Music has always enhanced worship. In fact, it is hard for anyone even to fathom what worshiping is without music. Music by its very nature is sacramental. It replenishes weary humanity with a touch of peace and sanity. Music calms the waves and changes the heart. But beyond and above all, music is prayer. It is spoken prayer. It is audible utterances of joy and terror. When fearful, music expresses what we cannot. When jubilant, music expresses what we cannot. The most miserable of all voices finds pleasure in music because though one cannot sing as eloquently, sounds crystallize what one feels. It makes of him a solitary choir with God in his audience.
Music is art; it is worshipful art. It takes on shapes and various forms. It combines harmony with melody; melody with harmony. All come together to form one sole voice of praise. Cursed is the one who finds little value in music. But blessed is he who walks in the tune of the Lord. Augustine writes, “Qui cantat, bis orat.” Fellow Christian, to sing once is to pray twice.
Uri
I fully echo your sentimnents. I do like the Augustine quote, do you know of any plainchant which uses these words?
I have always been in awe of musics mystery. In the last 12 months I have sketched about 25 instrumental pieces. In revisiting them to try and develop them, and possibly add some lyrics, it has been fascinating to ask thes pieces “What are you about?” “What are you trying to say to me?”. I like this approach as it attempts to honour that which lies beyond our ability to manipulate through words. The words then come to serve the inner voice of the pieces.
Are you a music creator, or an appreciator?
I am certainly an appreciator of music. I have in the past attempted to compose, but my time in seminary has limited me.
Thanks for bringing to my attention these posts that I had already forgotten about. Peace be with you. I have enjoyed your blog page.