MUSIC AND PRAYER

"GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD ON THE HARP;
WITH THE TEN-STRINGED LYRE CHANT HIS PRAISES.
SING TO HIM A NEW SONG;  PLUCK THE STRINGS SKILLFULLY,
WITH SHOUTS OF GLADNESS."   (Psalm 33: 2-3)

PSALM 33 urges us to use music with our prayer and worship.   It tells us to give thanks on the harp,  to pluck the strings of the lyre skillfully, and to sing a new song to God.   Some anthropologists believe the origin of all music lies in religious worship.   For many people,  music enhances prayer -- or even becomes prayer itself.  

Take time today to listen to a favorite religious piece.   Or simply sing or hum one of your favorite church hymns.  Or listen to any so-called "secular" song that speaks to your heart and raises your thoughts to God.    "God of melody, cadence, and song, thank you for music."

(This reflection appears as the reflection on the readings for today, July 10th,  in the LIVING WITH CHRIST missalette,  p.  94)

Happy 4thof July

(fireworks over our Douglas County, MO)


A PRAYER FOR INDEPENDENCE DAY

God,  Source of all Freedom,
this day is bright with the memory
of those who declared that life and liberty
are your gift to every human being.
Help us to continue a good work begun long ago.
Make our vision clear and our will strong:
that only in human solidarity will we find liberty,
and justice only in the honor that belongs
to every life on earth.
Turn our hearts toward the family of nations:
to understand the ways of others,
to offer friendship,
and to find safety only in the common good of all.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.   AMEN.


(from    CATHOLIC HOUSEHOLD BLESSINGS & PRAYERS)