For many centuries, children have been trained in voice and instruments through religious music. If a child is learning an instrument or singing, use hymns of the faith as their learning material. The more folk-like melodies of hymns are great to learn on piano or violin, for example. Both Keith and I developed our musical skills in our local churches. We had opportunities to grow and share there, seeing faith and gifting woven together in very practical ways.

Singing Is for Everyone

Before suggesting practical tips on how to encourage our children to sing, I wanted to begin by thinking about why we sing at all. Kids need to understand its purpose so that its practice makes sense and inspires the effort.

There are many special talents that are shared among the people of God, including musical ones. There are many places in the Bible where we read of skilled musicians who step up to help lead the people in singing. But singing, like praying and meditation on God’s word, is for every believer.

We are created, commanded, and compelled (by the gospel) to sing. Our children need to see singing to the Lord as being in the “for everybody” category and not simply a matter of taste or great ability. It is a lifelong and eternal calling for all God’s people.

Singing songs of the Lord form us and regularly repeat to us and to others what we believe to be true. It is an expression of what it means to be a family, and it is an act of service to sing to and for one another—I sing for you and you sing for me. It is the fitting expression of each heart towards their Creator. Ultimately, it is one of the Lord’s leading gifts to us so that we can bring our thanksgiving and worship to him.

We are a singing people. It is who we are. It is for us and for our children throughout all generations.

I will sing to the Lord as long as I live;
      I will sing praise to my God while I have being.
—Psalm 104:33

1. Pick Good Songs

We should enjoy a whole host of songs in a variety of styles and from different times with our children. But within that, it is more fulfilling and far-reaching to aim towards a core heart hymnal of songs that you can carry through life, speaking into every season, every part of the church service, every part of the gospel.

Does the song have a melody we can and will enjoy singing, perhaps even without accompaniment, for a longer time? Is the song clearly, deeply, honestly, and beautifully saying truths about the Lord I don’t want to forget? How does the song disciple my child in how to pray and how to share their faith? Will it grow a heart that better loves the Lord?

There are many treasures we seek to leave with our kids—great hymns of the faith they know and keep are one of them.

I will bless the Lord at all times;
      his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
—Psalm 34:1

2. Let Songs of the Lord Fill the Spaces Where Life Happens

The songs that fill the big gathering moments should flow into the longer spaces in between. In our kitchens and our cars, in our comings and our goings. Words in music furrow deeper into the heart than if they were simply spoken. Such is the power of music to shape our thoughts and our emotions. Where we can, it is so helpful to find ways to bring songs to the Lord into the places where life happens.

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