Praying Twice: The Music and Words of Congregational Song

by Brian A. Wren

In this in depth look at hymns, Brian Wren explores the theological significance of congregational song, asks how music has meaning for its singers, and considers the importance of contemporary worship music. He argues that a hymn is a complex art form, deserving of recognition and study for its contributions to worship, education, and pastoral care.

Genres: Music, Theology, Nonfiction

436 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2000

Reviews

[Karen (Living Unabridged) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly rambling discource on congregational singing. Brian Wren is not an author / songwriter I knew of before reading this book but my library doesn't have a lot of resources about congregational music so this made it into my stack just because they had a copy.

God's praise requires both enthusiasm and discernment. - Linda Clark

Good music can make average words fly...it makes our best words soar and stores them in memory. - Brian Wren

This had a lot of thoughts about how to make best use of older (traditional) hymns and how to best introduce newer music (although it was written before the Gettys, Matt Maher, et al) to a congregation. I found it practical and inspirational, in my role as church musician.

There was an extensive section of this book I didn't really agree with, where Wren goes on for a bit about getting rid of He / Him pronouns for God, as well as words like Father, King, Lord, etc.
His hear is probably in a good place but that's how Jesus TOLD his followers to address God. ("Our Father in heaven...") and claiming "Christ is Lord" is a foundational element in true Christianity. we get rid of those expressions at our peril.

So, that disagreement aside, I found this a helpful resource if you are involved in or interested in music in a local church context.

Memorable music has unique power to mimic the meaningful progression of God's work over time, in history, in the life of Jesus, and in us today.

[Rick Lee Lee James · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very good. A deep study of congregational singing. Great theological insights. Recommend!

[Evangeline Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read part of this book.

[David Blankenship · Rating 2 out of 5]

Church music changes based on the needs of a community: This may be about all I can really understand after reading this book. While it will be good to return to as a reference on certain matters of hymnody, this book is so densely written, while at the same time going in so many directions, that it's hard to comprehend for somebody who is not an expert in hymnody.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully composed book. Wren rambles a bit in places, but on the whole this is a sharp, fair, critical, and historical look at worship. Very well researched! It is theoretical yet offers practical advice.