In this edition of my Wednesday forum on prayer and the spiritual life, I wish to make a case for using the discipline of lectio divina and the gift of music as a way of prayer that can open our hearts up to God. I have been using this method of prayer for the last month or so and the results have been astonishing. My listening skills have sharpened considerably and I am hearing favorite pieces of music as if for the first time.
For example, I have been listening and praying to the final movement of Johannes Brahms’ First Symphony. Last week, in the midst of prayer, I heard voices in the orchestra that I had never heard before bringing a new depth of insight to my understanding and marveling at the diversity of sounds. It has reminded me once again of the great variety of the created world and how very awesome our God is.
The intention of such a spiritual discipline is simply this: to experience God in music.
Teresa Blythe in her creative work, 50 Ways to Pray, suggests the following:
- Choose a piece of music that you wish to pray with.
- Begin with silence, asking God to be present in the music.
- Listen to your selection more than once. As you do this, be aware of any image, word, emotion, or memory that is called forth in you.
- When you settle on an image, word, emotion, or memory, sit silently with it and bring your attention back to it when your attention strays. Allow this prayer gift to deepen in you.
- What might this image, word, phrase, or emotion have to say about your life today? How is it connected to your spiritual journey? Ask God to reveal that to you.
- Rest silently with your image, word, phrase, or emotion. Offer it to God. Wait patiently on God.
- What would you like to express to God about the experience of praying with this piece of music? You might want to write in a journal about it, share it with someone, or return to it in prayer at another time.
- Settle into a wordless and imageless time with God. When distractions get in the way, simply acknowledge them and return to comtemplatio.
- Thank God for what is received in this time of prayer. (page 52-53)
I have included a couple of musical examples that you may want to use as you begin this method of prayer. I will be interested in knowing your experience. Drop me a line and tell me what you found.
Love One Another - Brian
Johannes Brahms, Symphony No. 1, Fourth Movement
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Serenade for Winds, K. 361, Third Movement
Eamonn Karran, Single White Feather, Meditative Jazz
Mel Tormie, "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square", 1994
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