Have you ever thought of singing as prayer? It can be a fresh and powerful way to connect to God—even if you consider yourself “the last person on earth who can sing.”
The Bible is full of singing. As soon as the Israelites had crossed the Red Sea, leaving the Egyptian army in its wake, they burst into song. “I will sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea”(Exodus 15:1). The psalms were all written to be sung, with “lute and harp,” “tambourine and dance,” “strings and pipe” and “loud clashing cymbals.” “I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me” (Psalm 13:6). But happy times aren’t the only time we hear singing in the Bible. Paul and Silas sang in jail, with their feet in stocks and their backs smarting from a beating (Acts 16:25).
In a pre-literate, pre-print era, putting a text to music was a way of remembering it. When you couldn’t carry a pocket Bible or have a Bible app on your cell phone you could carry the words in your head, surely the best place for them anyway.
The early church created hymns that clarified their beliefs. Paul is probably quoting one of those early Christian hymns in his epistle to the Philippians 2:5-11: “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord…” In Ephesians 5:14, he quotes another hymn. “Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
Music is inspired and inspiring. Songs can come straight from the Holy Spirit and can administer the comfort of the Spirit. They can be offerings to God, but they can also be offerings from God.
Consider these ways to make music part of your prayer life:
1. Download worship music to your iPod or phone.
Turn to it when you are tired or discouraged; let the words be your offering to God.
2. Learn the words of some classic hymns.
“Amazing Grace” and “At the Cross” and others that speak especially to you. Their sound theology can fill your mind with a holy reverence pleasing to God.
3. Don’t be afraid to lift your voice in song!
An ancient bit of wisdom says, “He who sings prays twice.” Music is a great amplifier of the spirit. It cuts right through to our emotional and spiritual needs.
When you can’t find words to help you pray, reach for a song. And don’t worry about perfect pitch. “Make a joyful noise to the Lord” (Psalm 98:4) says the psalmist. Nothing there about making a perfect sound — just a joyful one!
