Prayer for musicians

Music has become vital in our lives for our well-being. We can often associate certain songs with our fondest memories or our most painful heartaches, for they relay the unspoken words and relieve the heightened emotions. Some people perceive music as therapeutic because it placates the mind and soothes the soul. For others, music is a medium for communicating beliefs and ideas to influence people. And generally, music is commonly consumed for the sake of entertainment and leisure. These are the reasons why musicians are slowly influencing us, shaping our ideas and our identities.

Thus, we pray for the musicians in our churches, in our communities, in our country, and throughout the world. They are God’s instruments in vividly relaying the harmonious beauty of creation, directing our minds and hearts towards Him in thanksgiving. God has bestowed them with such gifts and talents that we may realize His presence and love for the whole of humanity. May they always use their talents for the common good. We offer this prayer for ourselves as well, even if we seem to lack any musical talent, for our cooperation with God’s grace is the fulfillment of our role in playing in God’s grand symphony of life.

The musician’s prayer

All-powerful Father, the great conductor of life,

I am grateful to receive this great gift from You: my musical talent. You have provided the grace of fortitude to undergo the seemingly endless and tiring practice of honing such talent. Attaining this musical expertise that I have was the fruit of my hard work and Your sufficient grace. May the fruits of my labors and future endeavors be directed towards You, dear Father, the giver of all good gifts.

As a musician, I also have my shortcomings which create a dissonating chord to the polyphony of Your divine plan for me. I apologize for my pride as a musician, as it has built barriers to others; by means of intimidating them with my talent or simply by showing off what I can do that they cannot. May I be humbled by the knowledge that everything that I have, even my musical talent, is freely given to me. And I may freely share it with others.

I ask from You, Father, to continuously inspire me in composing melodies that uplift the soul. Guide my mind to arrange harmonies that reflect the harmonious relationships of Your creation. Guide my hand to play my instrument well as You make me an instrument of Your grace to others. Allow my fingers to press the right keys or strike the right chords that I may express, through music, Your infinite wisdom and unyielding love for the whole of creation.

I make this prayer through the Holy name of Jesus Christ, Your Son, together with the continuous guidance of the Holy Spirit, now and forever.

Amen.  

Short prayer for musicians

Father, may you inspire my mind, guide my hand, and stir my soul in reflecting Your heavenly music for Your faithful and for the common good.  Amen.

The Word of God

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:16-17 NRSVUE

Prayer to Saint Cecilia for musicians.

Saint Cecilia, patron of musicians, I ask for your intercession to obtain the necessary grace as I continue to compose or play music for the people around me. May you inspire with your heavenly voice that I may also resound the eternal praises of God in heaven. May you direct my hands into playing the glorious melodies of the angelic hymns echoing the heavenly courts. May the simple offering of my musical gift to God and His people contribute to my heavenly merits and lead others closer to God together with His saints in heaven.

O gracious Saint Cecilia, you are also known for being an instrument of God’s generosity and care for the poor. May you help me to emulate your generosity in sharing my talent with those who desire to develop their musical skills. Let me be patient and compassionate in teaching them. Allow me also to be humbled when my musical mentors teach me. With perseverance and dedication in honing my musical talents, I hope to become a better instrument of God in serving His people and for the sake of building His Kingdom on earth.   

Saint Cecilia, the patron of musicians, pray for us.

Amen.

Further Reflection

Our skills and talents are fruits of our diligence in honing them and our cooperation in the graces which God provides. The countless practices and repetitive melodies that we play trains our ear and sharpens our dexterity as musicians. If left only to persevere with ourselves, we may often feel uninspired or even discouraged to continue. We should also rely on God’s grace working within us. His grace sustains us as we excel in our chosen art.

Our musical talent finds its fulfillment when we share it with others. Yes, we can admire our own talents and capabilities, but by having others appreciate them, their value is magnified. These gifts that God has freely given to us should also be freely given and offered to others. Our tunes might inspire a troubled heart. Our melodies might pacify an anxious mind. Our music might uplift a downcast soul. We may never know whom we have changed, whom we have touched, or whom we have lifted through the kind of music that we do. For one thing is certain, music can reach through the deepest recesses of our hearts: like a faint light in a dark room.

Let us, then, continue honing and harnessing this precious gift from God. Let us create, share, and empower others through music. By the divine inspiration that we receive every day, may we lead people closer to God. May our musical endeavors also lead us closer to the heavenly Father, who is the great conductor of life. “For the one who sings, prays twice.”