DEDICATION OF HYMN BOOKS

"Here's a litany I wrote several years ago, and which has been used on a number of 
occasions. While the litany hints at my passion for the psalms, it also recognises 
the constancy, and perhaps pre-eminence, of the psalms in the worship of God - at 
least in the Jewish and Christian traditions.

"In this liturgy the words of dedication are on the lips of the the congregation, 
rather than on those of the "God-person" up the front."


A LITANY OF DEDICATION
L.   God is worshipped in different and creative ways such as story, 
     drama, and art. Singing has always been an important thread running 
     through the fabric of the worship of God.

L.   We thank you, Lord God, for the long tradition of worshipping 
     in song:

P    I will praise the name of God with a song;
     I will praise the LORD with thanksgiving.                (Ps. 69:30)

L    We thank you, gracious God, that despite our human frailty you have 
     been faithful from the beginning: 

P    I will sing of your steadfast love, O LORD, for ever; 
     with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations
                                                                (Ps.89:1)

L    We thank you, Lord God, that in every generation people have written 
     songs for your worship: 
	 
P    O sing to the Lord a new song; 
     sing to the LORD all the earth.                           (Ps. 96:1)

L    With all creation, O God, we sing your praise:

P    Let the floods clap their hands;
     let the hills sing together for joy.                       (Ps 98:8)

L    Thank you, gracious God, that your love is for each of us,
     that each may respond:

P    I will sing to the LORD as long as I live;
     I will sing praise to my God while I have being.         (Ps 104:33)

L    We praise you, Lord God, for you call us into community with you.
     Praise the Lord! 

P    How good it is to sing praises to our God; 
     for the LORD is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.
                                                               (Ps 147:1)

L    Blessed are you, O Lord our God, sovereign of all that is;
     worthy of all praise.

P    We dedicate these hymn books to your praise and worship.
     May our singing bring glory to your name, Lord God;
     in the name of Christ.	 Amen.