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Music Resources

Table of contents
  1. Action Songs
  2. Contemporary Music
  3. Sharing our musical heritage
  4. Singing the liturgy
  5. Music for reflection

‘It should probably go without saying that we study music in Lutheran schools because Luther was a strong proponent of music in general and hymn singing in specific. Luther said: “I place music next to theology and give it the highest praise.” Luther not only played musical instruments (lute and flute), but he sang tenor and wrote many hymn texts and music to accompany them; the most famous of which is A Might Fortress Is Our God. It is no wonder that the Lutheran Church is nicknamed, “The Singing Church.”’

Jeff Burkhart, 2022, “Using Hymns to Teach the Faith”, Lutheran Education Association

We value music in Lutheran learning communities, recognising that music and singing are wonderful sources of joy and comfort, and a great way to learn and share our faith.

In devotions, we often include a song to help learners connect to the central ideas of Bible stories/texts and to praise God. Devotions are a great time to learn favourite songs and hymns. While some music can be used purely for reflection, singing is strongly encouraged.

Music is an important part of worship. Depending on how much time is available, learning communities often include at least two songs. Typically, one of these will be a song of praise, and to and one will connect to the Bible reading/message for the day.

Music has a major impact on the mood of worship. You may like to consider having music playing as students enter worship, and as they leave. Quiet reflective music could play during times of silent prayer.

There are many styles of music. Depending on your context, and age band, you may like to include action songs or music for dancing, contemporary worship music, classic kids’ Sunday school songs or some traditional hymns and other ‘Lutheran classics’ such as favourites from the All Together songbooks. Whatever music you choose, make sure that the lyrics proclaim the gospel and give glory to God.

Many schools have choirs, bands and instrumental music programs. It is wonderful to include these students in the music for worship. Try not to make the use of music in worship a performance – worship is about what God is doing. Encourage all students to sing and enjoy the music – after all, we are told to “make a joyful noise to the Lord” – not necessarily a perfectly tuneful one!

Resources
The Bible Story Resources on this site include music suggestions for each age band. You will also find some on the Seasonal Resources page.

LCA Worship  Planning Page  has a video and fact sheet on Music in Worship on its Learn page which may be helpful in helping music leaders and musicians understand more about music in worship.

Bible Story Resources
Seasonal Resources

Action Songs

There are some great video clips available to teach students actions or dance moves to go with worship songs. In addition to those listed here, many of the bands and groups listed under Contemporary Music also have some action videos.

Once students know a few action songs, encourage them to make up their own moves. Not only does this give them a sense of purpose and accomplishment, choreographing actions require deep listening to the meaning of the lyrics.

Allstars Kids Club pre-school and primary playlists

CJ and Friends

Chapel Hill Kids Motion Songs

Kids’ Praise! Company

Contemporary Music

There are lots of great contemporary Christian musical performers. here are a few favourites.
Early Years

Cedarmont Kids
Listener Kids

Primary

Big Big Worship (The Lads)
Colin Buchanan
Bethel Kids
Hillsong Kids
YancynotNancy
Kids Version

Secondary/Staff

Emu Music
CityAlight
Rend Collective
Colin Buchanan – Colin has some great Christian music for adults
Hillsong Worship
The Porter’s Gate
Sandra McCracken
Keith and Kristyn Getty

Resources

Word to Worship: Find contemporary worship songs based on Bible texts and Lectionary Calendar

Song Select: catalogues CCLI licensed music. You can search for more contemporary songs by theme. If your community has a paid subscription you can also download sheet music and other resources.

Sharing our musical heritage

The Lutheran Church has a rich musical heritage, and learning some of the classic hymns and songs helps connect students to the community of believers through the ages.

Many hymns have beautiful and meaningful lyrics, and there are some wonderful arrangements by contemporary artists which may help make traditional music more accessible.

Hymn Resources
Some classic hymns to learn

From the Lutheran Hymnal (LH). Modern arrangements are also linked.

Christmas Carols
The Stories Behind the Hymns

Learning about the story behind hymns can make a fascinating study for worship or devotions. Search for the stories behind the following hymns:

  • It is Well With My Soul
  • Amazing Grace
  • A Mighty Fortress
  • Silent Night
  • What A Friend We Have in Jesus

Resources for Hymn Stories

Hymnal TV https://www.youtube.com/@HymnalTV

Worship 101 – Hymn Stories with Lyrics

All Together

There are some classic Australian songs from the last 50 years which you may also like to include in worship. These include work by Robin Mann, Aub Podlich, Chris Jaensch and many others. These were published in the All Together songbooks. 

Some favourites include:

  • O Father, my Father I Call On Your Name
  • A New Commandment
  • This is the Day
  • May The Feet of God
  • One Family We’re Together
  • Father Welcomes All His Children
  • When This Earth Was Created
  • I Danced in the Morning
Classic Children’s Bible Songs

Sunday School songs are classics for a reason. Why not include some of these:

  • Give Me Oil in My Lamp
  • Jesus Loves Me This I know
  • He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands
  • It only takes a spark
  • Kumbaya
Resources

The LCA Worship Planning Page has a number of music resources for the Lutheran Hymnal and the All Together song books, including indexes which you can search title, scriptural reference or the lectionary calendar. You can also find modernised hymn lyrics and a downloadable hymn database with free backing tracks and lyric PPTs.

Singing the liturgy

A great way to introduce more music into devotions or worship is to sing some of the liturgy (the prayers and other repeated parts of the service).

The Lord’s Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer – Hillsong Worship

The Lord’s Prayer | Christian Kids Worship (Our Father) – Allstars Kids Club

Apostle’s Creed

Apostles’ Creed – Emu Music

Blessing

The Blessing – Elevation Worship – ft. Kari Jobe & Cody Carnes

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow (LH 642)

Glory be to God the Father (LH 643)

To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost (LH 645)

To God, the Father, Son (LH 647)

Music for reflection

Sometimes we need to take a breath, and create space to listen to God, and to process strong emotions. Playing a slower-paced song can help create a more reflective mood for individual prayer.

Some songs and accompanying videos may be full of meaning but difficult for a group to sing. You may like to invite students to sit and listen quietly as you play this kind of song.

Some examples:

Wood and Nails – The Porter’s Gate – (feat. Audrey Assad & Josh Garrels)