I had set myself the challenge of practising lectio divina with my ukulele tonight (where a particular phrase or subset of phrases from the Bible is mulled over and contemplated in depth), but decided to leave that for tomorrow, and instead maximise on the opportunities presented to me as were naturally occurring on this day, so as I was part of a scratch choir, used our final performance as prayer.
Let me explain. I like singing and I benefit from using my voice as a form of worship to God. Recently, at my church, several members of the congregation dedicated a month to putting on a concert as part of an outreach and evangelism event, and to fundraise for our much needed roof renovations. I couldn't set aside the time as practices fell on Sundays (my time of rest), Fridays (Brownies and Guides) and Tuesdays (meeting night for the various organisations of which I'm part), so supported my friends who were participating and gave my funds to the project.
Feeling slightly disappointed as I was missing out on the action, I was delighted to be invited to form a scratch choir today to put on an oratorio from not knowing any of the music at the start of the day to giving a performance at the end, 7 hours later. We spent much of the day practising and chatting about our involvement with choirs, and churches, to each other over much-needed break times. I was surprised by how easy it was to learn the music when surrounded by seasoned, very experienced singers, and a few professionals strategically placed in each part. I was also delighted to find, that despite rumours and comments I've received in the past, I actually am a decent tenor.
But enough background; onto the prayer. The performed oratorio (John Stainer's 'Crucifixion') lasted approximately an hour, and in that time, since I had learnt all the words and music, I enjoyed the concert and used it as an opportunity to reflect on the content and lyrics, a powerful rendition of the last 24 hours of Jesus' life (pre-death) and songs of thankfulness and witness of the awesome love shown through this difficult act.
I felt at times that I was really there, part of the crowd, shouting 'crucify Him', a friend who was saddened by the event, a grateful Christian in today's world, and one with some insight into the hard decisions and grievance experienced by Jesus at this time. I felt supported by those around, and aware of the tide of emotions that were present in the church where we performed. I was stressed and elated, woeful and excited. I was beholden and overwhelmed, indebted and relieved.
I learnt again the joys of singing and recaptured the enthusiasm of being part of a goo choir. I witnessed how choral music can be uplifting to the soul and stirring to the core. I was encouraged to keep singing as part of my regular prayer and worship, and inspired to participate in more choral pieces, particularly of a Christian nature with passionate and accommodating choir-mates. I was struck by the difference in feelings expressed and created between singing solo to a CD and being part of a large, semi-professional choir, and I was seized by the similarities.
Choral music itself has never really interested me, and I haven't enjoyed listening to it so much, but having had this experience of being part of a choir, and using the outcome as a source of prayer, I feel somewhat different to the genre, and may introduce more elements of singing and oratorios to my prayer life.
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