When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we begin to notice the fruit of the Spirit in ourselves. One of the Spirit’s fruits is joy—a deep sense of contentment and gratitude in all things, even when life’s circumstances are difficult. The early church had a rich practice of rejoicing through song: Paul indicates that they sang psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to the Lord with all their hearts.

What kinds of songs do you sing in your congregation? Psalms? Hymns? Songs from the Spirit? Why do you do this? And how does it affect your faith and life?

In singing, we express our gratitude to God for his great deeds, and we receive God’s grace and edification in return. We bring God an offering of praise, but at the same time we hear him speaking to us and encouraging us. One could even say that singing praises to God can function similarly to prayer. Like prayer, singing can both support our individual faith formation as well as our corporate worship and fellowship with one another. When we sing together about the goodness and grace of our triune God, we grow in connection as a body of believers.

How does singing help you to express your gratitude to God? What psalm, hymn, or spiritual song has been particularly formative in your faith?