Not to Us, O Lord

Today I thought I would throw out some food for thought as well as a bible verse pertaining to prayer before the first song is sung. Given all the effort that is instilled in music ministry such as song selection, setup in church, practice, and the inevitable last-minute-adjustments, the focus can easy become blurred. We may feel that the attention is on us.

Certainly, there is some attention that will be given to us. During live music, the congregation will naturally be curious about the music source. Without seeing the music group, it would feel eerily disembodied, wouldn’t it? In addition to this proverbial spotlight, in some churches there may be physical spotlights as well on the music group.

What are we to do with this attention? Redirect it.


It is at a time like this that I like to reflect upon the bible, specifically Psalm 115:1: "Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!"

This moment is not about us. It is all about him.

If this doesn’t work, I think about myself wearing a shirt with “It’s not about me” emblazoned on the front! (For the self-centered music group member, this shirt would not be recommended as a gift! As a gift it would make a powerful impression, wouldn’t it?! But that would signal uncontrolled haughtiness, I suppose.)

We should act to redirect that attention. I like to think of good church music groups as a lens, focusing the attention on Christ.

How is this accomplished? Three words: prayer, prayer, prayer.

Or perhaps it is best to frame it as three prayers in one. First I start with Prayer One.

1. Prayer one is for our us and our instruments. It is a prayer that we may use our voices and instruments to the best of our ability.
2. Prayer two is for us as His Instruments. It is a prayer that we may be used as His Instruments to do His will.
3. Prayer three is for the congregation or assembly. It is a prayer that His people may shortly hear the beauty of Christ.

The easy way to remember this is Our Instruments, His Instruments, His People. Three steps to Prayerful Song.

Do you pray before the first song is sung? How does your music ministry pray?

Related Posts
May God Bless the Leaders of Song!
Prayerful Song: The Gift of Confidence
Prayerful Song: Refocus
Music Ministry Tips: Part I of Seventy Times Seven

Image courtesy an awesome T-shirt that can be purchased at Zazzle

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