This week is all about music as prayer, a concept very close to my heart. I enjoy making music, singing (just between me, my children, and God!) and participating in just about any type of musical event. I love choir music, musicals, instrumental music, and contemporary Christian pieces.
The study says to “think about a time when you have participated in the excitement of group music making or singing.” Very well fitting at this time, as I am a member of the orchestra for Sidney High’s musical “Pajama Game.” I usually am asked to do two or three spring high school musicals in the area, and one or two community groups over the summer. I so enjoyed being a part of the orchestra in high school – it was my favorite part of the day, and taking part in musicals is a way for me to continue that love.
We were asked to choose a song that felt like a prayer to us, and to sing it to God. As I left Melissa’s Tuesday night, I was thinking about the coming week, knowing that I would want to choose a song to play on my viola at our next meeting (we will be asked to bring a song to the meeting). In the car, I suddenly remembered seeing some contemporary hymnals Melissa had laying on the coffee table, so I turned the car around and went back to ask if I could borrow one for the week. When I got home, I sat down and read through the whole book, looking for songs that meant something to me. I had found several, and decided to purchase them on iTunes.
Today, on the way home from school, those new songs were really speaking to me, energizing me, so when I sat down to do the study, it was a no-brainer for me – I chose to sing those songs right from the hymnnal. It felt so good (though I made sure nobody was around to hear me but God!)
After musical practice (dress rehearsal for opening night tonight!), I was pumped, as I usually am after doing a musical. A typical “spring in Ohio” thunderstorm was rolling in, and I just felt like sitting on the front porch (at 11pm!) and watching it. As I sat and the magic began, I again thought of the new music I had on my iPod, so I got it out and played those songs. I felt myself just being filled with the Holy Spirit and wanting to sing, so I did! I tried to keep it quiet, under the sound of the rain and thunder, anyway, as I was outside, right next to my children’s bedrooms. When my new music ended, it rolled around to my usual “Christian Favorites” playlist, and I continued to listen, sing, watch the storm, and be filled spiritually. At 12:15, I decided I better go to bed, or I’d never get up in the morning, but I didn’t want the music to end. So I ended up sleeping with my iPod playing my favorite Christian music all night long.
I just love feeling filled by the Holy Spirit – it brings such peace and joy to my life, and helps me to be the light to shine His glory to others!
