Lord, I am humbly in your presence.
Open my heart and my mind.
Let me dwell in your Spirit
in the midst of your assembly.

I think of the place where I will worship on Sunday.
I recall its many aromas…
I feel myself within it…

I listen…
I look…

If I am a singer,
I see the breath support and resonance of my body
my voice projecting from a place deep inside me

If I play an instrument,
I imagine how it feels in my hands
the manuals, pedals, and drawknobs of the organ
the strings and frets of the guitar
the keys of the piano
drum, flute, trumpet, violin

my voice or my instrument resonates
first on its own
then blending with all the others

As I join the song,
I feel the Holy Spirit deep within me
voicing my deepest longing and desire

I see the assembly
looking into their faces,
I see Christ

every person raising her voice in song,
singing his praise to God

All of us together, before our God

I bring to mind a song we will sing
perhaps we pray to God
or encourage one another

singing the words of the psalmist,
the prophets,
or God’s disciples, ancient or new

stirring feelings deep within

Loving God,
I come before you to offer my gift of music.

Help me play and sing our prayer.

Help me lead your assembly in prayer;
for the song is not mine, but ours.

Let us all resound with your praise.
Through us, create the world anew in your image.

Fill us with your Holy Spirit once again,
Rouse your power within us.

Amen