“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise.” Psalm 98:4
I hear it in my children. I remember doing it myself and occasionally think I’m in harmony. Songs don’t come out silently; they burst forth. It is a gift to be skilled in music and I’m in wonder of those who are able to do it well. What a gift we have in the human voice, recognized by God so much that Asaph was named by David to lead worship in song. He’s credited with 12 Psalms, emphasizing music’s role in worship of our Creator.
I asked an artist what his instrument was and he responded that he didn’t play one. His coach reminded him that he did indeed have one, “Vocals. Always say Vocals”. Your voice is a gift. Your voice is an instrument. Make a joyful noise unto the Lord.
Lord, tonight we lift up all of those who fill they are with song, praising you with lyrics and their spirit. We thank you for “Jesus Loves Me” and “This is the Day,” simple reminders of your grace and love. We thank you for the musical history of our city of Memphis, Stax Records, Elvis, Sam & Dave, David Porter, Isaac Hayes, WC Handy, Johnny Cash, Beale St musicians, choir singers on Sunday, Visible College of Music, the Memphis Symphony, The Mighty Sound of the South, Gary Goin, Brandon Lewis, Morell Pruitte Jr., Friday Night Marching Bands, the Rhodes Chambers Singers, Stax Music Academy, The Consortium MMT, and so many more. We pray for grandmothers teaching their grandbabies hymns and fathers singing out of key but with all of their heart in the pews. We pray your influence is found in the Memphis sound and draws people closer to you. In Your name, amen.