Matterofprayer: A Year of Everyday Prayers – Sunday, February 15, 2015
pen and ink portraits of Ludwig van Beethoven
Praying as I Listen to Music
When some people listen to beautiful music, their response is, “How lovely!” This is usually said while they sigh in contentment. Listening to music can be a wonderful, even prayerful experience.
After Pope Pius XII received the Sacrament of the Sick shortly before his death, he requested to hear the third movement of the Ninth Symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven. He wanted to die hearing this peaceful, lyrical movement. How wonderful, being able to script the soundtrack of one’s own life—or, death, as in the case of Pope Pius XII.
This was my prayer suggestion for today. To listen to this beautiful piece of music, and write a reflection on it, afterwards.
This suggestion was right up my alley! Of course, the two authors of this book had no idea that I have a degree in church music, so I am more than adequately conversant with the music of Beethoven. A wonderful composer, and one of my top ten composers of all time. (Of classical music, anyway.) Accordingly, I did listen to it. And, I was calmed from my experience of hearing this peaceful music. I did not use many words, but I felt prayerful and at peace deep within as I sat in reflection, meditation and prayer.
I found myself getting in touch with a God who is so loving and so creative that my Higher Power has arms stretched wide open! And, that is always something for me to be reminded of. Thank You, dear Lord!
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