One of the most important tools music ministers and presiders use is our voice. We warm up and strengthen our voices with vocal exercises. We practice out loud the prayers and readings and spend hours crafting the words we will say. It’s clear we need to use our voices well.
Much of what we sing or speak on Sundays is predetermined by the ritual and feast. But what about the unscripted words? How well do we use our voice in those moments between the ritual actions? When a stressed-out couple demands to meet about their wedding a year from now. When that parishioner who has nothing good to say has one more complaint about your music choices or your homily. How do we use our voice for those who will never approach us but stand alone at church each week, arriving late and leaving early?
How do we use our voice for those who will never approach us but stand alone at church each week, arriving late and leaving early? Click To TweetOur voices are to give comfort and tender words to God’s people. In the wilderness of people’s lives, we are to cry out God’s promise. To those in lofty places, we are to declare at the top of our voice where God is truly found. But how will we know what to say?
Our answer is in today’s psalm: “I will hear what God proclaims.” God proclaims peace. In every way possible at all times, our voices must speak God’s peace.
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