Thursday, July 31, 2014

My dearest God,

Our retreat group gathered at the park for a picnic and concert.  The Big Band sound from the 40's caused us to remember family members who danced to the music so long ago.  We tapped our toes, sang along, and some of us swayed a little in our seats.  But it was the questions about music that inspired and touched us later as we considered the role music has played in our inner journeys of faith.

It seems you have sung to us all so many, many times.  The tunes, melodies, harmonies, rhythms and  lyrics have pointed us to the heavens.  They may not necessarily have been religious songs; however, they spoke to us at differing times in our lives.  When we were at a juncture, an intersection where we needed to make a decision in our lives, music helped us move along reminding us we had a friend on our journey.  Hymns and gospel tunes especially have moved us deeply sometimes saving us from falling.  As we sang songs of faith, our own faith was stretched and deepened.  We felt your living presence alive and well within us.  As our faith was stretched, so was our courage to take next steps toward healthy and whole living.  Through music you have transformed us and oh my, how grateful we all are.

Holy God,
so full
of love
for all
your children,
thank you
for music
that stirs
the soul.
Thank you
for nudging us
toward wholeness
as we listen
to the sounds
of faith.
Move us,
Gracious God,
to your side
so we
may sing
your same song.

Love, Andrea