Religion Through Music

"Come, let's shout praises to God, raise the roof for the Rock who saved us! Let's march into his presence singing praises, lifting the rafters with our hymns!" (Psalm 95:1-2, The Message)

Many religions make use of music during their ritual observances. Song allows us to connect to prayers in a different way - we experience words and music in different parts of our brains, and we can feel the music in our bodies themselves. Furthermore, familiar hymns and tunes can bring communities together as they share a song they've all known since childhood.

What role does music play for you in your religious observances? Does music help you feel connected to God? To the community? What are some of your favorite hymns or songs and what meaning do they hold for you?