The importance of music in praise and worship

[MahogonySnail]

Some churches reject and ban instruments altogether.

Some churches look down upon ones that has lots of singing and worship.

One church I attended for a while seemed sound to me, until the pastor started criticising the way pentecostals close their eyes in worship to God and lifting their hands, saying they should not do that. I did not go back to that church.

The use of music in worship , praise, and in helping to manifest the power and presence of God is entirely scriptural. Music was a frequent accompanment to the prophets in the old testament. And here is one verse where the power of God came on Elisha as the musician played his harp.
2Ki 3:15 Now get me a musician." As the musician played his harp, the power of the LORD came on Elisha,


Likewise:

Exo 15:20 And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

Music has also been used in spiritual warfare, such as when David played his harp and the evil spirit departed Saul:

1Sa 16:23 And it happened when the spirit from God was on Saul, that David took a harp and played with his hand. And there was relief for Saul, and it was well with him, and the evil spirit departed from him.

Some christians or churches might say "blasphemy!, you can't use music to bring people into God's presence". Sorry, but scripture shows you can. People may criticise well known Hillsong or Benny Hinn or others who frequently use music to help bring people into experiencing God's manifest presence, but scripture shows there is nothing wrong with it.

There is a very good reason why music and God's presence , praise and worship go together. Simply because in Heaven where God lives, there are creatures continual singing praise and worship to God. Heaven is continually filled with heavenly music around God's throne. So it is very fitting for God's people on earth to do the same. Some may think it is more spiritual to have no music at all in church, but I think it is unspiritual not to have this kind of musical praise and worship.

Rev 4:8 Each one of the four living creatures had six wings, and they were covered with eyes, inside and out. Day and night they never stop singing: "Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was, who is, and who is to come."
Rev 4:9 The four living creatures sing songs of glory and honor and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever. When they do so,
Rev 4:10 the twenty-four elders fall down before the one who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever. They throw their crowns down in front of the throne and say,
Rev 4:11 "Our Lord and God! You are worthy to receive glory, honor, and power. For you created all things, and by your will they were given existence and life."

I could not agree with you more.When I was growing up I attended a church that was very conservative,little or no music.The only reason I went was because of the friends I made.
I now attend a large church that has a band who plays before each service.The music is a way to praise God and connect.It also has attracted a large number of youth,which is totally awesome.Any church that denies music as a form of worship is one I would stay away from.

Praise and worship for me is the best way to connect to God.God loves it when we praise Him and worship Him.