Music as Prayer

Over the past few weeks I've occasionally referred to songs that relate to the topic. However, music itself can be a prayer aid. It can offer a meditative background or be inspirational for prayer. The words of a song can be meaningful if you stop and think about them. The words of the hymns we sing every year for the high holy seasons remind us of reason we are celebrating. One of my favorite Palm Sunday hymns is Ride On, Ride On In Majesty because of the juxtaposition between the palms and Christ's death, but throughout we remember that at the end, "take, 0 Christ, Thy power and reign."

"Ride On, Ride On, in Majesty"
by Henry H. Milman, 1791-1868

1. Ride on, ride on, in majesty!
Hark! all the tribes hosanna cry.
0 Savior meek, pursue Thy road,
With palms and scattered garments strowed.

2. Ride on, ride on, in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die.
0 Christ, Thy triumphs now begin
O'er captive death and conquered sin.

3. Ride on, ride on, in majesty!
The angel armies of the sky
Look down with sad and wondering eyes
To see the approaching Sacrifice.

4. Ride on, ride on, in majesty!
Thy last and fiercest strife is nigh;
The Father on His sapphire throne
Expects His own anointed Son.

5. Ride on, ride on, in majesty!
In lowly pomp ride on to die.
Bow Thy meek head to mortal pain.
Then take, 0 Christ, Thy power and reign.