The Power of Music
I was watching the Today Show recently when they did a segment about the music of our brain. Apparently, every person's brain waves can be charted and then matched to music — one song to calm them down and another to energize. My brain music wouldn't work for you, nor yours for me, because each of our brains is unique. I thought it was interesting and it reminded me of my own experience of music. I haven't had my brain waves matched to music, but in some ways I feel like I know where to go, musically, to feel a certain way.
For instance, is there a better song to sing at the top of the lungs while dancing around your living room (or pounding the stirring wheel of your car) than the B-52's "Love Shack"? Not for me.
When my friend Bill died after a long battle with cancer, the song that kept us all connected to him and his new peace in heaven was "Angel" by Sarah McLachlan. And when my friend Mike's wife left him for another man, he listened to "You Oughta Know", by Alanis Morissette, over and over again. If you know the song, you understand why!
Music has the power to connect us to emotions and thoughts that may be living just below the surface. "Even in the Quietist Moments", by Supertramp, is the perfect song to carry me away musically. There is something about that song that makes my head take a rest and unleashes my imagination.
Music can also remind us of situations and places — a certain song transports us into our grandmother's kitchen, or our high school years, or our wedding day. Oddly, "Amazing Grace" always reminds me of a vacation I took on a sailboat cruise since it was played each time the sails were raised. Just hearing the song puts sunshine on my face and I can almost feel the wind blowing through my hair.
When it comes to connecting to our faith, music has great power there as well. Four years ago I was at a conference where I heard the song Breathe for the first time. I was so captured by, not just the words, but the melody as well. I immediately went out to buy the CD, but it turns out that lots of people sing this song and I had to listen to many, many different versions until I found the right one-the one that, perhaps, fit my brain waves. Marie Barnett (Spirit & Song 2 and Choose Christ) captures the beauty of this song for me. I use it as the start of my prayer because it connects me to God and quiets me down. It reminds me of the simplicity of our relationship with God — God's holy presence living within us.
This is the air I breathe, this is the air I breathe,
Your holy presence, living in me.
This is my daily bread, this is my daily bread,
Your very word, spoken to me.
And I am desperate for you.
And I'm lost without you.
"Breathe" is such a beautiful song, but perhaps you have one that you like better — one that captures your heart and imagination more fully. That is the wonderful thing about music. It speaks to each of us individually.
Music has the power to move us and also teach us about who God is. As Paul reminds the Ephesians (5:18-20
. . . be filled with the spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and playing to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks always and for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.
During this time of Thanksgiving, let us use music to praise God for all with which we have been blessed, and use the upcoming Christmas songs to remember again the Savior who was born for us. That is the power of music.
Let us pray . . .
God of song and music, God of melody and words, help us to hear you in the music we listen to, the sound of the wind through the trees, and in the sound of children laughing. May we hear your music in our hearts each day and may our lives become music to your ears. Amen.
Related Link:
Add Some Music to Your Day by Ken Canedo
Spirit Compass reflections are developed in partnership
with the Center for Ministry Development.