Praise music isn’t usually associated with Lent. We tend to associate it with joyful celebrations, and consider Lent a different, more sober time.
While there is a necessary sobriety to Lent, this does not mean that Lent is supposed to be devoid of joy, nor of praise. In fact, one of the greatest effects of praise is that it reminds us who God is, and who we are before Him.
Good lyrics focus us on God’s holiness, power, and abounding love for us – His children. We then recognize our littleness, weakness, and sinfulness. We recognize our need for a Savior, and recall that Jesus has given His life for us.
Isn’t this the purpose of Lent?
And doesn’t this make you want to sing for joy?
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace….In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things…so that we…might live for the praise of his glory” (Eph 1:7, 11-12).
We were created to praise God. That’s why we feel so much joy when we worship Him at Mass, singing our hearts out with our hands in the air.
Joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit within us, who, through our praise, brings us into the Trinitarian communion of love. We taste the gift that will be ours – eternal life in union with God who is Love – when we give ourselves over to praising Him.
As praise takes us into this profound mystery, we often find ourselves moving into contemplation. We “behold the man” (Jn 19:5) in a way far deeper than Pilate could have imagined when he presented Jesus in a purple robe with a thorny crown. We gaze upon the One who loves us, and we console His heart with our love.
Jesus told St. Faustina, “Bring to me all devout and faithful souls, and immerse them in the ocean of My mercy. These souls brought me consolation on the Way of the Cross. They were a drop of consolation in the midst of an ocean of bitterness.”
Our praise and Jesus’ passion are intertwined. This Lent, let’s praise Him often.
Plan to Praise:
• Come to Upper Room’s Praise & Worship on Fridays: 7:45-9:15pm in the Worship Space. All ages are welcome.
• Here at CTKUpperRoom.com:
-Praise on your own with our series of “Do-It-Yourself Praise & Worship” blogs (songlists included).
-Click the Music tab above to praise along with one of our playlists.
-Learn more through Dr. Mary Healy’s talk, “The Power of Unified Worship”.
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By Christy Whiting, Upper Room Director. This article first appeared as “Lent is Coming – Praise God!” in CTK’s newsletter, The Open Door, in February 2018.
