The prophet Amos was a man of uncompromising integrity, deeply concerned with justice and righteousness. His message was clear: worship that is full of praise but devoid of justice does not please the Lord. Amos declared, “Away with the noise of your songs, but let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” (Amos 5:23-24 NIV).
What does this mean for the role of music in worship today? Can our songs truly honour God if they do not reflect his heart for justice and love?
This question takes me back to a pivotal moment in the 1960s when theologians and musicians gathered to reflect on the state of music in worship. While the hymns they sang were deeply rooted in theology and scripture, they recognised that something was missing. As rich and meaningful as these hymns were, they did not fully engage with the lived experiences and struggles of their communities. This realization sparked a bold and transformative question: How can hymns speak more directly to the realities of life while remaining true to the faith?
What resulted from these gatherings is the Hymn Explosion of the 1960s, which reshaped how we experience and understand hymns today. By embracing theological depth, cultural inclusivity and musical diversity, this movement gave us hymns like, “For the Healing of the Nations” (UMH 428), “For the Fruits of This Creation” (UMH 97) and “All Who Love and Serve Your City” (UMH 433). These hymns continue to call us to action, addressing justice, stewardship and community service.
Today, many contemporary hymn writers are crafting songs that we could be singing in worship—songs that speak to the realities of our lives and the mission of the church. These texts invite us to reflect deeply on our faith and the challenges we face as a community of believers. Perhaps it’s time to consider how these songs might enrich our worship practices. Or maybe this is an opportunity for the worship committee to take up the challenge: to write a song, a chorus or a prayer that speaks directly to the unique struggles and hopes of our congregation.
These contributions could become valuable additions to our collective prayer and worship resources, amplifying our call to love God and neighbour in tangible, transformative ways.
In the 12th quadrennium, then Bishop Dr Gordon Wong emphasised that we should love God with all our hearts, souls, minds and strength, and love our neighbours as ourselves. Each church adapted this theme in unique ways across the Annual Conferences, offering its perspectives on this commandment. This resonates deeply with Amos’s call, reminding us that true worship is not only about loving God through praise but also about loving our neighbours through action.
We need to ask ourselves: How do our worship practices reflect God’s call for justice and compassion? How do these reflections shape us to be the people of God, called to serve his people?
We need to ask ourselves: How do our worship practices reflect God’s call for justice and compassion? How do these reflections shape us to be the people of God, called to serve his people?
Language serves as a foundational tool in worship. We can draw inspiration from the language of the Psalms, the prophets, and, above all, Jesus. Their words speak to the complexities of life—its joys, struggles, and aspirations. By incorporating their profound language into our worship, we invite a spectrum of emotions and experiences that resonate deeply with everyone, creating a shared sense of connection and purpose.
This intentional approach informs both our minds and hearts, encouraging us to reflect on the realities of life and consider how we can actively participate in God’s work of justice and compassion. As we open ourselves to this transformative process, our minds are renewed, and we are drawn into deeper alignment with God’s will. When we allow ourselves to fully engage in this calling, the Holy Spirit equips and empowers us to live out our worship in meaningful and impactful ways.
May our worship—through prayer, music, and the Spirit’s transforming power—shape us into a people mindful of God’s call to pursue justice and commit to making it integral to our worship practice.