An investigation into the phenomena and practices of spiritual ...

In COGIC the singing is accompanied by moving of the body when standing, andshaking of the head when sitting. There are also prayerful songs with a slowerinstrumental accompaniment contrasting with more celebratory music that has a fastertempo. The music in the URC also reflects the different culture of its people. The act ofworship through music is no less powerful or real to either congregation. However, to aperson who has been culturally conditioned to worship with quiet music a more variedkind of music may not be acceptable.Some of the older Pentecostals members believe that music that is not played in churchis „devil worship music‟. They see a strong contrast between music that is used forgood and music that is used for evil. Worshipping through music, however, has thepotential to lift the emotions and the spirit and consequently stimulate the immunesystem to aid the healing process.When there were no actual musical instruments, the participants used their voices insinging hymns which produced musical sounds. This is illustrated in the observation ofthe fasting and prayer meeting in COGIC (extract below).First hymn 332 from the Redemption Songs: I need no other argument-----------4 th verse: My great physician heals…..Second song: 567All hymns were prayerful with a slow tempo. There is no instrumental music in theprayer meeting and the fasting services. The group members rely on their knowledge ofthe song therefore at least two people must know the song and have the confidence tosing and let the others follow their lead.300