In November and early December, we will be holding free singing workshops, generously offered to Northern Lights MCC by Pride and Joy, a project of Proud Northern Voices, our local LGBT choir. Singing is a great way of relaxing, improving your breathing and having fun. There is also that wonderful moment when you are singing with others and you can feel the power that combined voices, singing in harmony, can generate. At one of the most difficult times of my life, singing in a community group with others was a way of replenishing my energy and reviving my soul. Music has an amazing capacity for moving us in a way that nothing else can. It may touch something deep inside, stirring memory and emotion, or capturing our feelings in a new way. Someone once told me that his music collection was an audio diary of his life. Many of us probably agree with that. When we hear a particular piece or song, we may be transported to another time and place, reliving the awkward emotions of adolescence, remembering great friends or touching on key transitional moments in our lives.
Although I am often moved and inspired by the songs and music that we share in Sunday worship, music has not been part of my personal spiritual practise. I am beginning to take notice of the songs that I respond to in worship and listen to them as part of my quiet time, particularly if I am tired or struggling to pray. Song lyrics, like poetry, often capture what we want to say far better than we ever could. It is another way of praying that allows me to receive from God, as well as perhaps asking God for things. If a song has moved me in worship, it might be an answer to prayer in itself. It may offer words of comfort or guidance. Sometimes, it just helps me to clarify how I am feeling and where I am in my relationship with God.
Trying out different ways of praying and listening for God is a way of helping us to grow and to refresh our spirit. Not everything works for everyone. We also go through different seasons over the course of a lifetime. What is a good way of praying in one season may not work at another time. Our ‘Prayer Space’ at Northern Lights MCC is a safe way to try out different ways of being in prayer. You may choose to just sit and listen to the music, or try the different prayer stations that will be set out. There is also the opportunity for one to one prayer, if you would like it. If life feels too busy, or if you feel stuck with your prayer life, this might be a place for you to try something new. How about listening to music in your prayer time this week?
God bless
Cecilia
Although I am often moved and inspired by the songs and music that we share in Sunday worship, music has not been part of my personal spiritual practise. I am beginning to take notice of the songs that I respond to in worship and listen to them as part of my quiet time, particularly if I am tired or struggling to pray. Song lyrics, like poetry, often capture what we want to say far better than we ever could. It is another way of praying that allows me to receive from God, as well as perhaps asking God for things. If a song has moved me in worship, it might be an answer to prayer in itself. It may offer words of comfort or guidance. Sometimes, it just helps me to clarify how I am feeling and where I am in my relationship with God.
Trying out different ways of praying and listening for God is a way of helping us to grow and to refresh our spirit. Not everything works for everyone. We also go through different seasons over the course of a lifetime. What is a good way of praying in one season may not work at another time. Our ‘Prayer Space’ at Northern Lights MCC is a safe way to try out different ways of being in prayer. You may choose to just sit and listen to the music, or try the different prayer stations that will be set out. There is also the opportunity for one to one prayer, if you would like it. If life feels too busy, or if you feel stuck with your prayer life, this might be a place for you to try something new. How about listening to music in your prayer time this week?
God bless
Cecilia
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