Do you use music in your prayer? Have you tried singing prayers or using a song as prayer? Praying with music can be a powerful way to pray.
Let’s look at three ways you can use music in your prayers – maybe even one you haven’t thought to try before.
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. (Psalm 96:1)
In my childhood church, we always sang “amen” at the end of every hymn. I didn’t think much about it then, but that word signified the prayerfulness of the song. We were indeed praying as we sang. Although many churches have phased out the “amen,” songs are still a form of prayer.
We see numerous examples in the Bible of music as prayer. The book of Psalms were originally songs, though now we most often use them as prayer. In Acts, we see Paul and Silas praying and singing as they were locked in the prison.
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. (Acts 16:25)
Music has always been used to connect people more deeply to Scripture and prayer.
Music has an amazing ability to speak to our hearts and minds like no other communication. It has been shown to help create new pathways in the brain for communication for those left without speech after illness or injury. It becomes deeply linked to memory and emotion.
I’ve come to love this form of prayer. I find that music speaks deeply to my soul. I’ve found songs that become my heart’s cry – putting words to feelings, dreams, questions, doubts, sorrows.
The songs come and go for me, depending on the season and needs of my heart. Recently I found a song that put words to what I didn’t even know was weighing on my heart. As I Iistened to the song, my heart felt lighter as I prayed along. I put the song on repeat and took the dog on little bit longer of a walk – and was able to have a conversation with God that I’d needed to have, but hadn’t been able to articulate until now.
I wish to see all art, principally music, in the service of Him who gave and created them. Music is a fair and glorious gift of God. I would not for the world forego my humble share of music. Singers are never sorrowful, but are merry, and smile through their troubles in song. Music makes people kinder, gentler, more staid and reasonable. I am strongly persuaded that after theology there is no art that can be placed on a level with music; for besides theology, music is the only art capable of affording peace and joy of the heart…the devil flees before the sound of music almost as much as before the Word of God. ~ Martin Luther
Just as we’ve talked about praying from scripture, so can we pray from songs. Songs connect with our emotions and hearts. The language of the lyrics is rhythmic and poetic. Songs work their way into our souls and help us express what’s on our hearts.
Let’s look at three ways you can experience praying with music.
Sing along and allow the words of the song to be your prayer. Sing it. Listen to it. Let the song permeate your heart.
Allow the song to open your heart and mind to conversations with God. If a verse or a few words tug at your heart, enter the conversation with God.
I’ll put a single song on repeat so I can fully immerse myself in the song. Starting off by listening to the words and allowing the music to move my soul. Then, I’ll begin to sing along, singing heartfelt words of prayer to God. As I feel prompted, I may take my prayers further with God as I let the song play in the background.
This is a song I’ve been praying with lately:
How often do you sing songs in church or along with the radio, but don’t take time to really consider the words? Hymns and worship songs are based on prayer and Scripture. Try using just the lyrics for your prayer.
Don’t sing along. Instead, simply read the words, taking time to consider what they mean and how they can be your prayer.
I like to use traditional hymns for this method. Too often, I’ve sung along in church, not really thinking about the words. Slowing down and reading the words brings a deeper understanding to these beautiful hymns.
Give it a try with something Amazing Grace or How Great Thou Art. Try not to sing along, but just read and pray the words.
How Great Thou Art
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonderConsider all the worlds thy hands have made,I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed:
Praying With Music – How to Use Music as Prayer – Prayer & Possibilities
Do you use music in your prayer? Have you tried singing prayers or using a song as prayer? Praying with music can be a powerful way to pray.
Let’s look at three ways you can use music in your prayers – maybe even one you haven’t thought to try before.
In my childhood church, we always sang “amen” at the end of every hymn. I didn’t think much about it then, but that word signified the prayerfulness of the song. We were indeed praying as we sang. Although many churches have phased out the “amen,” songs are still a form of prayer.
We see numerous examples in the Bible of music as prayer. The book of Psalms were originally songs, though now we most often use them as prayer. In Acts, we see Paul and Silas praying and singing as they were locked in the prison.
Music has always been used to connect people more deeply to Scripture and prayer.
Music has an amazing ability to speak to our hearts and minds like no other communication. It has been shown to help create new pathways in the brain for communication for those left without speech after illness or injury. It becomes deeply linked to memory and emotion.
I’ve come to love this form of prayer. I find that music speaks deeply to my soul. I’ve found songs that become my heart’s cry – putting words to feelings, dreams, questions, doubts, sorrows.
The songs come and go for me, depending on the season and needs of my heart. Recently I found a song that put words to what I didn’t even know was weighing on my heart. As I Iistened to the song, my heart felt lighter as I prayed along. I put the song on repeat and took the dog on little bit longer of a walk – and was able to have a conversation with God that I’d needed to have, but hadn’t been able to articulate until now.
Just as we’ve talked about praying from scripture, so can we pray from songs. Songs connect with our emotions and hearts. The language of the lyrics is rhythmic and poetic. Songs work their way into our souls and help us express what’s on our hearts.
Let’s look at three ways you can experience praying with music.
Sing along and allow the words of the song to be your prayer. Sing it. Listen to it. Let the song permeate your heart.
Allow the song to open your heart and mind to conversations with God. If a verse or a few words tug at your heart, enter the conversation with God.
I’ll put a single song on repeat so I can fully immerse myself in the song. Starting off by listening to the words and allowing the music to move my soul. Then, I’ll begin to sing along, singing heartfelt words of prayer to God. As I feel prompted, I may take my prayers further with God as I let the song play in the background.
This is a song I’ve been praying with lately:
How often do you sing songs in church or along with the radio, but don’t take time to really consider the words? Hymns and worship songs are based on prayer and Scripture. Try using just the lyrics for your prayer.
Don’t sing along. Instead, simply read the words, taking time to consider what they mean and how they can be your prayer.
I like to use traditional hymns for this method. Too often, I’ve sung along in church, not really thinking about the words. Slowing down and reading the words brings a deeper understanding to these beautiful hymns.
Give it a try with something Amazing Grace or How Great Thou Art. Try not to sing along, but just read and pray the words.