Last night I awoke to an unusual dream. A 40 to 50 person choir practiced an unfamiliar hymn within a large, cathedral like space under the direction of a stunningly “fair” director, who embodied meekness, confidence, and great competence. In conjunction with a subsequent meeting, a significantly larger number spontaneously joined the choir to sing. Unflustered, the director led this seemingly random body comprising a broad range of experience and talent in a spectacular way. With the most exquisite voice I have ever heard, all responded to her profound intent of heart and passion to create a truly incredible worship experience.
Upon waking, I pondered several scriptures (highlights added):
For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads. (Doctrine and Covenants 25:12)
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:19–20)
For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing. For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness. For behold, if a man being evil giveth a gift, he doeth it grudgingly; wherefore it is counted unto him the same as if he had retained the gift; wherefore he is counted evil before God. And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with real intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such. (Moroni 7:6–9)
And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. (Matthew 26:30)
And as I have prayed among you even so shall ye pray in my church, among my people who do repent and are baptized in my name. Behold I am the light; I have set an example for you. (3 Nephi 18:16)
I have always wondered about those prayers said by the Lord that couldn’t be written (see: 3 Nephi 17:15–17). What did it sound like when He who truly “perfected praise” sang hymns to the Father? How did that affect those around Him?
This evening I am reminded of sitting in the congregation of the Presbyterian church in Colombia SC and hearing one of my favorite hymns. I looked about the sanctuary while these words were sung, fully expecting to see angels participating; it was a profoundly spiritual experience:
3 Your sure provisions gracious God
attend me all my days;
oh, may your house be my abode,
and all my work be praise.
Here would I find a settled rest,
while others go and come;
no more a stranger, nor a guest,
but like a child at home.
(see: My Shepherd Will Supply My Need)