"Those who sing pray twice." Yeah, that's a bunch of hoo-ha. Attributed to Augustine, bishop of Hippo (c. a really long time ago) this pretty little quip - a paraphrase of a profound notion - catches the attention of so many, lifting up the gift of song, placing it upon an unfortunate pedestal.
As a musician I truly appreciate the gift of music as an expression of faith, particularly in my own communication with God as well as in the context of corporate worship. Music (many kinds, but certainly not all) moves my spirit in ways that other things simply cannot. When I play my guitar, or any instrument for that matter, I tap into the depths of who I am, able to express myself in a way that utterly trumps my ability to speak. Huh. This reminds me of a verse:
"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words." - Romans 8:26
A few years ago, I came in contact with a young person whose name I unfortunately can't remember. I was fascinated by him because he absolutely despised all forms of music. Of course this weirded me out. Who hates music? Doesn't everybody find joy in some form of music? I know for a fact there are at least a few people who actually appreciate country.
So what about my young acquaintance? Are his non-melodic praises and supplications insufficient? Do they lack merit in comparison to Josh Groban's The Prayer? Obviously not. But what does this cheapened Augustinian notion say to the tone-deaf person who doesn't enjoy singing or is embarrassed by their lack of gifting? What does it say to the hearing impaired who have never even experienced music before? You didn't pray hard enough.
Why am I even bringing this up?
As a worship leader, especially of the - for lack of a better term- contemporary persuasion, I find it really hard to find quality music for the worship setting. Don't get me wrong, there's a ton of worship-ful music about the Three-in-One, but quite frankly, the lot of it is straight-up-not-appropriate for church. The melodies are tricky, they're not meant for group singing, it's loud, yadda-yadda, bleh. Most people stand and watch and even appreciate it, but are they worshipping or getting a good show? I don't intend that to sound mean but even the most heartfelt performance is still a "performance."
So how are we engaged in prayer and worship as a community gathered together? Or more pointed, how and what must worship leaders and planners consider to engage ALL of the faithful in worshipping God with their whole selves?
There's the question. What do you think?
