Greetings,

During the holiday season, music often fills the air.

I am grateful for the incredible talent the Lord Jesus has allowed me to work with. The contributions of musicians, praise teams, choirs, and choir directors have consistently added another facet to a service.

I've often scheduled a choir or praise team to sing after my preaching. The song they were asked to sing became the sharp point of my message.

The role of music in praise and worship is deep. The Bible mentions a rich tapestry of musical instruments. David himself was known for his skill with the harp.

Beyond harps, there are references to lutes, cymbals, psalteries, rebecs, and three-stringed instruments—each adding its unique sound. Music calmed Saul’s spirit and celebrated the dedication of the temple.

Any Old Song Won’t Do

David understood that any old song wouldn’t suffice when praising God. The Book of Psalms is a collection of various song types—each serving a distinct purpose.

• Songs of praise
• Lamentation expressed sorrow, frustration, and depression.
• Royal psalms celebrated kingship.
• There were calls for God to be just.
• The songs of degrees were sung as people traveled to Jerusalem to offer sacrifice.

The music and words were not interchangeable. Each spoke to a specific moment.

Thanks for the Work Done to Do It Right

The hard work involved in planning the musical elements of a service is not unnoticed. Occasionally, I’ve been in a praise service where it was obvious that about forty-five minutes before church, the leader's preparation consisted of asking themselves, “Now, what can we sing tonight?” I’m thankful for rarely having had to work with that sort of sloppy.

Preparing a praise service requires immense dedication. I'm thankful to those who are dedicated, for those I’d turn to at a second’s notice and ask for something not part of the plan. You adapted well.

Thanks for Wisdom in the Work

I am particularly thankful for my wife, Norma's insightful leadership during altar services. She came to a revelation about the three phases of an altar service:

1. The phase of invitation
2. Followed by music that speaks faith, thus building faith.
3. Flowing into celebration. When Jesus starts doing big things - celebrate them in song.

Is it wise to continue to sing a song of invitation when the altar is full? She took our services to another level and then taught the simple principles to others.

If interested, her revelation is part of my classic book Revival in a Plain Brown Wrapper. eBook Print​

In closing this Thanksgiving email, I thank everyone involved—from vocalists who pour their hearts into every note sung to instrumentalists whose hands bring forth melodies capable of touching souls, and the praise leaders and choir directors who led their teams to excellence. On behalf of many, Thank You!

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Please feel free to share your experiences with me at carltoncoonsr@gmail.com. I'm always learning alongside you.

With sincere thanks,

Carlton L. Coon Sr.

P.S. Then there were seven. Don't miss out. If you want to order Elder, Tell Me Your Stories as a Christmas gift, do it today. We are down to seven books and no hope of getting more before Christmas.

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