A prayer to connect with God through music
By: Whitney Hopler
Bible reading:
“Worship the Lord with joy; come before him with joyful songs. » – Psalm 100:2NIV
Listen or read below:
Music has a way of speaking directly to our emotions. Just a few notes can lift our spirits or bring tears to our eyes. God designed it that way. Before there were instruments, God created sound himself. God spoke and sound waves appeared. When we listen to or make music, we interact with something that God has built on the foundation of life. We can also be inspired to worship our Creator God, who has enabled us to participate in creativity through sound, creating an endless variety of music.
Psalm 100:2 invites us to worship God with joy and to present ourselves before him with joyful songs. This verse does not limit worship to a certain style or setting. It just reminds us that music is a way for us to discover the presence of God with us. Music helps us show our honest selves, whether we’re full of joy, struggling with sadness, or any other emotion.
Music meets us where we are. On days when we are particularly busy, we can use music to praise God on the gofor example by singing a worship song while we drive. Other days we can use music to help us find and enjoy God’s peace, such as by sitting in silence with gentle instrumental music playing in the background. Sometimes a classic hymn reminds us of truths about God that we’ve known for years. Other times, a new song puts words to feelings we can’t explain well otherwise, and it helps us express our prayers to God.
God does not ask us to be talented musicians. So we don’t have to worry about whether or not we can sing all the right notes or get the rhythms right. What matters to God when we come before Him with song is simply that we give Him our attention in a way that touches us emotionally. Music can help us move from just thinking about God in our minds to letting God’s love flow into our hearts.
Music can also help us feel wonder as we consider how beautifully God has designed its operation. The way sound vibrations travel through the air and reach our ears, as well as the way musical notes and rhythms fit together, all reflect God’s creativity. When music inspires us with respect, it helps us worship with wonder.
We can also incorporate music into our daily time with God. Maybe we play a worship song as we get ready in the morning, so the lyrics can shape our thoughts. We can take a walk with music that reminds us of God’s faithfulness. We can sing out loud when we are alone or let a song with inspiring lyrics become a prayer for us. Even listening carefully to a worship song—without multitasking—can be a way to worship God by meditating on who He is and what He does.
Music also helps God’s truth settle in our hearts. A Bible verse set to music can stay with us long after the song has ended. When we are anxious or discouraged, The Holy Spirit of God can remember these words when we need them. In this way, music can bring us back to the promises of God.
Above all, music reminds us that God is with us. God is there for us all the time, no matter how we feel. God hears us! He creates music and invites us to use it as a powerful means of connecting with him.
Let us pray:
Dear God, thank you for creating sound and music, and for all the joy they bring to the world around me. Thank you for being a God who speaks, sings over his people, and invites me to connect with you. Thank you for always being there, ready for me to connect with you. Please help me use my voice to sing to you and connect with you personally in the process. Thank you for singing about me, expressing your great love for me.
Show me how to use music to connect more deeply with you, whether I’m making music or just listening to music. When I feel joyful, let music help me express my gratitude. When I feel stressed or worried, let music bring me back to your peace. When I feel discouraged, encourage me with music. Let me feel wonder as I enjoy all the wonderful music day after day. Teach me to slow down and notice your presence through music in my daily life. Let the songs of worship point me to your truth and strengthen my faith. I want to be attuned to a close relationship with you every day.
Bring me closer to you through music and may my whole life become like a song that honors you. Amen.
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Photo credit: Unsplash/Jackson Simmer
Related Resource: What If God’s Heart Toward You Is Kinder Than You Think?
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