I have always enjoyed his writings and theology, and though I could pull great and deep thoughts from his work today, I thought it would be refreshing to see his mind at work on what many consider the light thing of the Church...music.
But there should be singing, not only at devotions, but at regular times of the day or week. The more we sing, the more joy we derive from it, but, above all, the more devotion and discipline and joy we put into our singing, the richer will be the blessing that will come to the whole life of the fellowship from singing together.
It is the voice of the Church that is heard in singing together. It is not you that sings, it is the Church that is singing, and you, as a member of the Church, may share in its song. Thus all singing together that is right must serve to widen our spiritual horizon, make us see our little company as a member of the great Christian Church on earth, and help us willingly and gladly to join our singing, be it feeble or good, to the song of the Church. (Life Together, 61)
By the way, he was a big fan of unison singing so that individuals did not, out of pride, call attention to themselves, these were the greater foes of congregational singing. He also did not believe that there were many who were "unmusical" and could not sing, and considered those who would not sing due to some mood as disturbers of the the fellowship.
The Collect:
Gracious God, the Beyond in the midst of our life, you gave grace to your servant Dietrich Bonhoeffer to know and to teach the truth as it is in Jesus Christ, and to bear the cost of following him: Grant that we, strengthened by his teaching and example, may receive your word and embrace its call with an undivided heart; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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