You don't have to know how to play an instrument or sing in an organized choir ensemble to appreciate the benefits of music in your daily life.
It's influential in all cultures and results in improved memory, focused attention and physical coordination. Check out this TOP 10 list of beneficial effects:
- Effective therapy for pain
- Reducing blood pressure
- Medicine for the heart
- Speeds post-stroke recovery
- Chronic headaches and migraine remedy
- Music boosts immunity
- Enhances intelligence, learning, and IQ
- Improves concentration and attention
- Improves body movement and coordination
- Improves memory performance
Throughout this Lenten season, the Wednesday night service at HT includes Marty Haugen's Holden Evening Prayer. As a composer of contemporary hymns and liturgical music, Haugen wrote the piece while serving as the musician-in residence at Holden Village, a Lutheran retreat center in Washington state during 1985-86.
The lyrics are meaningful, they stay in the mind for hours and days after walking out of the sanctuary. Without intention, they may drift in and out of thoughts, bridging the gap between the chaos of daily earthly commitments and moments of sacred connection with the Lord.
From Psalm 141, on page 4 of Holden Evening Prayer, the words "Let my prayer rise up, like incense before you, the lifting up of my hands, as an offering to you. Oh God, I call to you, come to me now; oh hear my voice as I call to you...Keep watch within me God, deep in my heart may the light of your love be burning bright...All praise be to Christ and the spirit of love."
Allow these words and the melody that you know so well bring you close to Jesus each day. Receive the benefits of music in your heart, mind, and soul - and let your prayers rise up as an offering to the Lord.
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