Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. James 5:13
Let the word of
Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom,
singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts
to God. Colossians 3:16
Music brings us
together to share our joy and sorrow, to comfort us, to rouse our spirits, to
celebrate, and to stir up memories. When
we get together with friends of the same “era,” reminiscing about favorite
tunes and lyrics tightens the bonds among us. I know a family of musicians who take their guitars and keyboards whenever
they gather. Every family reunion is
ended with a bittersweet singing of Edelweiss - “May the Lord, mighty God,
bless and keep us forever.”
Although solos can
be beautiful, the community created when a group of musicians perform is a unique experience. Just like athletes who feel a surge of energy
when their team successfully defeats an opponent, choir and orchestra members
feel their spirits soar when the climax of the finale is perfect. Individuals who previously had no connection
come together to achieve a mutual goal.
Sacred music holds
a special place in worship. Everyone has
a specific hymn that is meaningful to them. When the initial notes rise from the piano or organ, the warmth of the
familiar words and melody comfort us; we join in heartily and create a
community of believers sending the message to God. Cantatas and oratorios pull us into the story
they are telling. The opening chorus of
Beethoven’s “Messiah” can send your heart beating in anticipation of the
soaring solos and choruses to come. Whether
it’s a traditional hymn written by John Wesley, a stirring gospel or spiritual,
or a praise song sung with guitar accompaniment, the shared experience of
joining with a congregation to sing affirms our membership in a community with
shared beliefs.
A study reported
in the Journal of Religion, Spirituality and Aging, found that adults who
participated in religious music activities had a greater sense of purpose and
meaning in life as well as reduced evidence of anxiety and depression than
others who were not involved in spiritual music. Along with the spiritual benefits of music, it
can improve our learning, concentration, memory, mental fitness, and reduce pain. The benefits of music affect people of all
ages. Involving and encouraging young
children and teens to join a community of music lovers exposes them to the same
benefits.
Prayer: Dear God, make us aware of opportunities to sing praise to you. As we join with the community of your believers, let us sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in our hearts to you. Amen
Carol McClain
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