Prayer
Nothing we do in ministry can be done apart from prayer. Prayer directs us to God inviting Him into our thought process, worries, cares, concerns, and decisions we make in our lives and ministries. We are to bring it all to God. Prayer ultimately connects and aligns us with God who gives us peace and directs our steps. Below are the Scriptures we studied this month that aim to equip us for practical music ministry.
1. Prayer Aligns Us with God
“Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long” (Psalm 25:4-5, NIV). King David expressed his willingness to learn the ways of God, he was teachable. We also must be teachable, not arrogant, prideful, or boastful. We are to be patient, kind, loving, and humble servants of God. Seeking God with prayer and meditation of His Word daily. Prayer is not only an essential part of our daily walk with God, it also must be present in our music ministry. As ministers, we can pray for the worship team, the congregation, the pastor, and for ourselves. Prayer must be intertwined in all that we do.
2. Pray Without Ceasing
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17, NIV). In every season, we can rejoice knowing that our salvation has been bought and paid for by the body and blood of Christ who redeemed us from our sins. This truth should inspire us to diligently practice our instruments to lead His people with excellence. The hope of His return and our eternal destination will always be relevant to rejoice about. Keeping in constant prayer is a discipline we can grow in. If it were not achievable, it would not be written. Music ministers should strive for this lifestyle of prayer. Despite the circumstances we experience, praying directs us back to God who guides us and our ministries. We are to give God thanks in everything we do. What an opportunity we have to reflect Christ everywhere we go, not just Sunday mornings on the platform. More than the music we offer to God, if we do not show the love of Christ to others, the music we provide is merely empty noise. “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal” (1 Corinthians 13:1, NIV).
3. Bring Your Request to God
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:4-7, NIV). Ministry does not come without experiencing occasional difficulties. There will be times when you experience a situation that is challenging. Let prayer, kindness, and gentleness be the way you respond in every situation. Asking the pastor for advice or help about a problem in addition to prayer is also an option. A ministry of any kind requires patience and humility to all those you have been called to serve. We must demonstrate the character of Christ in all that we do. We are to pray for those around us, the worship team we serve in, and guidance for the challenges we face. God does not want us to be anxious and to worry, He wants us to cast our cares upon Him. He wants to trade our worry for peace that transcends all understanding.
Jonathan Michelsen M.A., B.S.