open to another way in which to worship and even though  I still felt a bit uncomfortable I wanted to make it work.  I made it my mission to worship God through using my singing voice and to try and find a way to like it.

I went straight to Pandora where I literally typed in, “Christian Worship”. I scrolled past the old-school hymns and looked for a young contemporary band. This is where I was introduced to Elevation Worship.

I started following Elevation Worship and downloaded their album, “Here As In Heaven”. Although I still was a bit hesitant, I listened to this band on my thirty minute commute every morning into the city. Quickly, their words started to become a sense of comfort and prepared me for my long day ahead. 

Eventually I found myself singing these songs and knowing every word. What a beautiful thing to sing God’s words and have them instilled into my  mind and heart! 

My attitude towards worship music completely changed after forcing myself to search for something I could relate to. For me, Elevation Worship allowed me to make room to worship God in a way I never had before. Now I am not uncomfortable singing along during worship service on Sundays and glorifying God in that way.

Did you know the Bible calls us to do this?

Ephesians 5:19 “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord”

Psalm 95:1 “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the rock of our salvation”

With this new found love for contemporary worship music, I’m open to recommendations from you all. Please comment below some of your favorite Christian artists you love to listen to. I’m looking forward to hearing from you!