Music can speak what our minds cannot.
 

Music speaks deeply the soul. There are songs that become a heart’s cry – putting words to feelings, dreams, questions, doubts, sorrows.

Songs come and go, depending on the season and needs of your heart. Recently I found a song that put words to what I didn’t even know was weighing on my heart. Music can make your heart feel lighter, and you can pray either listening to the music or praying the lyrics of the song. It can enable you to have a conversation with God that you may need to have, but hadn’t been able to articulate until now.

Before you start to pray with music, take a few minutes to relax, control your breathing and in the silence bring yourself before God.

 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.
 

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, stay with them, write them in your journal and  enter the conversation with God.

You can put a single song on repeat so you can fully immerse yourself in the song. Starting off by listening to the words and allowing the music to move your soul. Then, if you wish begin to sing along, singing heartfelt words of prayer to God. You may just like to listen and that is fine, pray as you can, not as you can’t As you feel prompted, you may take your prayers further with God as you let the song play in the background

 

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.

It is good to use traditional hymns for this method. Too often, we sing along in church, not really thinking about the words. Slowing down and reading the words brings a deeper understanding to these beautiful hymns. 

 

3. Use Music to Help You Focus

Do you listen to music when you study or work?  Music has a profound ability to drown out the distractions in my mind and help us to 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.