The Spiritual Power of Music

When is the last time you felt the Lord's delight?

Photo by Savvas Kalimeris on Unsplash

Roughly 20 years ago, as my church congregation sang the closing hymn to our sacrament service, I experienced something that sticks with me to this day.

As we sang, the spirit became very strong and I noticed that I was singing with confidence and was actually singing in tune—almost as if I couldn’t hit a wrong note.

Those who know me know that I enjoy singing but I lack the training and talent to stay on key unless I’m standing next to someone who knows what they’re doing.

But for the duration of that hymn, I felt completely empowered to sing with all my heart.

But something even more curious happened as the hymn continued.

It sounded as though the volume of the congregation rose noticeably. It wasn’t a matter of everyone singing more loudly as much as the number of voices seemed to noticeably increase.

As we sang, our voices became like a well-trained chorus that filled the chapel as only a choir can do. 

The hymn ended and I sat there wondering about what exactly I had just heard and felt. 

The meeting ended and a neighbor approached me with a smile on his face and asked, “Did you hear that? It sounded like a whole bunch of voices joined in about halfway through.”

So it wasn’t just my imagination!

What happened that day is something I still don’t fully understand. My best guess is that our earthly congregation was joined by individuals from the other side of the veil between spirit world and our own.

Whatever it was and whatever the reason, it opened my eyes to the spiritual power of music.

I’ve found myself reflecting upon that experience over the past few weeks as I had the privilege of participating in a local production of Rob Gardener’s oratorio “The Lamb of God.

Through an orchestra, a chorus, numerous solo singers and narration, the story of Christ’s last weeks of mortal life are recounted in a remarkably beautiful and inspiring score.

As my wife and I rehearsed our roles as narrators, we began with a simple piano accompanying us and then started practicing with the chorus and soloists. 

When the orchestra was brought into our rehearsals, the combination of musical instruments and voices was undeniably powerful. 

Separately, the instruments played lovely notes that added depth and breadth to the score.

Likewise, each individual voice added its weight to the overall story being told.

But it’s difficult to describe the sublime power that filled that house of worship when all the elements were combined and directed in concert with one another. There has to be something more to this than just the physiological effect of sound waves arranged just so.

It reminded me of the curious sense of spiritual intensity I felt all those years ago as we sang that closing hymn; as if there were something more than just our five senses at play.

This was more than just entertainment or a playful way to pass the time. 

It was a combination of talent combined with a loving voluntary sacrifice of time to lift the spirits of all within earshot and to fill their hearts with hope.

I can say with certainty that every person who participated in bringing that performance to life was strengthened and blessed for having done so.

It was a fulfillment of the Lord’s words in Doctrine & Covenants 25:12 which says:

“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.”

Imagine the Creator of the universe delighting in the song of those who love and glorify Him with sacred music.

When is the last time you felt the Lord’s delight in what you are doing?

This latest experience was a poignant reminder that the music I invite into my life can either strengthen or weaken my connection with the Savior.

I don’t plan on restricting my listening diet to nothing but hymns sung by the Choir at Temple Square (formerly MoTab). But my appetite for music that taps into the reality of the Lord’s love for us has definitely increased.

Have you had similar experiences as you’ve immersed yourself in music that invited the Divine to draw near?

Perhaps you’ve been sustained through trials or sorrow by the marvelous promise mentioned in the above verse of scripture. 

Feel free to share your experiences in the comments.

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