La música cristiana es de origen judío: la liturgia musical de la sinagoga, en particular el canto psalmódico de los judíos como unidad poética musical, fue un legado preciado transmitido del Israel antiguo al cristianismo primitivo, como forma de manifestar tanto a nivel personal como comunitario las creencias religiosas y la fe en Dios.
Psalm 136
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good
His mercy endureth forever (repeat after every line)
He alone does the greatest of wonders
In his wisdom created all the heavens
He laid out the earth upon the waters
He made all great lights up in the sky
The sun to rule over all the day
The moon and the stars to rule by night
He gave us his life giving son
He laid upon the cross so we might live
Said he gave his life so we might live
And understand the ways of truth and light
Jesus we praise your holy name
Lord Jesus we praise your holy name