Chants
Some songs are a repetitive set of words which do not follow the text of scripture. On the other hand, “chanting” is the use of a simple repetitive melody with the actual text of Scripture.
Explore these simple chants from the Lutheran tradition. They provide a simple, musical way to read-sing the actual text of the Psalm (without rearranging the words and meanings of the words with rhyme and meter). Listen to a simple melody (called a “tone”) and then on your own Bible read-sing the text.
All that one has to do is simply take the three last syllables of each line in the Psalm text and use the melody notes at the end to complete each phrase. It’s easier to get it by seeing/listening.
Here’s an example to see (text) and hear (Mp3). The line (|) indicates where to finish the last three melodic notes.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom | shall I fear?*
The Lord is the defense of my life; Whom | shall I dread?
2 When evildoers came upon me to | devour my flesh,*
My adversaries and my enemies, they |stumbled and fell.
3 Though a host encamp against me, My heart | will not fear;*
Though war arise against me, In spite of this I shall be | confident.
Here are the tones which may be used. Listen to the tune and then sing with your open Bible.