Martin Luther once said, “Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise. The gift of language combined with the gift of song was given to us that we should proclaim the Word of God through Music.” 1
And so today, we give thanks for the gift of music – and for the musicians that create it – and help us to sing too.
Although it may look effortless from the point of view of the pew, creating beautiful music may be fun but it isn’t automatic or easy. Instead, it’s like the young musician who said to the New York cab driver, “How do I get to Carnegie Hall?” The driver looked at earnest young student, smiled and said, “practice, practice, practice!”
Creating beautiful music takes practice. I know from personal experience. I’ve also listened while Anne and Ann Marie have gone over notes with the choir. Some of those rhythms and harmonies aren’t obvious or easy. And, when Anne had the elementary students singing in Choristers, her patience routinely amazed me. She would encourage them to sing a little higher, listen more and despite the fact that clearly, singing wasn’t the greatest gift of every student, she never gave up on them. Instead, she instilled a love of music in them and a confidence that they could sing – and that God would be glorified.
As I was preparing for today, I was reminded of a prayer that I prayed as a young musician – and maybe some of you have prayed or sung it too. It’s called “The Chorister’s Prayer.” It goes like this: “Bless, O Lord, us thy servants, who minister in thy temple. Grant that what we sing with our lips, we may believe in our hearts, and what we believe in our hearts, we may show forth in our lives. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.2
This is a very old prayer – some trace versions of it as far back as the 13th or 14th century. But what I love about it is that it speaks to a beautiful and timeless yearning to do more than sing beautiful words about God – even though the words themselves are often very meaningful and the music that carries them may be stirring or catchy or memorable. I know I’m going to be singing “This Little Light of Mine” all week long! But the prayer goes even beyond the goal of leading the congregation and all those who hear in praise and adoration of God. The prayer is that in the act singing, the singer will be transformed in their hearts, minds and in the way they lead their lives.
Music can do this – and not just for the choir. Music has a way of getting under our skin. It finds pathways to the heart and to our lives where knowledge and reason cannot go. But it isn’t just the music. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. For like music, the Holy Spirit can go places and create hope into places that seem impossible.
As Jesus told the disciples in our Gospel, they did not need to fear – even though the world was looking pretty bleak. Remember, the ruling powers of both Rome and the church were conspiring against them and Jesus has told them that he is going away. But Jesus told them not to fear because he was sending the Holy Spirit, the Advocate, to be with them.
The Holy Spirit – like music – comes with a breath, a wind – and it has the power to change, to transform what has been before. This was true in the days of the early church and this remains true today. We don’t always understand how God can work for good in the midst of the mess of a world that we live in, the chaos and disfunction that we see. And yet… God hears our prayers. God hears your prayers.
And so, I invite you to join me in praying the Chorister’s prayer, and in making it your prayer. Let us pray:
Dear Lord, “Grant that what we sing with our lips, we may believe In our hearts, and what we believe in our hearts, we may show forth in our lives. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
1Martin Luther as quoted https://www.gethsemane-elca.org/worship-music]
2Chorister’s Prayer https://www.rscm.org.uk/our-resources/liturgy-worship/choristers-prayer/
May 22, 2022 Faith-Lilac Way Lutheran Church Pastor Pam Stalheim Lane