Directions for Singing and Worship

Phineas Bresee gave the early Nazarenes some suggestions for their order of worship:
“We desire to suggest that our own Sunday morning hour of worship, after voluntary songs of praise, the minister should carefully and earnestly read one of the substantial hymns, and that it should be sung by the congregation, they reverently standing. This should be followed by prayer, the people kneeling. Then a verse of song or an appropriate chorus should voluntarily follow. Then the reading of the Scriptures, at least a part of which might well be a psalm read responsively. Then the offering, announcements, and if desired further song and prayer, and the preaching of the Word, with such opportunities for seeking the Lord as may be in accord with the conditions and as the Spirit may suggest.” (Phineas F. Bresee, The Nazarene Messenger 13.6 - February 11, 1909.)

John Wesley gives these seven "Directions for Singing" which were included in the 1761 "Select Hymns" for the early Methodists. Maybe these are some good insights for pastors, worship leaders, and congregants today:

"Directions for Singing.  That this part of Divine Worship may be the more acceptable to God, as well as the more profitable to yourself and others, be careful to observe the following directions.

I. Learn these Tunes before you learn any others; afterwards learn as many as you please.

II. Sing them exactly as they are printed here, without altering or mending them at all; and if you have learned to sing them otherwise, unlearn it as soon as you can.

III. Sing All. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can. Let not a slight degree of weakness or weariness hinder you. If it is a cross to you, take it up and you will find a blessing.

IV. Sing lustily and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, nor more ashamed of its being heard, than when you sung the songs of Satan.

V. Sing modestly. Do not bawl, so as to be heard above or distinct from the rest of the congregation, that you may not destroy the harmony; but strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear melodious sound.

VI. Sing in Time: whatever time is sung, be sure to keep with it. Do not run before nor stay behind it; but attend closely to the leading voices, and move therewith as exactly as you can. And take care you sing not too slow. This drawling way naturally steals on all who are lazy; and it is high time to drive it out from among us, and sing all our tunes just as quick as we did at first.

VII. Above all sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to this attend strictly to the sense of what you sing, and see that your Heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve of here, and reward when he cometh in the clouds of heaven."

What directions would you give to worship leaders?

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