The Tradition, Book OneChung Hwan Kwak |
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Chapter 7 Significance Holy Songs are an important part of the Unification life of faith. Even though a congregation may come from various religious backgrounds or have different daily schedules, people can more easily feel united centering on Holy Songs. Although they are usually sung during prayer, Pledge, Sunday services, or meetings, it is not unusual to hear members sing or play them when alone or even in small groups. Purposes Holy Songs actually have several purposes. Whenever members gather and sing Holy Songs, the environment can change and unity can be generated. Satanic power diminishes; the spiritual atmosphere of the gathering can become clear, pure, and godly. When members sing Holy Songs, they often feel more purified internally. Whether one desires to become more joyful or more serious, Holy Songs can help one to focus upon finding a deeper relationship to God. Holy Songs, therefore, are very important in preparing the atmosphere. Use of Holy Songs Selection for Services Since each Holy Song has its own meaning and significance, it should be selected as appropriate according to the content of a sermon or the purpose of a meeting. Traditional hymns are also appropriate choices for musical material; in the early days, Father himself always used traditional hymns as well as our Holy Songs for service. The leader of the service should think carefully of the content and tempo of each Holy Song or traditional hymn and never select music randomly. The topic of the sermon or purpose of the meeting should harmonize with the theme of the songs. Singing Holy Songs It is important not to rush through a Holy Song. They were written with tears and prayer and have deep and soulful meanings. We should focus, with deliberation, on the words as we sing them to comfort God's heart and give rebirth to our own spirits. Holy Songs Written by True Father Through meditation and deep prayer, Father wrote many Holy Songs himself. As the representative of all humankind, and on behalf of all people, Father gave glory to God through these songs. The following is a list in chronological order of the Holy Songs for which True Father wrote the words. 1. "Garden of Restoration," written as a poem in Hungnam prison, North Korea (date not certain) 2. "Song of the Victors," 1947, Pyongyang 3. "New Song of Inspiration," November 1950, Pyongyang 4. "Blessing of Glory," November 1950, Pyongyang 5. "Suffering Heart," 1951, Pusan 6. "Grace of the Holy Garden," Spring, 1953 7. "Song of Principle Soldiers," February 1959, Seoul (written during the first training session) not yet introduced in the Western world 8. "Unified Soldiers," 1962, Seoul |
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