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4. Manna issue 58 - How to Accompany Hymns 如何司琴

Praising God through music is an integral component of worshipping Him. 
When King David was young, he understood the power of praising God 
and used it to appease King Saul whenever evil spirits disturbed him. 
Recognizing the importance of musical worship, 
King David later instructed the leaders of the Levites 
“to appoint their brethren to be the singers accompanied by instruments of music, 
stringed instruments, harps, and cymbals, by raising the voice with resounding joy” 
for the house of God 
(1 Chr 15:16).

透過音樂讚美神是組成敬拜祂的一部分。
大衛王年輕時，就明白讚美神的力量
每當惡靈來騷擾掃羅王時，他就會用詩歌來安撫他。
認識到音樂崇拜的重要性，
大衛王後來指示利未人的領袖，
“16派他們歌唱的弟兄用琴瑟和鈸作樂，
歡歡喜喜地大聲歌頌。”
為了神的聖殿
（代上 15：16）

As accompanists for the church, 
we need to take this holy work to heart and pray for God’s abidance and empowerment
so that our playing can glorify Him and touch the hearts of men.

作為教會安排的司琴，
我們需要留心這項聖工，並祈求神的同在及加添力量，
以使我們的彈奏能夠榮耀祂、觸動人心。

Objectives 目標

-Lead the congregation to sing in unison and harmony to praise God

—帶領會眾齊聲和諧來吟唱讚美神

-Create a worshipful atmosphere through the precious gift of music from God

—透過珍貴的音樂天賦來營造敬拜的氛圍

Preparation Beforehand 事前的準備

-Pray for the guidance and abidance of the Lord.

—祈求主的帶領和同在。

-Contact the hymn leader and/or sermon speaker for the hymn numbers.

—聯繫領詩者且/或講道者取得那幾首讚美詩。

-Find out if the service is intended for a special occasion, 
in which case there may be a special theme for the hymns.

—了解這次聚會是否有設定特殊場合，
在這種情況下，讚美詩可能有一些特殊的主題。

-Consult the hymn leader and/or sermon speaker in advance
and take note of the following for each hymn: 

—提前諮詢領詩者且/或講道者，
並記下每首詩歌以下的內容：

‧ Number of verses 
– if the number of verses differs between the English and Chinese hymnals, 
know how many verses are to be sung. 

‧ 詩歌有幾節
—若英文和中文讚美詩的節數不同，
要了解需唱多少節。

‧ Tempo – confirm the speed of each hymn 

‧ 節奏—確認每首詩歌的速度

‧ Fermata – confirm how long they should be held

‧ 延長記號—確認他們要延長多久

Preparation On the Hour 準備準時

-As accompanists are visible to the congregation, 
dress and groom yourself accordingly to serve God and represent the church.

—由於會眾看得到司琴，
穿著得體，整理儀容，來服事神並代表教會。

-Arrive at least 5 minutes before the hymn-singing session.

—至少在詩頌時間提前 5 分鐘到達。

-Let the hymn leader know when you are ready to play, 
and discuss any necessary details.

—當你準備好彈奏時，讓領唱者知道，
並討論任何必要的細節。

While Playing 伴奏時

-During the hymn-singing session: 

—詩頌時間：

‧ Watch the hymn leader for the tempo before each hymn. 

‧ 每首讚美詩開始之前，先注意領詩者的節奏。

‧ When there is a fermata, look for the cue from the hymn leader on the next beat.

‧ 有延長音時，留意領詩者下一個節拍的提示。

Additional Pointers 補充說明

Be familiar with hymn number 1-530. 
Take time to practice all the hymns so that they become familiar. 
Master tempo, rhythm, and dynamics as you practice each hymn.

熟悉讚美詩 1-530 首。
花時間練習所有的讚美詩，方能很熟悉。
練習每首詩歌時要掌握節奏，旋律和力度。

-For the prelude to each hymn, play the last complete phrase of the hymn 
(unless it is an unfamiliar hymn, in which case play the first complete phrase).

—每首讚美詩的前奏，可以彈奏讚美詩最後一段整節
（除非那是不熟悉的讚美詩，在這種情況下可演奏第一節整節）。

-Have a brief pause between each verse 
and after any fermata for the congregation to catch a breath.

—每節之間保留短暫的停頓，
並且任何延長音之後，可讓會眾喘口氣。

-Slow down at the very end of each hymn to indicate ending.

—每首讚美詩結束時可放慢速度以表示結束。

-Include an appropriate level of elaboration 
(but not so excessive that it draws attention).

—包含適當程度的詳細說明
（但不要太過分，以免引起注意）。

-Most importantly, bring out the mood of each hymn for the praise of God.

—最重要的是，帶出每首讚美詩的心境來讚美神。

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