Thursday: Music & Creativity
September 4
- Scripture: Ephesians 5:19 — “Speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord.”
- Reflection: Music and creative arts serve as ways to open the channel of connection between our individual being and something bigger than ourselves. They open up our hearts and minds, and deepen our link with God.
Song and music are powerful forms of praise and worship. They allow us to express faith and longing beyond words.
One professional music therapist reflects, in Psychology Today, on the role of music in supporting wellbeing and expanding our connection to others and to something bigger than ourselves (full article). He writes, “And the music: So powerful. So poignant. So beautiful. I always feel it deeply. Something “more” in the room and something more in me. I’ve certainly observed over the years that when someone … is going through a life altering scenario, their faith in something bigger always seems to be a powerful way to cope, to help, and to guide … Music and spirituality really can go hand in hand. I’ve felt moments when the music is just going “through” me, like I’m a conduit of sorts … It’s not always necessarily “spiritual” music that gives me that experience. I’ve felt it when alone and I’ve felt it when sharing music with others.” - Spiritual Practice: Take time today to listen or sing a song that is particularly meaningful and uplifting to you. It can be pop music, secular music of any kind, or sacred music.
Song:
- 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) by Matt Redman: https://youtu.be/XtwIT8JjddM?si=1MY2Vh4AnnnDd26K
“Music is the universal language of mankind.” — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Sept 4 Daily Devotional