I was curious to find out people opinions/beliefs on whether they consider the singing of praise and worship songs to be prayer?
I know there are many biblical references pointing to song but I am unsure if, for example, 'singing at the top of my lungs to a Third Day song in the shower would be considered prayer.'
If there is a forum/blog that already addresses this question, I apologise.
Just wanted to say what a joy and blessing it has been and continues to be logging onto this site every day.
My opinion.. Is that many Christian song lyrics are written as a prayer. Particularly some of the traditional ones.. Take 'Amazing Grace' for instance... It is a prayer of thankfulness for God's Grace.....simply set to music.
As you read through the Psalms, there are instructions for the 'choir director' on many of them.
I don't think that it should be our only prayer time.. but it is a lovely way to supplement and continually Pray to and Praise our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus.
...I would love to hear what others have to say.
Blessings, Carla
I believe it is especially if your heart is worshipping also, but singing Praises and worship is just one of many ways to glorify our Father. We can do this thru daily prayer (He loves to hear from us on a personal basis), studyin His word (will help you hear Him clearer and help discern false from truth), and just living your life purely from Him this is the biggest sacrifice that he appreciates the most living a life of constant worship, I hope this helps :D
Permalink Reply by Rob on February 17, 2009 at 2:31am
Thankyou all so much for you comments. I am aware that this is not the only way a person should pray, but I find it so uplifting and feel so amazing after I have 'Belted out' the lyrics to an amazing praise/worship song that I had to find out if this was conducive to prayer or not.
I know the lyrics to the songs aren't mine, but when I sing them they might as well be as every one of them comes straight from the heart.
Also, sometimes when I struggle with just what to say, how to say it I find that listening to a favourite worship song and singing along releases me and the words somehow just come.
If we answer the question "What is prayer?" first, then the answer to your question becomes clear, in my opinion. Prayer is communicating with God, connecting with Him. Singing to Him and about Him is one of the strongest froms of connecting with Him. The Bible says He inhabits the praise of His people. The key, and there always seems to be a key, is as Charlene points out ... the HEART. If one only sings a song and is going through the motions it is of no value. If the heart is focused upon God and we lay the the song at God's feet in worship as a love offering to Him we have connected with Him at a deeper level and communicated. Going back to a basic understanding of prayer and that is to communicate, then singing is but one form of a great privilege we have been given and that is to hear God and to be heard by Him as His children and that is what prayer is all about.
I don't believe you have anything to apologize for. =]
Feel free here to ask, answer and receive here. Let God be glorified.
Singing to God is a form of prayer. As long as the song is communicating with the Lord. The reason why I feel this is we are communicating/talking to God using what someone else, or perhaps ourselves, wrote and put to music. Prayer can be silently meditating on the Lord. There are many ways to pray and it's possible anywhere! (car, walks, in the night in bed, showers, with others, in a closet! wherever and everywhere)
Singing scripture and incorporating worship songs (mixing them up) is a type of prayer called "Harp and Bowl."
Prayer comes in many forms. We need to spend time everyday with the Father in prayer, worship and studying. it will transform your life. Just as we make time for special friends. God is the truest and best friend for all time.
Permalink Reply by Rob on March 11, 2009 at 12:00am
sunsetstorx,
Thanks for your reply it was very helpful and insightful.
With the quality of my singing I need to keep it where it won't harm others. So closets, the car with the windows up and in the shower are the safest places.
Hopefully the Lord will understand this appreciate the effort. After all He have me this voice... :)
Permalink Reply by Rob on March 11, 2009 at 2:43pm
Sarah,
Thanks for the reply. I am totally with you. I can't really put my finger on it but just letting it all out and singing along to a great praise/worship song makes me feel like I dont feel at any other time.
Free is the word that springs immediately to mind.
Music is from God. And when you are singing praises to Him the Spirit moves in mighty ways.
There are never any wrong questions here.
Walking with Him,
Norm