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The Use of “I and Me and My and We” in Worship Songs

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The book of Psalms, let us not forget, was the “hymnal” of the nation of Israel. We read them; they sung them. Generally speaking, I try to build my theology and practice of worship from the Psalms, not only from the theological content thereof but by their form, structure, and use of language.

For example, should we as evangelicals sing short, repetitive songs or long, theologically-rich songs? As I look at the Psalms, I answer “both.” On the one hand, Psalms like 1, 23 and 117 are very short and can be sung in a matter of seconds. So I assume that the people of Israel sung them over and again, much like we do with “worship choruses.” The content of our choruses matters, but it seems to me that from the Psalms we get all the permission we need to sing them. Sometimes it’s good to let a song focus our hearts and minds on one truth, and to repeat it until we connect with that truth.

On the other hand, Psalms like 18, 119, and 136 are long and would have taken longer to sing. It’s possible that parts of these Psalms were repeated in the presentations thereof, but I doubt it. They are theologically rich and lyrically dense, and we as worshipers need such songs to help us think deeply and worship God on the basis of such richness and density.

So, then, what about the use of the first person words “I and me and my and we” in modern worship songs? Is it acceptable for us to include such words in public worship? On the one hand, Americans have quite the love-affair going with individualism, so that we tend to make everything about ourselves. We have to be careful, therefore, when we’re choosing songs to ensure that we are placing sufficient focus on the God of glory and the manifold aspects of his glory. We desperately need to see the greatness of God, and worship him accordingly with all of our might. This, to me, is the first and foremost principal of worship—it should be radically focused on God and his glory.

However, this does not mean that the words “I and me and my and we” are thereby excluded, for these words are replete in the Psalms. “But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you. Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me” (Psalm 5:7-8). And, “The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad. Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like streams in the Negeb!” (Psalm 126:3-4).

If we take an honest look at the Psalms we are forced to conclude that words like “I and me and my and we” are not excluded from corporate worship songs. However, we are also forced to face the fact that such words are radically focused on God himself. The problem with many current American worship songs is that they center on the self rather than making reference to the self. We can scarcely worship God without reference to the self, or adequately express how he makes us think and feel, but by definition true worship cannot be focused on the self.

So, I conclude that first person words are by no means to be excluded from corporate worship, but that we should pay careful attention to how they are used. As long as God is at the center and the song in question has the potential of focusing the people’s attention on him, we are free to enjoy it together.

May the Lord grant us a discerning minds and affectionate hearts that we might worship him aright!

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