Worshiping in Spanish

Praise the Lord! How good it is to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting. - Psalm 147:1

One of the most enriching educational experiences in my life has been the studying of foreign languages. In seminary, I took courses in Hebrew and Greek, both of which have been helpful in Biblical exegesis and sermon preparation. I enjoy to study how language has been used to communicate the gospel message, and to determine how sentence constructions were intended to be interpreted by their authors. However, the majority of my study of either Hebrew or Greek requires the use of my computer and my BibleWorks software, which seems to take something away from the richness of enjoying the language.

In a different way from Hebrew or Greek, I have discerned that the study and usage of the Spanish language is part of my calling as a minister. I have studied the language for many years using different methods, from taking courses in high school and college to using the Rosetta Stone software. I have reached a point of conversational proficiency, yet still have work to complete to reach the fluency level I desire. I frequently read the Bible in Spanish (without using any translation tools), and it has been enriching. There is something unique about the comprehension that I cannot fully explain. Perhaps a different area of the brain comprehends the text in a different language, leading me to have broadened interpretations of the ideas being presented.

While on a recent mission trip to the Dominican Republic, I had my first experience in attending a worship service in Spanish. While the entire service was wonderful, the music really stood out to me. While I had previously done much study in foreign languages, there was something extraordinary about lifting up my heart in worship in Spanish. I have since begun searching for and downloading Spanish worship music to my iPod, and singing along with it while driving. I feel that it is especially transformative for the following reasons:

It engages the mind in an alternative fashion.
I feel that many English songs have become so familiar to me, I can sing the lyrics without even contemplating their meanings. The way my brain comprehends the lyrics in Spanish is very active, and I explore the implications of each verse thoroughly.

It helps in the learning of "church words."
In standard language study, one does not learn words such as "baptize", "majesty", "soul", etc., which would be necessary to learn for those who will one day lead worship in a foreign language. Singing songs, especially in the praise-and-worship format which involves a lot of repetition, is great for learning terminology and common constructions.

There is something supernatural about it.
I cannot explain this entirely other than to state that it is my belief that the Holy Spirit often moves through a song, and these songs are beautiful and inspiring. Some even have the same tunes and similar words to common English worship songs.

It is greater than I am able to explain, and I would encourage anyone who is a student of foreign language to explore its possibilities. I look forward to the day when I am prepared sufficiently to begin a Spanish language outreach as a part of my ministry experience. I have confirmation in my spirit that the Holy Spirit will one day open this door!

Thank you, Susibel Espaillat, for giving artist and song suggestions to begin this journey!