Ryanne Molinari

Have you ever considered musical worship as an opportunity for gentleness? And don’t you think we could all benefit from more gentleness in this age of outrage?

As you sing with your church family tomorrow, I hope you will treat those around you humbly and tenderly, even as you sing joyfully and boldly.

Let’s pray.

God our Father, you care for us with amazing gentleness. You formed each of us with intimate care and tend to every detail of our lives (Ps. 139). You gave your own beloved Son to die for us (Jn. 3:16). The eternal Son, who lives and reigns in glory, took on the form of a servant (Phil. 2:7). He sought the lost, the lowly, the left-behind. He wept with those who wept, and did not scorn the offerings of the humble.

We know, too, that our Savior sang. Just before his death, Jesus served his dearest friends communion and sang a hymn with them (Matt. 26:30; Mk. 14:26). Knowing that they would abandon him in his darkest hour, he served them in sacrament and song. May we likewise come to worship prepared to look to the interests of others over ourselves, and to sing as an act of selfless service.

Teach those of us with strong voices to support rather than drown out the weak. Help us treat other songs and styles with charity and understanding. Use our worship to turn us outward and upward, directing our gaze away from ourselves and to your majesty. You must increase and we must decrease; therein lies the heart of true gentleness (Jn. 3:30).

Whether our music is loud and driving or quiet and contemplative, may the heart behind it be that of Christlike gentleness.

Amen

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