Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teach & admonish one another in all wisdom, and sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your heart to God. (Col 3:16)

The Apostle Paul exalted the Colossians to root in the word of Christ in helping one another and express gratitude to God in songs out from their inner soul.

This is the biblical basis for singspiration and praise.

The following is some points to help you to understand the art of praise leading:

1.0       TYPE OF SONGS ACCORDING TO THE SCRIPTURE:

1.1            Psalms - in Greek means a set piece of music.  i.e. a sacred ode which lyric poem expressive of exalted or enthusiastic emotion.  Specially means songs of scripture.

1.2    Hymns - In Greek Humnos is from hudeo (to celebrate) which is the songs of praise.

1.3            Spiritual Songs - In Greek is Pneumatikos ode, the songs that express or teach the Bible truth.

2.0       WHAT SONGS AND MUSIC CAN DO FOR YOU:

            Before you lead other to sing, you need to understand what song can do for you.

2.1            Express Feelings and Emotion.

            Example:

a)    Ex 15 - the song of Moses and Miriam are songs that came out of heart to praise God after their experience of God's power and salvation.

b)     Ezra 3:10-11 with praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord when the temple foundation is rebuilt.

c)     Psalms 51 with the spirit of contrition, David pours his heart before the Lord in song (psalms).

2.2            Express Worship.

            Example:

a)     Psalm 8  Man’s worship of God’s in appreciation of His glory & creation.

b)     Rev 5:9; 14:3; 15:3 The heavenly worship with songs.

c)     Mark 14:26 Christ and his disciples' worship.

d)     Acts 16:25 Paul & Silas in the prison cell prayed and sang hymns to God.

2.3            Express Will and Response.

            Sing hymns and palms as prayer.

            Example:

            a)     Psalm 28  Prayer in the time of trouble.

   2.4            Express Culture.

            Different cultures sing differently. Some cultures use songs to pass on their history.

   2.5    Control Atmosphere, Emotion & Spirit.

            Use music and songs as aid to out flow the feelings and emotion or calm it down.

Example:

a) 2 Chron 20:21 Soldiers march to battle with war songs.

b) The native war dances and songs that prepare the people for battle.

c) 1 Sam 16:23 King Saul's spirit was refreshed and the evil spirit departed from him as David played the harp.

3.0            RULES IN LEADING SINGSPIRATION:

3.1   First Rule - Know the song well enough to sing the song by memory if you can.  This helps you to express yourself more freely and enable you to direct other to sing.  Do not lead singing songs that you are not familiar.

3.2            Second Rule - Organize the music and songs with the theme that fit the program theme.  (Note the type of songs that will be applicable to the situation and theme.)

3.3   Third Rule - Do not lead songs after your own liking and taste only.  Use music and songs for praise and teaching spiritual truths.

3.4   Forth Rule - Do not use songs just to kill time!!!  Organize the material well to ensure smooth transition and on time. If it already reaches the climax (e.g. people are ready to hear the preaching) or time limit – STOP (You do not have to continue because you have another 2 songs to sing).

3.5   Fifth Rule - Use your directing skills. This includes eyes contacts and body language. Do not start without a key and signal to start singing.

4.0       USE MUSIC & SONGS AS TOOLS:

            4.1            As tool for Group Dynamics:

                        a)            Use music to stir up the group atmosphere or clam it down.

                        b)            Use music to set the tone and spirit of the group.

                        c)            Use music to break the ‘cold’ barrier.

            4.2            As tool for Program Transition:

                        a)            Use music as the starter or signal to start.

                        b)            Use music to progress for one program to another.

                        c)            Use music to change pace of the program.

            4.3            As tool for Teaching:

                        a)            Use music & songs to help remembering scripture.

                        b)            Use music to teach Bible Truth.

                        c)            Use music & songs to reinforce teaching as an instructional aid.

            4.4            As tool for worship and challenge:

                        a)            Use music to worship and give praise to God.

                        b)            Use music & songs to response to spiritual challenge and revival.

                        c)            Use music to challenge response.

5.0            LEADING PRAISES IN WORSHIP SERVICE

5.1   The Essence of Worship

The Essence of Worship is the presence of God.  Therefore, the key of leading singspiration in worship is to lead the congregation's spirit consciously into the presence of God.  The spirit can be best described as the following:

Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord?  And who may stand in His holy place?
He who has clean hands and pure heart.  Psalm 24:3,4

This is the moment.       This is the hour.

We are in His presence.     We are touching His power.

How we have longed for this moment! How we've longed for this day!

Come away all beloved, to our sacred place.

Enter into His presence; enter into His mercy and grace.

This is our holy place!      This is our sacred place!

Receive His love and grace as we meet Him face to face.

Now , let His kingdom come.  We want the world to know:

This is our sacred place!    This is our worship place!

This picture is model after the heavenly worship as in Revelation 5:8-14, and therefore: Should be formal and can be creative.

5.2   The Focus of Worship

The focus of worship is not the songs or praises but on the presence of God or God Himself. As song leader, try to bring the whole congregation to be in tune with you to worship God. The center of worship is the living Word of God.

5.3         Choice of Songs in Worship

Note the type of songs described in 1.0.  They are used for different purpose and occasion.  Consider the model of the Wedding Ceremony which should be smooth and respectful. 
The general pattern of song type is the following:

     Worshipà Reflectionà Response/Worship.

            5.3.1            Worship - Focus He

Worship is more focus on adoration and ascription of praise to God the Creator.  The emphasis is on "Worship the Lord in the beauty of His Holiness." Ps 96:9

            5.3.2            Reflection - Focus He à me

Reflection is more emphasis on remembering the Lord's grace and what He has done for us.

            5.3.3            Response - Focus me à He

                        Response is emphasis on thanksgiving, confession and devotion of heart.

5.4         Points to Remember in Leading Singspiriation in Worship

            5.4.1            It is not the time to teach new song unless it is really easy to pick up.

5.4.2       It is not appropriate to talk too much or make corrects when the congregation is in tune with the spirit and atmosphere.

5.4.3       Use body language to communicate and direct the congregation.  Be flexible.