By Eva Burns-Bachman of Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
O come, let us sing to the LORD;
let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!
As a person who was trained and mentored throughout childhood to play piano with a focus on service to the church, I’ve always loved the hymns. Music has been a big part of my life.
I usually try to pick prelude or meditation pieces that will add to the worship experience. Even how I play is considered in the preparation. At times I’ve wondered if that ministry was beneficial, or even noticed.
On a recent Sunday, I chose a hymn with familiar melody and words. While playing, I prayed it would minister to those in attendance. I was playing a meditation piece using one of my favorite styles of building on the parts. The style emphasizes “working together” to add, in harmony, each individual part so I share the full melody by the time the hymn ends.
To me, music symbolically represents our lives. This particular Sunday that representation was affirmed by the response to the music when the guest speaker spoke of how the presentation of the music represented our individual talents building on each other’s to create harmony in our lives by working together.
When we recognize our gifts and use them together, we can do great things to bring music to the souls of those who are struggling. My prayer is that we acknowledge each other’s gifts and build beautiful harmony in our world.
Prayer Phrase
Today, how will I courageously walk with Jesus, the peaceful One?
Spiritual Practice
Discerning Future Leadership
Pray: Prayerfully explore the church’s current situation and the world in which leadership will occur. Consider the question from your context while also being mindful of the church’s global context. What are the most significant situations, opportunities, or challenges that a prophetic leader will need to address? https://cofchrist.org/discerning-future-leadership/
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.