"that enable us to be workers together with God, expects His servants to cultivate their voices, so that they can speak and sing in a way that all can understand. It is not loud singing that is needed, but clear intonation, correct pronunciation, and distinct utterance. Let all take time to cultivate the voice, so that God's praise can be sung in clear, soft tones, not with harshness and shrillness that offend the ear. The ability to sing is the gift of God; let it be used to His glory. GW 357.2"
"Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing."
The EGW passage emphasizes the importance of clear and understandable singing in worship. Psalm 100:2 commands serving the Lord with gladness and coming before His presence with singing. The EGW passage provides practical guidance on *how* to fulfill the command in Psalm 100:2, making it a direct principle.
"What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also."
The EGW passage discusses singing with understanding and clarity. 1 Corinthians 14:15 speaks of singing with the spirit and with understanding. Both passages emphasize the importance of singing with both heart and mind, making it a thematic parallel.
"In the meetings held, let a number be chosen to take part in the song service. And let the singing be accompanied with musical instruments skilfully handled. We are not to oppose the use of instruments of music in our work. This part of the service is to be carefully conducted; for it is the praise of God in song. The singing is not always to be done by a few. As often as possible, let the entire congregation join.... GW 357.3"
"Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp."
The EGW passage encourages the use of musical instruments in worship. Psalm 150:3 explicitly calls for praising God with various instruments. The EGW passage is a direct application of the principle found in Psalm 150:3.
"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name."
The EGW passage encourages congregational participation in singing and praise. Psalm 100:4 speaks of entering God's gates with thanksgiving and praise. Both passages emphasize the importance of praise and thanksgiving in worship, making it a thematic parallel.