The Point of the Prelude

On a typical Sunday morning at 9:15: we are catching up with friends in the church foyer. On our way to the pew, we greet the newest visitor or tie up a loose end that is on our mind. When we hear the first note of the prelude, we know we have five minutes before the service starts. What then? Do we rush to finish our conversation, or do we prepare ourselves for service? In our culture, music often acts simply as a filler. It is in the background, and we pay little attention to its substance. Often it serves to fill the space between talking or our moving from one task to another. In worship, however, music can do so much more.

The prelude serves an important purpose. It reminds us that it is time to prepare ourselves for something important – to be immersed in the Word of God and all the scriptures have to teach us. There are at least three opportunities that a prelude provides for worshipers.

The Right Heart Posture

When the prelude starts, this is a time to set our affections on things above (Col 3:1). We are about to enter boldly into the throne room of grace (Heb 4:16). This is not something we do lightly. We enter with reverence and with a humble heart. The prelude provides us an opportunity to position our hearts with a good spiritual posture for entering into worship.

The Right Hand Posture

Not only does the prelude prepare our hearts for worship, but also our hands. Many of us rush in just before worship begins. Our hands are filled with things; phones, purses, maybe even a child. When the prelude starts, we can find a place for all our belongings and prepare our hearts and hands for worship.

The Right Mind Posture

If you are anything like me, you have a hundred to dos on your mind. The Lord has given us the ability to multitask, and that is a blessing. However, this skill can also distract us. The prelude gives us the opportunity to settle, focus, and fully engage in the renewing of our minds through worship. The prelude assists us by serving as an emotional transition through a musical introduction of our gathering or processional hymn. And it sets the mood by inviting us into a sacred space for Communion with God.

The next time you hear the prelude begin, allow it to be a gentle reminder that the music you hear is to set the tone and help prepare every part of you for worship.