Customer Reviews

Praying Twice: The Music and Words of Congregational Song

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Wren is one of the most accomplished living hymn-writers in the English language. Who better then to remind us of the importance of strong singing for Christian worship? I have cherished this book myself since it appeared, but this year I have also made it required reading for the seminarians I teach in my Introduction to Worship course. It is an ideal source for anyone who wishes an engaging treatment of the history of singing in worship and a fair-minded discussions of the issues such as the use of contemporary music and inclusive language.

Brian Wren is an exponent of a particular approach to congregational hymns is firmly rooted in his Reformed background and related understanding of the function of religious services. This underlies his concern regarding inclusive language, multicultural usage, social justice issues etc. From this viewpoint he intelligently discusses the role of hymns in worship, appropriate language including revision of old hymns, selection and performance of hymns ... While my understanding of worship, historical continuity etc. differs from Wren's, this volume is an interesting and articulate expression of a particular point of view - a view important for the understanding of contemporary mainline Protestant hymnody.

Brian Wren accomplishes something that is difficult to do in one volume: both a broad survey of the history of congregational song and an in-depth discussion of the issues involved. Wren is thoroughly knowledgeable of both. One may agree or disagree with his conclusions at many points, but both his conclusions and the reasons for them are made quite clear. This book is the first that got me to thinking about praise music as something that I am really going to have to come to terms with as a church musician. He says the music is engaging and that what we need are church musicians to write lyrics that go beyond the inadequate ones of many of the current popular praise choruses. The book will both enlighten and stimulate one's thinking.

I am a professional church musican. Wren's book is inspiring to the point of reminding me why I'm in this business, A "must have" for any church professional or anyone interested in music in the church.

I have wanted to add this to my library for some time, It was wonderful

receiving it in record time. Thank you