Singing peace with a smile
filed in Event, Music on 08 Aug 2016
Over 30 women shared hymns, songs and chants from their faith traditions at a gathering in Feltham on 6th August. Interesting connections in practice were found. Many songs offered praise to God, and gave a vision of the oneness of the divine. Singing can bring detachment from the burdens of everyday life and a focus on the truth of one’s faith. While quiet times at home are valuable, singing together in community in church or temple can touch the heart.
Words and music provide a form of spiritual practice in very many faiths either in addition to the main observance or as an essential part of it. For example for Methodists, one of the Christian churches, singing is an essential part of worship, though the founder, John Wesley, warned members not to raise their voices louder than anyone else and for all to ‘attend to the words’. In the latest Methodist hymn book, Singing the Faith, words in some traditional hymns were changed to be more inclusive for modern times. The example offered from the Church of England hymnbook used wording reflecting the Jewish root of the faith.
The Sikh chant spoke of God as One. ‘There is one spring, the name is God. Love is God and God is love’ was the inspiration of the Hindu example. Muslim and Jewish contributions demonstrated how singing praises God. Say salaam, peace, with a smile!
Even when music does not play a part in worship, such as in a Quaker Meeting, it can inspire action, such as the Negro spiritual ‘Gonna study war no more’!
Hosted by the Centre for Spirituality and Cultural Advancement, the session ended with generous refreshments when tea and conversation flowed. It is hoped the event can be repeated.
Hounslow Friends of Faith run a regular women’s group, meeting usually monthly. Get in touch if you’d like to come along.