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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain how Christians might use music in their worship.

      Key learning points

      1. For many Christians, music is a means of connecting with God.
      2. Christians may use words from the Bible or their own words to create songs for worship.
      3. These words help Christians to express their beliefs and emotions.
      4. Different Christians will interpret words and music differently depending on their worldview.

      Keywords

      • Psalm - a sacred song or poem used in worship

      • Lament - to express grief or sorrow

      • Praise - to express admiration and gratitude

      Common misconception

      Christians only sing words from the Bible.

      Christians sing words from the Bible, and other song lyrics based on their beliefs and experiences.

      Teacher tip

      You could look online for examples of psalms in traditional and contemporary settings. Pupils could try writing their own poem or song of praise or lament to express their own emotions.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Christians often sing hymns and songs at services.

      Correct Answer: church, Church

      Q2.
      What is choral music usually sung by?

      a band
      one person
      Correct answer: a choir

      Q3.
      What instruments might a worship band use?

      Correct answer: guitars and drums
      violins and flutes
      harps and bells

      Q4.
      All Christian music is very ancient.

      True – it’s all from hundreds of years ago.
      Correct answer: False – some is ancient, some is modern.
      False – it’s all very modern now.

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Many Christians use music to connect with ...

      Correct Answer: God

      Q2.
      What is a psalm?

      Correct answer: a sacred song or poem
      a type of food
      a church building

      Q3.
      What can psalms of lament help Christians do?

      celebrate birthdays
      Correct answer: show sadness to God
      cook a special meal

      Q4.
      Christians only sing words from the Bible.

      Correct answer: False - Christians also sing songs with their own words.
      True - Christians are only allowed to sing Bible words.
      True - All Christian songs must be from the Bible.

      To help you plan your 3 religious education lesson on: Christian words and music, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...