I knew for years that Gregorian chants had a great spiritual effect on me, but I always suspected that some of that effect was also physiological and psychological. So, I decided to conduct some research on the subject.
The basic conclusion of my research is that Gregorian chants can lower your blood pressure, reduce your heart rate and ease anxiety. Research by neuroscientists from the Imperial College of London concluded that the slow structured breathing during chanting lowers your blood pressure and heart rate to daily minimums during performance. The prolonged exhalations and uniform melodic lines stimulate the vagus nerve and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps decrease your stress hormone levels like cortisol. The repetitive auditory frequencies and latin vowel resonance encourage synchronization between the left and right hemispheres of the brain, fostering improved neural communication and cognitive clarity. Chanting can relieve your stress and anxiety. The steady unaccompanied monophonic structure acts as a stabilizing auditory anchor that calms racing thoughts and relieves symptoms of mild depression. Complimentary medicine practitioners have noted that rhythmic sacred music helps patients settle into deeper states of relaxation, which aids in easing chronic tension and mental exhaustion. One hospital in Minnesota found that chanting eased the chronic pain of its patients. In a related matter, I am a great fan of Aaron Neville whose music is popular in nursing homes and music therapy programs to calm and comfort patients, especially those dealing with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. His music is popular because it is embedded in the long term memory of the residents, especially his famous “Tell It Like it Is.” Neville himself views his singing as “survival” and “medicine” meant to heal the afflicted. I have another related topic—“The Mozart effect" that I used to manage juvenile delinquents, but I am going to save it for next week.
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Give me thine heart, and let thine eyes observe my ways. The great Hebrew King, Solomon, is said (in 1 Kings Ch. 4, v.32) to have been inspired by God to utter three thousand wise sayings (“proverbs”). The book of Proverbs was for the most part derived from Solomon’s teachings (with contributions by others such as Hezekiah, Agur, and Lemuel). The above passage seems direct and incontrovertible. With our Ingathering Luncheon imminent, the lyrics of this video gives us food for thought. How do we “give our hearts”? The act of “Giving” seems to encompass our time, talents, and money: it should be prayerfully contemplated; it should be private; it should represent a return…not a distribution…to God and His Kingdom out of our abundance. Advent World performs the selection for my final week of “September Greatest Hits”. Cut: “Heaven Counts Differently” Artist: Advent World
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as a sounding bronze or tinkling cymbal. St. Paul was not only a deeply committed believer, he was gifted with his words. This passage is another example of how scripture can inspire us and provide us with a beacon which sheds light upon the path to righteousness and salvation. As one of the Episcopal Church’s mantras says “If it’s not about Love, it’s not about God”. The group performing the music for my 3rd week’s “September Greatest Hits” (Advent World) is new. Try to overlook the AI editing. The message still exists! Cut: “Love Never Fails” Artist: Advent World
As noted in our newsletter the last Evening and Morning Prayer services were held this week. In a later blog I will outline why I ended this part of my ministry. I have also ended my service as a Eucharistic minister because of my recent falls, which I don’t want to happen carrying the altar book. However, I will still coordinate the scheduling of Eucharistic ministers and serve when needed at a weekday service. I will continue to coordinate the schedule of the highly popular Sunday breakfast service. You probably don’t know this, but I bring pastoral services to two nursing homes in Hammond (Phoenix) and Amite (Lodge). I will continue to serve our educational programs. This Sunday Mother Liz and I will start presenting “Signs & Grace: An Introduction to the Sacraments.” Today, however, I will discuss the significance of “Gregorian chants.” Although Gregorian chants originated with the early Roman Catholic Church, it is actually practiced by both the Anglican and Episcopal Churches. Hymnal 1982 contains numerous service music settings and hymns rooted directly in Gregorian chant. This includes traditional plainsong melodies for the Kyrie, Sanctus, and Angus Dei, as famous chant hymns like Pange Lingua and Creator of the Stars Night. Within the Episcopal Church, parishes that lean to “High Church” or “Anglo-Catholic” place a profound emphasis on traditional liturgy. In these parishes, it is common to hear entire services chanted. Some even feature dedicated choirs that sing the traditional Gregorian Propers (the specific scriptural texts designated for a given day) in either English or the original Latin. While the Episcopal Church uses Gregorian chants, it also heavily utilizes its own close relative known as Anglican Chant. Developed after the Reformation, Anglican chant applies harmonized chords to the natural speech rhythms of the Psalms, serving as a primary musical tradition alongside traditional monastic Gregorian tones. The use of Gregorian chants is very popular for Episcopalians, and the broader public during Compline (night prayers). Many Episcopal cathedrals and parishes host weekly candlelit Compline services where a choir sings plainchant in a darkened church, which creates a highly sought-after meditative and contemplative environment. I have never experienced Compline in this environment. However, all Compline services I have attended instantly put me to sleep after the service. I have learned to shower before this service so that I can instantly fall asleep when my head hits the pillow. I’m going to do more research and a blog on the medicinal value of Gregorian chants in falling asleep. However, for right now I am going to tell you I have a channel on my iPhone, and when, having difficulty falling asleep, I play them and instantly fall asleep. If you want to get the jump on this fascinating subject check out the most famous and historically massive selling (6 million copies) Gregorian chant album of all time: Chant by the Benedictine Monks of Santo Domingo de Silos. This is my favorite. However, chants by nuns are also remarkable.
In like manner, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. For our second week “September Greatest Hits” I offer Zach Williams (only this selection is without Dolly!) It has been heartwarming to see the outpouring of love and generosity displayed by many anonymous donors through their contributions to the The Blessing Box. Grace Memorial’s willingness to help those who are not as fortunate as us has become a beacon to the community of the many who have contributed…without recognition or pomp…just because of their awareness of the need they hope to fill. The Blessing Box inspired me to repeat the following offering of “Less Like Me” written and recorded by Zach Williams. The music depicts the battle many of us have to be “…more like Jesus”. Cut: “Less Like Me” Artist: Zach Williams Album: Rescue Story [Lyrics included on the video]
For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, who hath made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son; In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. For my September “Greatest Hits” I felt it necessary to pay tribute to the late Dolly Parton. Sarah and I were in our 20’s when we heard Dolly in concert at the Grand Ole Opry in the summer of 1975. We became instant and lifelong lovers of her music. Throughout her career she has frequently engaged in duets…this one in particular is with Zach Williams, a Christian music songwriter who has a resonating baritone voice and writes well enough to have won 5 Grammy and GMA Dove Awards (including this song, paired with Dolly). Cut: “There Was Jesus” Artist: Zach Williams (accompanied by Dolly Parton) Every time I tried to make it on my own. Every time I tried to stand and start to fall.
All those lonely roads that I have travelled on…There was Jesus. When the life I built came crashing to the ground. When the friends I had were nowhere to be found. I couldn't see it then but I can see it now…There was Jesus. IN THE WAITING AND THE SEARCHING IN THE HEALING AND THE HURTING LIKE A BLESSING BURIED IN THE BROKEN PIECES EVERY MINUTE EVERY MOMENT OF WHERE I’VE BEEN AND WHERE I'M GOIN EVEN WHEN I DIDN'T KNOW IT OR COULDN'T SEE IT…THERE WAS JESUS. For this man who needs amazing kind of grace. For forgiveness at a price I could not pay. I’m not perfect so I thank God every day that There was Jesus. IN THE WAITING AND THE SEARCHING IN THE HEALING AND THE HURTING LIKE A BLESSING BURIED IN THE BROKEN PIECES EVERY MINUTE EVERY MOMENT OF WHERE I’VE BEEN AND WHERE I'M GOIN EVEN WHEN I DIDN'T KNOW IT OR COULDN'T SEE IT…THERE WAS JESUS On the mountain, in the valleys (There was Jesus), In the shadows of the alleys (There was Jesus) In the fire, in the flood (There was Jesus)…Always is and always was. No I’ll never walk alone! (Never walk alone)…You were always there. IN THE WORRY AND THE SEARCHING IN THE HEALING AND THE HURTING LIKE A BLESSING BURIED IN THE BROKEN PIECES EVERY MINUTE EVERY MOMENT OF WHERE I’VE BEEN AND WHERE I'M GOIN EVEN WHEN I DIDN'T KNOW IT OR COULDN'T SEE IT…THERE WAS JESUS.
My final “Greatest Hits – August” offering is “Only Jesus” performed by Casting Crowns. Our youth (with chaperone/“bouncer” assistance of Chris Tucker) attended a Christian Music concert in November, 2019, at the Smoothie King Center featuring Elevation Worship, Hillsong Worship, and Casting Crowns. On our way to eat a pre-concert dinner at Camellia Grill, I played a few preview cuts on the car ride from each of the 3 groups we were about to hear. The consensus favorite of most of us was “Only Jesus” by Casting Crowns. Two words closely identified with the song “Only Jesus” are “legacy” and “humility” The meaning of “legacy” in the context of this song is “a gift of money or personal property handed down to an heir”. The meaning of “humility” is the state or quality of being humble; freedom from pride and arrogance; a modest estimate of one’s own worth; a sense of one’s own unworthiness through imperfection and sinfulness. It is not easy, but it IS IMPORTANT that we all have to work on personal humility, and we also think that is the message of “Only Jesus”. In the words of Mark Hall from Casting Crowns: “Did I live the truth to the ones I love…was my life the proof that there is only One?” The 1st video is Mark Hall’s explanation of the origin/inspiration of “Only Jesus”. The 2nd video is the music. Cut: “Only Jesus” Artist: Casting Crowns Make it count, leave a mark, build a name for yourself, Dream your dreams, chase your heart,
Above all else make a name the world remembers. But all an empty world can sell is empty dreams I got lost in the lie that it was up to me to make a name the world remembers. But Jesus is the only name to remember. And I-I-I, I don't want to leave a legacy…I don't care if they remember me…Only Jesus. And I-I-I, I've only got one life to live…I'll let every second point to Him…Only Jesus. All the kingdoms built, all the trophies won will crumble into dust when it’s said and done. 'Cause all that really matters “Did I live the truth to the ones I love?” “Was my life the proof that there is only One whose name will last forever?” And I-I-I, I don't want to leave a legacy…I don't care if they remember me…Only Jesus And I-I-I, I've only got one life to live…I'll let every second point to Him…Only Jesus [Interlude] Jesus is the only name, Jesus is the only name Jesus is the only name to remember, ooh Jesus is the only name, Jesus is the only name Jesus is the only name to remember And I-I-I, I don't want to leave a legacy…I don't care if they remember me Only Jesus And I-I-I, I've only got one life to live…I'll let every second point to Him Only Jesus I, I don't want to leave a legacy…I don't care if they remember me…Only Jesus.
For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His spirit in the inner man; That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend, with all saints, what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height, And to know the love of Christ, which passeth all knowledge, that ye might be filled with the fullness of God. This week we continue with “Greatest Hits – August” featuring Casting Crowns. Grace Memorial’s Christian Education teenagers were fortunate and blessed to witness the love filling the venue in each of our two CC concerts we attended. If we learned anything from our hours of scripture reading and listening to Christian Praise music, it’s that we can only fulfill God’s plan for us as Christians if we allow our hearts to follow the teachings of Jesus. Cut: “Here’s My Heart” Artist: Casting Crowns Lyrics:
Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true. I am found, I am Yours, I am loved, I’m made pure. I have life, I can breathe, I am healed, I am free. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true. I am found, I am Yours, I am loved, I’m made pure. I have life, I can breathe, I am healed, I am free. Cause You are strong, You are sure, You are life, You endure. You are good, always true, You are love, breaking through. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true. Here’s my life, Lord. Here’s my life, Lord. Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true...speak what is true. Cause You are more than enough, You are here, You are love. You are hope, You are grace, You’re all I have, You’re everything. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true. Here’s my life, Lord. Here’s my life, Lord. Here’s my life, Lord. Speak what is true…Speak what is true. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Here’s my heart, Lord. Speak what is true...speak what is true.
And Jesus, walking by the Sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” And they straightway left their nets, and followed him”. And Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a boat, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain privately, to pray; and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the boat was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a ghost; and they cried out of fear. But straightway Jesus spoke unto them, saying, “Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid” And Peter answered him and said, “Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water” And He said, “Come.” And when Peter was come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying “Lord, save me” And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, “O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt? For my 2nd Friday “Greatest Hits – August” I present Casting Crowns performing “This Is Now”. It is an indirect reference to the inspirational growth of St. Peter. Cut: “This Is Now” Artist: Casting Crowns Lyrics:
Standing at the water’s edge…I dropped my dreams when I dropped my nets. No hesitation, no regrets, I followed You, but that was then…this is now You washed my feet and You changed my name, I swore I’d never be the same Just like the tides I guess people change, cause that was then and this is now. I wish I could go back but I don’t know how, I remember when I stood my ground, I swore I’d never let You down, I want to be that man again, but that was then…and this is now. I watched the blind man lift his head…and look his savior in the eyes. I heard a dead man take a breath…dropped to my knees as I watched him rise. I felt the sea beneath my feet as I stepped out on the angry waves, But You saw the storm raging within, You reached out and caught me then…but this now. I wish I could go back but I don’t know how I remember when I stood my ground, I swore I’d never let you down…I want to be that man again, But that was then…and this is now. Just when I thought my sin had closed the door, I see my savior standing on the shore, With arms wide open, just like the first time You called my name, You said “that was then…and this is now. “My child I bore your cross I wore your crown. “When you couldn’t come to Me, My love came down. So take My hand I’ll lead you out, “cause that was then…and this is now. “My child I bore your cross, I wore your crown…you couldn’t come to Me, “so My love came down. “Take My hand I’ll lead you out, Cause that was then…and this is now.”
As the class has progressed, we have found that different translations of Brother Lawrence's letters will change the order of the letters and offer different interpretations. Therefore, we strongly encourage all who wish to participate in this study to purchase Ron Van Huss's edition of Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection: The Practice of the Presence of God, which you can purchase here. Please contact Mtr. Liz if you need assistance obtaining a copy of the book. Below, you will find an outline of the revamped class. Please see John's letter for more information. We hope you will continue to offer thoughts, insights, and questions in the blog comments section in addition to participating in the in-person class. A Note from John: Class Outline Focus: Turning ordinary daily tasks into continuous, loving conversations with God rather than relying only on formal, scheduled prayers like the Lord’s Prayer.
Objective: study all 16 letters of Brother Lawrence in a five week period. August 6: Read letters 1-3 (we will be playing “catch up” in this week.) August 13: Read letters 4-6 August 20: Read letters 7-9 August 27: Read letters 10-13 Sept. 3: Read letters 14-16 Class Format 1. Select one or more of Brother Lawrence’s reflections from each letter that you wish to share with the class and why. 2. With which chores this week did you practice your presence with God. |
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