Praying Twice

"He who sings prays twice."

So goes a quote from Saint Augustine, a good quote for this morning's couple share with Ray and Trudy.  And I think we can extend singing to include music in general.

Trudy, of course, is a wonderful vocalist, a true blessing to have at FBC.  Ray, the most joyful Minister of Music (and Administration, we learned this morning), is more talented as an instrumentalist and composer.  Not only are they each supremely talented, but they are even better as a team.  And anyone who has heard "This I Know" (or any number of songs) can attest to this.

He who sings prays twice, wrote Augustine.  But that's not quite right, for it is incomplete because, when Trudy sings, when Ray plays or composes or directs, we all join the prayer.

We pray in thanksgiving for their gifts, but we are also lifted into prayer by their gifts, as God uses their gifts to help us worship.

And, for that, as well as for them, we say: Thanks be to God.