I hope you enjoyed the ABBA reference 😉

I wanted to post two videos I filmed a few weeks ago based off of simple chants that sprang into my head a couple of years ago. I come from a family that loves music – singing oldies together and having jam sessions with extended family were a part of life! I also love music and singing – it’s part of how I connect with God. If that’s also helpful or important for you, I hope these “strike a chord!” 😊

The first one is entitled “Holy It Loosely.” When we’re afraid, stressed, confused, or uncertain, it can be tempting to grasp and grab – to attempt to control situations or people or to find ourselves spun up as we ruminate about what is going on.

The phrase “hold it loosely” is one I had heard from spiritual directors, teachers, and mentors along the way. Setting these three words to music helps me remember that in those moments, God and grace are also always present and available.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=KeBOrI81HVc%3Fsi%3DU_VbaBeQ_glsdUn6

The second song is a prayer: “O Christ, Expand My Heart.” Life in relationship and in community, whether with family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, or strangers can be complicated and tense. That’s even before we look at division and stress in our nation or in places on conflict around the world. Overwhelming, right?

But in those moments, what would it look like to recognize the love of God is also actively at work within us and around us? This chant is a prayer to recognize that in both moments of stress and a prayer of gratitude for how God is already at work.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=4UzAjqx6SWk%3Fsi%3DtB1sH3Eb_GojWQEn

Do you come up with phrases or melodies in your prayer life? What role does music play in your spirituality?

Blessings on the journey!
Annabelle

© Annabelle P. Markey