we who sing pray twice ...

from Mary Beth at revgalsblogpals , it's the Friday Five & on my fave topic!  Thanks Mary Beth!  no wonder i was waiting before composing today's blog :)

Music is a part of the human experience, and part of religious traditions the world over. It is evocative and stirring, and many forms of worship are incomplete without it.
Our title comes from a quote popularly attributed to St. Augustine: "He who sings prays twice." A little Googling, however, indicates that Augustine didn't say exactly that. In fact, what he said just doesn't fit well onto a t-shirt. So we'll stick with what we have.
"Singing reduces stress and increases healthy breathing and emotional expression. Singing taps into a deep, age-old power available to all of us. When we find our voice, we find ourselves. Today, sing like you mean it." And let's talk about the role music plays in your life and worship.
1) Do you like to sing/listen to others sing? In worship, or on your own (or not at all?)

YES! YES! YES! and YES! 

2) Did you grow up with music in worship, or come to it later in life? Tell us about it, and how that has changed in your experience.

i did grow up with music in worship.  in fact i grew up with worship music in my home.  my mom played guitar and sang, my father played violin and harmonica and sang.  so yes, it has always been a lively and loved part of life and worship.  my own first solo was at age 8.  i was part of childhood choirs, teen choirs and singing groups on our church's weekly tv worship.

3) Some people find worship incomplete without music; others would just as soon not have it. Where do you fall?

as a worship curator pioneering alternative creative worship, i innovate many different worship services.  Holy Spirit is leading and creating in so many fresh ways.  i am finding that most people do want to worship through song.

4) Do you prefer traditional music in worship, or contemporary? That can mean many different things!

i prefer music that speaks in the language of the worshippers so that what they are singing is their offering to God.  not something they are stumbling over and not understanding.  we are to love God with our heart, mind, soul and strength.  in Spirit and in Truth.  we must make that comprehensible to the worshipper so that they can then worship in Spirit and in Truth, with their whole heart, mind, soul and strength.  openness to Holy Spirit is essential.  fresh wind, freedom, new ways of seeing and being.  all are part of growth in the image of our Creator.  one thing to note, new songs are being created for a purpose.  i am not leading people familiar with worship to worship so traditional isn't a given or known in many instances.  what i prefer may be very different from the people i'm leading to worship.  i am blessed to live in an actively worshipping community that provides me with various worship opps that allow for personal expression.

5) What's your go-to music ... when you need solace or want to express joy? A video/recording will garner bonus points!

i think you read yesterday's post, Mary Beth !  i needed a 'Rock' and some reviving in my weariness, so posted my fave R&B artist, Ashley Cleveland with hubby Kenny Greenberg.  always speaks to me.  no matter the emotion.  another would be Maire [Moya] Brennan's gorgeous celtic vocals that have me soaring on wings like an eagle.  Praise and Thanks to God for lavishing us with the gift of music!!

so i'll go for your bonus points with this clip.  Thanks Mary Beth!  my fave friday five so far !! :)