The Music of Heaven

As a worshiper and worship leader, I have often thought about the songs of Heaven - what they are like, what is their content, form, style, etc. There have been times in my own worship of the Lord that I have sensed I have joined the worship of Heaven. Those are indeed special times.

I have read a number of books through the years that touched on this theme. It is amazing to consider that during times of church revivals, the music in praise and worship becomes the response of the people to the Spirit of the Lord moving in their midst. Many testimonials from revivals express that the music seemed to be birthed in heaven itself as it inspired the worshipers into a deeper response to the Lord.

A number of years ago I had quite an experience with the Lord where His presence was so near to me, that I felt I was before His Throne for several days. It was a holy time of rededication of my own heart and life to the Lord, and the Spirit of God seemed almost heavy upon me, weighty even. The praise that erupted from the depths of my being was passionate, and at times seemed overwhelming, bursting forth in joyful expression to God. At the same time, I felt as if I was joining in an ongoing season of an eternal worship session that began long long ago and is still ongoing. I had, in fact, joined with the hosts of Heaven. During that period I experienced a revelation of the worship of Heaven and could almost "hear" the music and songs offered to God in His praise. It was as if the praise and prayers from my own heart were orchestrated into heavenly music, matched perfectly with harmonic voices, choreographed in praise dance, and sent heavenward as incense to God.


The sounds of this kind of praise could only come from the largest orchestra and choir imaginable, with scales and harmonies yet unheard here on earth. As I considered and experienced heavenly worship in those days, it took my breath away.

Recently I read the book 90 Minutes in Heaven where the author Don Piper describes his own experience of heaven.



In chapter three, the author shares his experience of the music of heaven:

"A...sound remains, even today, the single, most vivid memory I have of my entire heavenly experience. I call it music, but it differed from anything I had ever heard or ever expect to hear on the earth. The melodies of praise filled the atmosphere. The nonstop intensity and endless variety overwhelmed me.

"The praise was unending, but the most remarkable thing to me was that hundreds of songs were being sung at the same time--all of them worshiping God. As I approached the large, magnificient gate, I heard them from every direction and realized that each voice praised God. I write voice, but it was more than that. Some sounded instrumental, but I wasn't sure--and I wasn't concerned. Praise was everywhere, and all of it was musical, yet comprised of melodies and tones I'd never experienced before...My heart filled with the deepest joy I've ever experienced...Every sound blended, and each voice or instrument enhanced the others.

"As strange as it may seem, I could clearly distinguish each song. It sounded as if each hymn of praise was meant for me to hear as I moved inside the gates.

"Many of the old hymns and choruses I had sung at various times in my life were part of the music--along with hundreds of songs I had never heard before. Hymns of praise, modern-sounding choruses, and ancient chants filled my ears and brought not only a deep peace but the greatest feeling of joy I've ever experienced...None of the hymns were about Jesus' sacrifice or death. I heard no sad songs and instinctively knew that there were no sad songs in heaven. Why would there be? All were praises about Christ's reign as King of Kings and our joyful worship for all he has done for us and how wonderful he is.

"The celestial tunes surpassed any I had ever heard. I couldn't calculate the number of songs--perhaps thousands--offered up simultaneously, and yet there was no chaos, because I had the capcity to hear each one and discern the lyrics and melody.

"I marveled at the glorious music...above everything else, I cherish those sounds...I want to experience everything heaven offers, but most of all, I want to hear those never-ending songs again...the continuous sounds of praise."

As I read the author's description of heavenly music, the revelation the Lord had given me years ago came back with even more clarity. We know that worship is ongoing in heaven, and we on earth do, in fact, join the worshipers of heaven. Someday, I will finally be able to give full expression of praise before God's throne...

I read another book recently called Glimpses of Heaven by Trudy Harris, a hospice nurse.



In her book, the author carefully recounts the stories of her elderly patients as she experienced right along with them--until the time the Lord took them to be with Him. I have heard of those who many times hear the music of Heaven before the time that God takes them. These testimonies, experiences, along with God's Word, fills us with hope and great joy, especially as we presently endure our problems, pain of disease, suffering, sickness and terminal illnesses, financial hardships, relational difficulties. In times like these, we can only imagine from our earthly perspective all that God has planned for us--joyful ecstacies of His loving and safe presence forevermore.

May our hearts be filled with praise and worship this day as we join the hosts of Heaven's music and declare the matchless worth of our God! Let's worship Him..."...day and night, never taking a break: Holy, Holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come (Revelation 4:7-8)!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FObjd5wrgZ8