These two verses are the second and third sentences that signal the start of the day in most monasteries and convents and in Anglican Morning Prayer. The injunction is to sing! I’ve noticed this week that singing has been happening in all sorts of places. It started last Sunday morning with a sunrise walk accompanied by the song thrush pictured, singing its heart out. Then I heard of friends organising the NHS Choir-19, and orchestra. This was followed on Sunday evening by the very powerful video of the UK Prayer of Blessing sung over the four nations of the UK: click here to hear it. On Monday I chatted with a friend who had been immersing herself in worship music and noticed the strength and purpose this was giving back to her life. We also had Chris Roberts sharing with us in these reflections the importance of singing to strengthen our faith, to receive again into our souls words of hope and comfort. 

However, you may well be asking ‘Why might I sing when life is this tough?’ It’s a valid question. Yet even at a basic physiological level, singing is good for us. It is physical exercise that releases those feel-good endorphins in our blood. It is also good for our mental health partly because the rhythm calms our breathing. It helps to stop those anxious thoughts from flying around endlessly in our heads. It can help to combat isolation, and technology is showing us just what is possible. 

But there are more reasons to sing for those of us who are people of faith. Singing hymns and worship songs may provide comfort for our own circumstances. It can also be a way of interceding for others. I found myself singing: ‘Restore O Lord the honour of your name’ as I walked the lanes by home and saw the restoration work that is going on literally in our fields. The worship song speaks of mercy and hope. Then singing songs of praise also lifts our spirits. It takes our eyes off the detail of our lives and reminds us that ultimately the source of our life is in God who IS the rock who saves us. Singing is finally an act of prophecy because it proclaims hope. Thomas Hardy wrote about this when describing the thrush who breaks suddenly into his “full-hearted evensong of joy unlimited”. In the bird’s song there is “Some blessed hope, whereof he knew, And I was unaware.”

So may we sing each day with full-hearts. I invite us all to go and sing the hymn/song/chant that helps you express praise for God; one that helps you make confession; one that draws you to sing words of faith, healing, strength for others, and finally then, to sing your prayers of blessing over the land and the people we connect with each day.