Treasures and Themes in African Praise and Worship Songs and Poetry

This is a study of the thematic content of mother-tongue praise and worship songs used in congregations in Ghana. Emerging themes include thanksgiving, praise, worship, salvation, provision, protection, deliverance, victory over spiritual foes, jubilation and future hope. Many of the songs focus on the person, love and work of God, as well as on the sacrificial death, resurrection and victory of Christ on the Cross. The songs are congruent with the Scriptures, though some composers were inspired by local folkloric tradition, falling on traditional concepts and cultural images. Vernacular praise and worship songs have a strong impact on worshippers since the lyrics connect their primal worldview to their Christian faith, itself primal in nature. The lyrics thus reflect pre-Christian religious tradition, emphasising the influence of the people’s cultural, religious and historical heritage, as these relate to their relationship with God. Some lyrics show evidence of the worshippers’ personal experiences, worldview, beliefs, fears, hopes, and expectations and how these inform their reliance on God. It is apparent that grassroots theology is embedded in the lyrics of these praise songs.