Praying Twice

We’ve all heard the saying that “To sing is to pray twice.”  I’m especially conscious of this during our Holy Week liturgies and times of prayer.  It often strikes me how much I take “good” liturgical music for granted.

Several of our Sisters are involved here at our Provincial Center and in various parishes in planning and providing music that aids us in our prayer throughout the liturgical year. I am so grateful for the selfless giving of all liturgists, instrumentalists and choir members who make it possible for me to enter fully into the spirit of prayer and worship.  Weeks like this can stretch them to the limits as they give and give and give.

As a young man, Jesus likely learned to chant the Jewish liturgy in the Synagogue, but I suspect He also learned more familiar melodies from His Mother, Mary. Perhaps she sang  Him to sleep at night or He listened to her humming throughout the day.  It’s likely that she taught Him this intimate way of connecting with the Father.

Who are some of the musicians in your family or parish who have helped you to pray through music?