We use thistext to replace the more traditional Doxology sung in many churches, because it seems to have more lift for that climactic part of the service. We all sing a processional hymn to start the service, another just before the sermon, a one-stanza response to the sermon and a final hymn of dedication as the service ends and the choir leaves. Their selection is left to the preacher of the morning, fo r they should set both the ideas of the service and the the mood of our celebration. You may notice in church that some of the texts are set to tunes you have not heard, and that is because tunes all have a certain meter, indicated by the numb ers at the upper right hand corner of the hymnal page. Any such verse may be fit to that tune.
Tunes have melody and harmony and rhythm.
They are a unique way in which idea s enter our whole consciousness. I try to select tunes that you can remember and sing all week. Sometimes songs that are dear to me have little appeal to the larger part of the congregation. Sometimes they are sung with such power that God's spirit is present in a special way just bec ause of the singing. These hymn verses hold ideas of faith and hope that you can carry with you all week, and the combination of words and music may very well be God's best praise in our worship.