A Prayer to Sing in Defiance of the Darkness - Your Daily Prayer - July 16

A Prayer to Sing in Defiance of the Darkness
By Sophia Bricker

Bible Reading:
“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:18-20, NIV).

Listen or Read Below:

Tension still hung in the air. The problem hadn’t changed. Yet my mother led my sisters and me in grabbing each other’s hands and singing. She smiled as she danced to the song, filling the anger-stricken air with words about love. To some, the scene may have looked ridiculous–a mother in a circle with her daughters singing along to folk music as the circumstances around them grew darker. Yet I remember the moment as if wrapped in flowers and light; her voice tore through the tension, speaking defiantly of hope.

Scripture includes multiple examples of people singing to inspire hope. Not only was this in times of victory, but in times of trouble. Moses and Miriam led the people in song after the mighty act of salvation by the Lord in rescuing them from slavery. Similarly, Deborah and Barak sang of God’s deeds in providing deliverance from the armies of Jabin under the command of Sisera (Judges 5). The Lord had brought Israel victory against her enemies, freeing them from the oppressive rule of a ruthless leader.

Yet it wasn’t only in times of rejoicing that the people sang. Under Jehoshaphat's direction, they marched out to meet an army with song rather than carefully laid battle plans (2 Chronicles 20:20-24). The people trusted in the power of God even though they did not know what the day would bring. Similarly, Paul and Silas raised their voices as they were chained and locked in a prison cell (Acts 16:25). Circumstances seemed grim, but they chose to spur one another onto hope.

Or imagine young Mary as she carried the promised Messiah in her womb. She had faced whispered rumors about her condition and accusing glares, but she spoke in praise of the Lord her Savior in a song that we now call the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55).

These examples prove the power of song in the Christ-follower’s life. As Paul instructed the Ephesian church, “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your hearts to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19, BSB; also see Colossians 3:16). Worshiping the Lord through song is an overflow work of the Spirit. We give thanks to God for His loving care despite the situations around us. And doing so, speaking words of truth and beauty in praise of our Savior, leads to a transformation of perspective. Our hope is renewed.

The next time the darkness seems overwhelming, or doubt is creeping in, we can raise our voice in song. To speak to the devastation and pain surrounding us, that our God is greater and He remains good despite our circumstances. We might feel as silly as a mother holding hands with her children as they use music to fight despair, but the act of singing reminds us we are not alone. Our Lord is truly “good, and His love endures forever” (Psalm 100:5, NIV).

Let’s pray:

Great Lord who sings over me with delight, turn my heart toward hope when I am tempted to despair. Help me raise my voice in song to praise You, remembering Your goodness and faithful love. Like Jehoshaphat, may I do so even when I am facing the unknown. Like Mary, may I do so in response to Your grace. And like Paul and Silas, may I do so even when my circumstances seem hopeless. For when I speak these words of worship and tune them to music, I am speaking truth against the darkness that threatens to overwhelm me with fear. I remember, and declare, that You are greater than anything I face. In You, I can take refuge.

So, help me, God, to develop this practice of singing in defiance of the darkness. Whether I am happy, fearful, or grieving, teach me to use these opportunities to express my trust in You through song. In this way, I will walk in the path of Your followers throughout time who have crafted laments, praise songs, and magnificent hymns that express the joys and sorrows of life, all while holding onto the truth of Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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Photo Credit: Unsplash

Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, as well as an MFA in creative writing. You can read her thoughts about literature and faith at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack, or visit the discipleship-based site  Cultivate, where she writes with her sister.

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