A prayer sung against the darkness
Written by Sophia Bricker
Bible reading:
“Do not get drunk with the wine that leads to debauchery; instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and songs of the Spirit. Always make music and singing with your heart to the Lord, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father for everything” (Ephesians 5:18-20, NIV).
Listen or read below:
There was still a sense of tension in the air. The problem hadn’t changed. Still, my mother led me and my sisters in holding hands and singing. She smiled as she danced to the song, filling the angry atmosphere with words about love. To some, the sight of a mother standing in a circle with her daughters singing along to folk music in a darkened environment may have seemed ridiculous. Still, I remember the moment when I felt surrounded by flowers and light. Her voice cut through the tension and spoke defiantly of hope.
The Bible contains multiple examples of people singing to inspire hope. This was true not only in times of victory, but also in times of hardship. Moses and Miriam led the people in song, praising the Lord’s mighty saving work in delivering them from slavery. Similarly, Deborah and Barak sang of God’s deliverance from Jabin’s army under the command of Sisera (Judges 5). The Lord gave Israel victory over their enemies and freed them from the tyranny of their ruthless leaders.
But it wasn’t just times of joy that people sang. Under Jehoshaphat’s command, they set out to meet the army with songs rather than a carefully determined battle plan (2 Chronicles 20:20-24). The people trusted in God’s power even though they did not know what would happen that day. Similarly, Paul and Silas spoke out while in chains and in solitary confinement (Acts 16:25). Although the situation seemed grim, they chose to inspire each other towards hope.
Or imagine young Mary carrying the promised Messiah in her womb. Although she faced whispered rumors and disapproving glances about her condition, she praised her Savior in what we now call the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55).
These examples testify to the power of song in the lives of followers of Christ. As Paul instructed the Ephesian church, “Speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19, BSB; see also Colossians 3:16). Worshiping the Lord through song is an overflowing work of the Spirit. We thank God for His loving care despite our circumstances. In doing so, speaking words of truth and beauty that praise the Savior leads to a change in perspective. Our hope has been renewed.
The next time darkness seems overwhelming or doubt creeps in, we can raise our voices in song. To speak to the devastation and pain that surrounds us that our God is great and that He continues to be good despite our circumstances. We may feel as foolish as mothers who use music to hold hands with their children to combat despair, but the act of singing reminds us that we are not alone. Our Lord is indeed “good, and his love endures forever” (Psalm 100:5, NIV).
Let’s pray:
Great Lord, who sings for joy over me, turn my heart to hope when I am tempted to despair. Help us to remember Your goodness and faithful love and to lift up our voices in song to praise You. Like Jehoshaphat, may we do so even in the face of the unknown. May I do so, like Mary, in response to your grace. And may you, like Paul and Silas, do so even when your situation seems hopeless. Because when I speak these words of worship and speak them to music, I am speaking truth to the darkness that threatens to overwhelm me with fear. I remember and declare that you are greater than anything I am facing. In you I can take refuge.
So, God, help me to develop this habit of singing despite the darkness. Teach me to use these opportunities to express my faith in You through song, whether I am happy, afraid, or sad. In this way, I will walk through the ages in the path of your followers who have continued to compose laments, hymns, and epic hymns expressing the joys and sorrows of life, holding fast to the truth of your faithfulness. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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Photo credit: Unsplash
Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help people grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotions, and stories. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Christian Ministry, which included extensive study in the Bible and theology, as well as a master’s degree in creative writing. You can read her thoughts on literature and faith in The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack. You can also visit Cultivate, a disciple-based site she writes with her sister.
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