The Song of Preparation: Anticipating God’s Word
Following the Psalm and Scripture Reading in the liturgy, the Song of Preparation serves as an interlude between the public reading of scripture and the reading of the text for the sermon. This song prepares the hearts and minds of the congregation to receive the Word proclaimed in the sermon. In the structure of the service, the Song of Preparation serves as a bridge between the reading of Scripture and the proclamation of the Word.
Understanding the Song of Preparation
The Song of Preparation is a moment of reflection and anticipation. It allows the congregation to respond to the Scripture they have just heard, preparing their hearts for engagement with the Word through the preaching of the sermon. This song often focuses on themes of readiness, openness , and a desire to hear God speak.
Scriptural Foundations of Preparation
While the Song of Preparation itself is not explicitly mentioned in Scripture, the concept of preparing to hear God’s Word is found. In Psalm 119:18, we read “Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” This verse reflects a posture of readiness to receive God’s truth, humbly asking for spiritual illumination. The Song of Preparation serves a similar function within the liturgy, helping to align our minds and hearts with the weight of Scripture, reminding us of our dependence on the Holy Spirit to illuminate the Word. By singing, we respond to His read word, and collectively express our desire to hear His words preached in the sermon. Thus, while the song itself may not be prescribed, its purpose is rooted in biblical principles of preparation.
A Practical Example
Here is an example of the Song of Preparation in a worship service:
Prepare our hearts, O God
Help us to receive
Break the hard and stony ground
Help our unbelief
Plant Your Word down deep in us
Cause it to bear fruit
Open up our ears to hear
Lead us in Your truth
Show us Christ, show us Christ
O God, reveal Your glory
Through the preaching of Your Word
Until every heart confesses Christ is Lord.
This song, Show Us Christ, exemplifies the purpose of a Song of Preparation by acknowledging our need for God’s work to soften our hearts and enable us to receive His Word. It sets the tone for worshipers to approach the preaching of Scripture with humility and expectation.
Similarly, hymns like How Firm a Foundation or How Sweet and Awful Is the Place can serve this role, as they reflect on the power and reliability of God’s Word. These songs stir our hearts and minds to focus on God’s truth, preparing us to engage with the sermon.