Do you use music in your prayer? Have you tried singing prayers or using a song as prayer? Praying with music can be a powerful way to pray.
Let’s look at three ways you can use music in your prayers – maybe even one you haven’t thought to try before.
Music as Prayer in the Bible
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. (Psalm 96:1)
In my childhood church, we always sang “amen” at the end of every hymn. I didn’t think much about it then, but that word signified the prayerfulness of the song. We were indeed praying as we sang. Although many churches have phased out the “amen,” songs are still a form of prayer.
We see numerous examples in the Bible of music as prayer. The book of Psalms were originally songs, though now we most often use them as prayer. In Acts, we see Paul and Silas praying and singing as they were locked in the prison.
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. (Acts 16:25)
Music has always been used to connect people more deeply to Scripture and prayer.
Why Pray Through Music?
Music has an amazing ability to speak to our hearts and minds like no other communication. It has been shown to help create new pathways in the brain for communication for those left without speech after illness or injury. It becomes deeply linked to memory and emotion.
Music can speak what our minds cannot.
I’ve come to love this form of prayer. I find that music speaks deeply to my soul. I’ve found songs that become my heart’s cry – putting words to feelings, dreams, questions, doubts, sorrows.
The songs come and go for me, depending on the season and needs of my heart. Recently I found a song that put words to what I didn’t even know was weighing on my heart. As I Iistened to the song, my heart felt lighter as I prayed along. I put the song on repeat and took the dog on little bit longer of a walk – and was able to have a conversation with God that I’d needed to have, but hadn’t been able to articulate until now.
I wish to see all art, principally music, in the service of Him who gave and created them. Music is a fair and glorious gift of God. I would not for the world forego my humble share of music. Singers are never sorrowful, but are merry, and smile through their troubles in song. Music makes people kinder, gentler, more staid and reasonable. I am strongly persuaded that after theology there is no art that can be placed on a level with music; for besides theology, music is the only art capable of affording peace and joy of the heart…the devil flees before the sound of music almost as much as before the Word of God. ~ Martin Luther
3 Forms of Praying with Music
Just as we’ve talked about praying from scripture, so can we pray from songs. Songs connect with our emotions and hearts. The language of the lyrics is rhythmic and poetic. Songs work their way into our souls and help us express what’s on our hearts.
Let’s look at three ways you can experience praying with music.
Idea #1: Let the Song Be Your Prayer
Sing along and allow the words of the song to be your prayer. Sing it. Listen to it. Let the song permeate your heart.
Allow the song to open your heart and mind to conversations with God. If a verse or a few words tug at your heart, enter the conversation with God.
I’ll put a single song on repeat so I can fully immerse myself in the song. Starting off by listening to the words and allowing the music to move my soul. Then, I’ll begin to sing along, singing heartfelt words of prayer to God. As I feel prompted, I may take my prayers further with God as I let the song play in the background.
This is a song I’ve been praying with lately:
Idea #2: Pray the Lyrics
How often do you sing songs in church or along with the radio, but don’t take time to really consider the words? Hymns and worship songs are based on prayer and Scripture. Try using just the lyrics for your prayer.
Don’t sing along. Instead, simply read the words, taking time to consider what they mean and how they can be your prayer.
I like to use traditional hymns for this method. Too often, I’ve sung along in church, not really thinking about the words. Slowing down and reading the words brings a deeper understanding to these beautiful hymns.
Give it a try with something Amazing Grace or How Great Thou Art. Try not to sing along, but just read and pray the words.
How Great Thou Art
O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder
Consider all the worlds thy hands have made,
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed:Refrain:
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!
Then sings my soul, my Savior God, to thee:
How great thou art! How great thou art!When through the woods and forest glades I wander
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees,
When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur,
And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze:Refrain
And when I think that God, his Son not sparing,
Sent him to die, I scarce can take it in,
That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.Refrain
When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!
Then I shall bow in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!”Refrain
Idea #3: Use Music to Help You Focus
Do you listen to music when you study or work? I do. In fact, I have different playlists, depending on how much I need to focus.
I’ve found that music has a profound ability to drown out the distractions in my mind and help me become laser-focused on the task at hand.
Music can do the same for your prayers. Try putting some soft music on in the background for your prayers to help you focus.
I’ve been loving the Ambient Radio station on Pandora. The Insight Timer app is also great – you can set a timer so you’re not tempted to check the clock while you’re praying and choose from a variety of background music options.
Resources for Praying with Music
If you’re looking for a song that references a specific passage or wondering what verses a particular song uses, WordToWorship.com is a great resource. You can look up Scripture and lyrics here and find a song to pray.
Click here for a playlist of some of my favorite songs for prayer. These are the songs I’m praying now and songs that have ministered deeply to my heart in other seasons.
PRAY DEEP CHALLENGE: Pray the song “How Great Thou Art”. Read the words and pay attention to how they relate to your life. Try to keep yourself from singing; instead focus on the words and what they mean to you.
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JenJenny says
I love looking up the lyrics to music. They can be so comforting and inspiring.
Kathryn says
There’s something about reading the lyrics that really bring them home – maybe because i don’t always understand all the words just listening.
Tai East says
I actually use this every morning during my prayer time. Singing is a great way to connect and become more intimate with GOD.
Kathryn says
What an awesome way to start each day!
Tai East says
The absolute best way! 🙂
Libby says
My husband is a retired Minister of Music so I fully appreciate this post. Yes, music speaks to the soul unlike any other medium. As a Prescool Music Specialist for our State convention, I often used this quote in my conferences: “Music prints indelibly on ones soul the text it carries!” Although I was specifically speaking of the importance of using music with children, it still holds true for adults. God’s Word comes alive so many times when we read or even sing the music of the scripture. Thank you again for this beautiful post.
Kathryn says
Love how music can speak to your soul like nothing else can. How music can become part of our memories, our experience, our essence.
Dawn Boyer says
How Great Thou Art is one of my FAVORITE Hymns. I have often been so excited when I have recognized scripture in the music that we sing. I used to teach my children scripture to song, I used to memorize scripture to song! It seems only natural to put His words to music as a form of prayer and praise.
Blessings!
Dawn
Kathryn says
We said “How Great Thou Art” as a prayer at a women’s conference recently and it was SO powerful. Was an amazing way to reconnect with a familiar hymn.