Play & Pray Music
What is Play & Pray?
improvised prayer music
Throughout Christian history, contemplative music has been part of spiritual life and prayer practices in different forms and denominations. Play & Pray Music creates a space, in which people can pray, lament, worship, or be still – and experience the love of God.
flow of Psalms
In the book of Psalms we see the word ”selah”. This is thought to indicate a moment of instrumental music, during which the meaning of the words is reflected upon. In many Psalms, the writer often starts by pouring out their feelings at the beginning, without holding back. However, at some point, the voice in the Psalm begins to shift and we start to see a response. This flow – expressing our authentic human feelings, waiting and listening together for the Holy Spirit, and playing through our instruments what we hear, is the flow of Play & Pray.
spiritual music
In addition to including the perhaps more typical ideas of spiritual music – worship and church music – Play&Pray Music includes the full range of musical expression. This includes, for example, the important but often overlooked expressions of lament. We believe that releasing laments, doubts and fears and other authentic expressions of our human condition is a holy task, and something God calls us to do as part of spiritual life. The Bible is full of examples of these spiritual music practices.
Contexts
Play & Pray is founded upon centuries of Christian tradition in the realm of musical prayer and improvisation. As a vehicle for experiencing the love of God, it can be integrated into both existing church practices as well as secular and missionary formats.
Prayer & Meditation
How?
Click hereWorship
How?
Click hereSound Blessings
What?
Click hereSound Portraits
What?
Click hereConcerts & Performances
How?
Click hereMaterial
Interested in learning more about Play&Pray Music? See our collection of online materials!