Often members of Bethany cite music as one of the reasons they feel lifted up and connected at Bethany. Nonmembers often know Bethany because they have been here for a musical event. We are certainly blessed here to be able to enjoy meaningful music.



Lectio Divina is a contemplative practice of reading scripture and focusing on a word or short phrase to listen to what God might be saying to you. It seems to lend itself well to a Lenten practice.

This Lent I have done a combination of Lectio Divina and music. The Sounds of Praise choir sang a couple of songs recently. The chorus of “Still My Soul Be Still” is - God, You are my God, and I will trust in You and not be shaken. Lord of peace, renew a steadfast spirit within me to rest in You alone. The other song we sang was “Abide” and the phrase, I depend on You, is repeated often in the song. I have used part of these lines to repeat and listen and reflect on what God is saying to me, on what this Lenten season is bringing to me and what I can offer to others.

Interestingly, I was talking with a member who is a caregiver and whose loved one is having significant health issues. On February 22 during the church service, we sung “I Want Jesus to Walk with Me.” The member mentioned to me that when things seem overwhelming, repeating the words of this song bring comfort. Perhaps using music in a contemplative way is an available Lenten practice that would bring meaning to you.