In this second week of our series on Christian mysticism, we are focusing on music as a spiritual practice. Whether we are a listener or a creator or both, how does music help us encounter God? How does music become a spiritual practice?
Perhaps we will find some clues looking at 
snippets of the life of David who was anointed by God and eventually made King of Israel. Was David a perfect man? Absolutely not, but I think he was a mystic. I believe that at many points in his life he did find courage perhaps from his music. But I also think that as he got away from his musician-self, power became more important to him than his music. That is both speculation and digression so let’s look at what we do know.
David was both a listener and creator of music. 
He was anointed by God to be king at some point – the smallest and youngest of eight brothers. His harp playing soothed the demons of the current King Saul. The Psalms he wrote are beautiful lyrics – many set to music – that became an important part of worship in his time and ours.
The Psalms convey every emotion known to humankind. He danced with abandon as they carried the Ark of the Covenant into Jerusalem. I wonder just how much inspiration and courage he gained from his music, his dancing. How did the melody of courage weave through some parts of his life. Much to keep exploring.
Two other Christian mystics whose listening and creating music developed a melody of courage are Hildegard of Bingen and Morten Lauridsen. These are two of Dave Macbeth’s favorite music mystics and today he is going to tell us more about them, as well as how music helps him experience God/Jesus/Holy Spirit.
Questions for Dave:
- How does music help you experience God/Jesus/Holy Spirit? You could also speak to how Hildegard’s music or Lauridsen’s music inspires you or brings you closer to God?
- You’ve shared with me that you admire the courage of H. Her courage shows up in the many accomplishments of her life: reformer, healer, composer, mystic, visionary, writer, philosopher. How do you see her divine encounters giving her that courage. How is it expressed in her music?
- What can we learn from her in our time and place as we seek to practice the presence of God through music? To trust our own experiences of God.
Their conversation starts at 24:12 in this VIDEO of the service.