Today’s author is Prince of Peace member, Carol Swanson.
Martin Luther loved music. As a 16th century reformer of theology, he also composed liturgy and hymns in German for the people. I’m sharing Luther’s words on “Music” I found in one of our PoP library books.
Music is one of the loveliest and most glorious gifts of God. Satan hates it because it has great power to dispel temptations and evil thoughts. The devil does not wait on this lady. Music is one of the finest arts. The music makes the words live. It drives away the spirit of sadness, as is seen in the story of King Saul.
Music is the best balm for a sad heart, for it restores contentment and quickens and refreshes the heart.
Music is a glorious gift of God, very much like theology. I would not part with my little gifts of music for anything in the world. We ought to teach the young this art, for it makes fine and clever people.
“O sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth” (Psalm 96:1), for God has made our hearts and minds joyful through his beloved Son, whom he gave for us and for our redemption from sin, death, and the devil. Whoever earnestly believes this cannot help speaking and singing joyfully about it so that others may hear it and discover the cause. But if we do not sing and speak about it, that is a sign that we do not believe in it, and have not entered into the new and joyful testament but are still under the old, tedious testament.
–Preface to the Babst Hymnal. LW 53:334; WA 35:477
This quote is from Day by Day WE Magnify You, Daily Readings for the Entire Year: Selected Writings of Martin Luther, edited by Marshall D. Johnson (p 206) It closes with this prayer:
For the soaring melodies of praise, for the joy of singing and making music, I thank you, O God. Amen.