An Order for the Dedication of Worship & Song

This order is intended to be used within a service of worship. When used separately, it should follow praise, prayer, Scripture lessons, and sermon. Alternatively, it may be included in a hymn festival using Worship & Song.

If the books have been given in memory of a person or persons who have died or in honor of a person or persons living, their names may be used in the bracketed sections below. If the names are more than a few, the names may be listed in the bulletin rather than saying them aloud.

Opening prayer from Worship Resources Edition of Worship & Song:
no.21, "Hosanna!”

The congregation holding the books in their hands as the donor(s) or someone designated to present Worship & Song books stands before the congregation and says:

We present Worship & Song to be dedicated
to the glory of almighty God and for service in this church
[in loving memory (honor) of Name(s) ].

The members of the congregation, if holding the books, say:

We accept these hymnals to the glory of God,
and in joyful anticipation of lively worship
and our formation as Christ’s disciples.
We receive this collection of hymns, songs and prayers
as gifts from sisters and brothers of all times and places
who share their faith with us
and so remind us of who we are as the church.
With them and all creation,
we will sing with joy and praise God now and forever.

Here all may sing one or more of the following:
3001, “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”
3010, “Sing of the Lord’s Goodness”
3018, “Creation Sings”
3105, “In Christ Alone”
3147, “Built on a Rock”
3154, “Draw the Circle Wide”

Then the pastor may declare in these or similar words:

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
(in the name of the holy and triune God ),
we dedicate these hymnals to the glory of God
[and in memory (honor) of God's servant Name .
The memory of the righteous is ever blessed].

Other phrases may also be added as appropriate. The pastor continues:

Let us pray.

Prayer from Worship Resources Edition of Worship & Song:
185, “We Are a People Who Must Sing You”

(Or the following prayer may be used.)

Most loving God, without you no words or works of ours have meaning.
Accept these songbooks as symbols of our devotion.
Grant us your blessing, as we consecrate them to your glory,
that using them we may be strengthened in your service
and rejoice evermore in the power of the Holy Spirit,
through Jesus Christ our Lord. *Amen.

*Instead of a spoken “Amen” and immediately following the prayer, the music leaders may lead the congregation in 3171c or 3172c.

A hymn from the following list or any other may be sung. Suggested from Worship & Song:
3001, “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing”
3010, “Sing of the Lord’s Goodness”
3018, “Creation Sings”
3105, “In Christ Alone”
3147, “Built on a Rock”
3154, “Draw the Circle Wide”

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This order was prepared by the worship staff of Discipleship Ministries and is copyright © 2011 by Discipleship Ministries. The order is based on “An Order for the Dedication of Church Furnishings and Memorials” in The United Methodist Book of Worship (Nashville: The United Methodist Publishing House, 1992). Adapted with permission. Churches may use or adapt this for worship purposes with the inclusion of the following credit line with the order of service:

An Order of Dedication of Worship & Song copyright © 2011 Discipleship Ministries. Used with permission.