He who sings prays twice: Advent Day Eleven 11/12/24
Welcome to Day 11 of our Advent devotional series! Today, we're exploring how music can transform our prayer life in fresh and meaningful ways.
From ancient psalms to contemporary worship songs, music has always been central to our Catholic faith. During Advent, this connection becomes especially powerful as we prepare for Christmas. Whether it's joining in carol services at your university chaplaincy, attending midnight Mass, or creating your own worship playlist, music helps us enter more deeply into this sacred season.
Here's something fascinating: sacred music isn't just a modern innovation - it's been part of our Church since the very beginning! The psalms were originally written to be sung, which shows us that music has always been an authentic way to express our faith and deepen our prayer life.
Understanding Our Starting Point
Music is everywhere in our daily lives - from TikTok trends to Spotify playlists. As Catholics, we face a choice in what we listen to. While mainstream music often celebrates materialism and instant gratification, there's something deeper waiting for us. Sacred music, whether it's traditional hymns or modern Christian artists like Matt Maher or Sarah Hart, can transform our prayer life and bring us closer to God in ways that top 40 hits just can't match. See: The Best Catholic Music EVER...by Catholic Musicians - playlist by Taylor Tripodi Sallinger | Spotify
The Bible beautifully captures music's spiritual significance. Psalm 100:2 invites us to
Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs,
While Ephesians 5:19 encourages us to
[speak] to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
As St. Augustine said, "He who sings prays twice," remind us that music transcends mere entertainment – it's a gateway to deeper prayer and contemplation. This tradition continues today through contemporary Catholic artistes who blend modern musical styles with timeless spiritual truths. Music is not something we can see, but rather something we can feel and connect to; it offers us a unique path to experience God's presence in our daily lives.
Making It Real: Practical Steps
Perhaps today you might consider:
- Taking time to reflect on your regular music choices and consider whether they draw you closer to or further from God
- Creating a dedicated Advent playlist that blends traditional hymns with contemporary worship songs
- Setting aside 10 minutes for mindful listening to sacred music
Today's Reflection
- How does music help you connect with God in a unique way?
- What Advent songs particularly move your heart to prayer?
- How can you use music to create sacred moments in your daily life?
Finding Your Own Path
Remember, your musical journey with God is unique. Whether you're drawn to Gregorian chant or contemporary worship music, what matters is how it helps you pray and grow closer to Christ.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the gift of music that lifts our hearts to you. Help us use this Advent season to draw closer to you through sacred song. May the melodies we hear and sing prepare our hearts for the coming of your Son. Amen.
Your Personal Invitation
Today, choose one Advent hymn or song that moves you deeply. Listen to it intentionally, reflecting on its words and letting it become your prayer. Share it with someone who might need its message of hope.
God bless,
Mel
