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The Angels of the Lord Sing Backup!

By: John Dacey on July 16th, 2020

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The Angels of the Lord Sing Backup!

Celebrating family life

At this time, we are often using the words: remote, virtual, and distant to describe our experience. We have become more aware of the space around us, and perhaps the longing for closeness within us. The Lord knows our deepest selves, and if we remain open to Him, He comes to us exactly where we are. In our prayer, we can ask for openness to the One who is always close to us.

Sometimes where we feel His presence surprises us. Listening is a valuable skill that we can practice, a prerequisite to openness. When we listen, we are attentive to and focused on the other person.

Recently, I received a link to an online school choral performance. I clicked the link, and the screen displayed twenty frames, each containing a vocalist. With intent faces, heartfelt lyrics, and voices perfectly blended, the singers celebrated a marvelous song. It was a harmony of purpose and praise of the human spirit. In one frame, the director energized tempo and talent. The virtual community brought together heart and harmony that transcended distance. The artistic engagement of each person, these many voices in relationship, created one glorious sound. I watched and listened.

When music moves our hearts, when it consoles us, I believe it is in harmony with God’s Spirit. Perhaps angels sing backup for all uplifting music, gracefully assisting us to remain open to how God is present around and within us. Life’s rhythm is God’s music, and we can listen to Him throughout all creation.

We can bring music into our prayer. We can bring prayer into our music. We can teach our children the creative possibilities of how music can expand and deepen their prayer. Whether we have musical talent or not, we can listen and enjoy, let the music find us where we are, remind us of where we’ve been, or encourage us to where we are going.

“Sing praise to him, play music;
proclaim all his wondrous deeds.

Glory in his holy name;
Let hearts that seek the LORD rejoice.” (Psalm 105:2-3)

God touches our heart in surprising ways:

  • How has music lifted your spirit at different times in your life?
  • What songs have you found most moving?
  • What suggestions would you have for using music in prayer with your                families?

Please feel welcome to share with our readers.

About John Dacey

John Dacey is a retired Catholic high school teacher. He has taught Scripture, Ethics, and Social Justice. He enjoys being in the company of family, reading in the field of spirituality, and gardening. John and his wife have been married for more than 40 years and have two children and four grandchildren.