Over 300 years ago, the English hymn writer and theologian Isaac Watts wrote a collection of songs for children. Watts, who wrote some of our most well-known hymns, including “Joy to the World,” knew that what children heard and memorized in childhood would last them for a lifetime.
“What is learnt in verse is longer retained in memory and sooner recollected,” wrote Watts. “[These verses] will be a constant furniture for the minds of children, that they may have something to think upon when alone, and sing over to themselves. This may sometimes give their thoughts a divine turn, and raise a young meditation.”
Like Watts, modern-day worship leaders and songwriters like Shane & Shane and the team at Seeds Family Worship have set out to help families and churches raise their children as worshipers. Kelsey Kramer McGinnis reflects on their work and the power of music in “Kids Can Sing and Shout. How Do We Teach Them to Worship?”
McGinnis’ article, as well as CT’s song-shaped Lent guide and recent article on Ukrainian worship songs, remind us of the power of worship through song. Let’s turn up the volume and sing of God’s goodness. It’s for the kids.
