Is Music A Spiritual Gift

It's been a year since the international hymnology conference, Hymn – Song – Society, in the lovely setting of Hanasaari, Espoo. The spectacular musical experiences, lectures that broadened my thinking, various insightful and stimulating debates, and the conference's attitude, which was so lovely and hearty, are all still fresh in my mind. The conference has been on my mind recently because I've been revising my article Young adults and spiritually experienced music, which is based on my conference presentation and my future doctoral thesis in religious education, The meaning of Christian and spiritually experienced music on young adults' religious learning trajectories and spiritual growth, which is based on my conference presentation and my future doctoral thesis in religious education, The meaning of Christian and spiritually experienced music on young adults' religious learning trajectories and spiritual growth. In my piece, I look at the music that the ten young adults I spoke with described as spiritual. Their backgrounds were in the Evangelical Lutheran Church, but some of them had left the church, as it appears to be the current trend among many young adults in Finland. Some of them were Christians, but others were more interested in various ideas or philosophies.

Christian music is frequently perceived as spiritual by persons of Christian faith and spirituality. Most of them may also find that some secular music, like as popular music on the radio or instrumentals, helps them to maintain their Christian spirituality. When listened to, the lyrics could be utilized as a prayer or understood as a message from God, and the music could generate a sense of hallowed space. A Christian hymn, on the other hand, may be perceived as a “touch of god” even if no god exists in the person's belief system. Music, being a kind of art, allows for interpretation and debate, and it communicates through emotions. Then there's also something strange about it.

I listen to music ranging from contemporary Christian music to jazz and grandiose movie soundtracks while researching my dissertation thesis. I've discovered some instrumental music on YouTube a few times. Relaxing Instrumental Music by Michael Fesser, alias relaxdaily, from Germany, was one example of music that was claimed to aid concentration while studying (relaxdaily.net). Also, instead of reading background theories for my thesis, I've found myself reading other people's experiences, such as those related to relaxdaily's music. For a while, this appeared to be my side project. Despite the fact that the music was not designed for religious contexts or environments of use, it appears to have a spiritual effect on listeners, not simply in terms of relaxing them or increasing their study or job performance.

Here are some citations from Relaxing Instrumental Music – relaxdaily's Youtube page:

This music makes me feel as if one day, after I die, I will be reunited with my family in Heaven and will finally embrace Christ.

This is without a doubt the ideal way to start a vacation — relaxing and practicing some yoga. Your music is incredible and amazing, and it's quite addictive… I can't stop listening; I want to listen to this for the rest of my life.

Thank you so much, Michael. I'm seeking for some music to listen to while I read the Bible. And I've discovered your music. Thank you so much. You are loved by God. We are all loved by God.

I tried listening to some other relaxing music on YouTube. I continually return to your music because it has a special way of connecting with my spirit. You do a fantastic job. You have a special talent!!! This is what we call talent!

Michael, you are such a “faucet” to the globe! I've written some pretty fantastic worship lyrics to the melodies because that's exactly what your music does for me…it transports me to a realm of Godly serenity! Thank you very much!

Thank you so much, Michael. After listening to a variety of musical styles over the past 30 years, your music has become my all-time favorite. Thank you for providing this information. May Lord Krishna bestow his blessings on you.

These remarks, as well as my own research, got me thinking about music's heavenly character. How can we truly perceive the sacred in music, and what type of sacred do we encounter? What is it about music that makes it spiritual, especially when it's instrumental music with no religious overtones or connections? Music, according to Martin Luther, is a gift from God. Is it true that all music comes from God? “Almost every human person has a spiritual side and then another side,” one of my informants said, “therefore if you write music about your life, you will almost likely make a few spiritual songs as well.” You can't help but include spirituality in your music if you reflect your own life in it” (Enni). If this is true, does the same hold true whether music is played, sung, or listened to?

It's both perplexing and remarkable that people from all countries and religious backgrounds manage to have the same spiritual experience with the same song. The same music might be playing in the background whether someone was doing yoga or reading the Bible. It has the potential to draw a person's attention to both Christ and Krishna. Could it be that music creates a space for communication and understanding on the level of experiences amongst persons of various religious origins and cultures? Could people share the sense of being in the presence of something sacred even if the content of religion causes cognitive inconsistencies?

If you haven't already, consider listening to relaxdaily's music and letting it speak to your heart. Does it have a spiritual vibe to it? Even if it doesn't, based on Grace Fields' comment, I may suggest it to you for strictly secular reasons if you are a student, a doctorate student, a researcher, a lecturer, and especially if you are a professor:

42:00–52:00. This part of the music gave me life!!! I was writing a document paper on religion vs. spirituality, and this section of the tune gave me life!!! I wish my professor could hear me while grading my work! My grade, I feel, would be miraculous!!!

Is music worship a spiritual gift?

A: Several parts of the Bible are sometimes grouped together under the topic of “spiritual gifts,” most notably Romans 12, 1 Cor. It won't take you long to recognize that leading worship isn't a spiritual gift—not it's even stated in those areas.

What is considered a spiritual gift?

A spiritual gift or charism (plural: charisms or charismata; in Greek singular: charisma, plural: charismata) is an idea in which the Holy Spirit bestows remarkable power. Followers think that these are supernatural graces that individual Christians require (and that were required in the days of the Apostles) in order to fulfill the Church's mission. In the strictest sense, it is a theological word for the special graces bestowed on individual Christians for the benefit of others, as opposed to personal sanctification graces such as the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit and the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

The word of knowledge, enhanced faith, healing gifts, miraculous gifts, prophecy, spirit discernment, various kinds of tongues, and tongue interpretation are examples of these skills, which are often referred to as “charismatic gifts.” The gifts of apostles, prophets, teachers, aids (associated with service to the destitute and sick), and governments (or leadership abilities) are also associated with various Church ministries. Individuals are given these gifts by the Holy Spirit, but their mission is to build up the entire Church. They're mentioned in the New Testament, namely in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, and Ephesians 4. Spiritual gifts are also mentioned in 1 Peter 4.

The gifts are tied to both “natural” and “miraculous” abilities, both of which are empowered by the Holy Spirit. The two primary theological viewpoints on their nature are that they have long since ceased or that they continue (Cessationism versus Continuationism).

Is music a spirit?

Religion, society, or genre cannot define music's spiritual nature. All of those frames are preceded and transcended by music. To compare music and spirituality as if they were separate entities strikes me as weird. At its core, music is the sound of spirit. Music is a spiritual manifestation of the most universal nature and the greatest order when it is created from the heart with sincerity and pure intention.

Can music be a gift?

In actuality, your musical gift is a two-way street. On the one hand, I believe it is a pure gift from God that you have any musical talent, aptitude, or innovative ideas. It was not started by you. You were handed it.

Musical skill and inspiration, on the other hand, were not given to you solely for you to possess and preserve. It was given to you so that you might distribute it and share it with others.

So, if music is given TO you, and it is best appreciated when it flows OUT of you into the lives of others, don't you consider yourself a musical conduit or channel?

Don't Wait Until Your Music Is Perfect

The point I'm trying to convey today is simple: don't wait for your music to be great before sharing it.

Don't wait until you've created the best song, recorded the perfect vocal, or mixed the perfect recording before getting started. You'll never actually release anything if you do this, because no one can make a perfect work of art.

Great music is made by people. It has flaws. It has an ebb and flow to it. It has a profound impact on you. It isn't something that has been meticulously calculated and constructed. So it's fine to be honest about your messed-up music and yet share it.

We had big ambitions, but we never had enough time to polish our song or CD in the end. In actuality, we could have released more songs if we had just adopted more human and reasonable expectations for our music.

Rather, I believe in embracing our musical messiness and shortcomings while still presenting the best of what we have to give.

Be A Giver, Not A Hoarder

Stop hoarding music ideas or tracks to mix if you've been given them. Allowing the flow of music to come to a halt with you is not a good idea. Have some courage and charity, and share what you have with the rest of the world, even if you're afraid to.

With the Christmas holiday just a few days away, giving is a prominent subject this week. And Christmas began with a single gift: the gift of freedom and forgiveness through the birth (and subsequent perfect life, death, and resurrection) of Jesus 2,000 years ago.

He was a king, but he was born to a couple of ordinary industrious parents in an animal barn on the outskirts of a little town. Nothing about it was fancy, perfect, or well-put-together. In reality, many of people who had been waiting for Jesus' birth (and existence) for years were disappointed by his birth (and life).

And, as Christmas approaches, I can't help but reflect on the power of giving. How much more would others benefit if we were less hesitant to hold back and perfect things and more willing to give as we go?

Start Where You Are

To those who hear music, it is a gift. And if you're fortunate enough to be a musician, complete the circle of gift-giving by sharing your music with others. Don't let it die along with your unrealistic aspirations.

Move on to your next musical invention after passing it out. This isn't perfect, but it's a start, and you can only go forward from here.

So, this Christmas (whether you celebrate it or not) and in the future year, consider the concept of giving and how your music contributes to it.

What song or songs are you saving that you might need to “finish” and share with your friends and family in the coming weeks?

What expectations do you have of your music that are preventing you from completing the giving cycle I discussed earlier?

How can you embrace the gift you've been given and more freely share it with others, giving you more freedom and joy in your music making?

How do I know if I have a spiritual gift?

Accepting that intuition is a part of your personality is the first step in realizing it. The more you trust that you have this fundamental capacity, the more powerful your intuition gets. The stronger the messages get, and the easier your life will ebb and flow, the more you enjoy the fact that you are already receiving direction.

Consider whether you've experienced any of the following experiences and what you can do to help your life journey by encouraging them in a more powerful, positive, and meaningful way.

Have you ever heard the saying that everything happens in threes? It's critical to pay notice when there are trends in your life.

Six months after arriving in Los Angeles, I received a call from a friend who said he would be in town in three weeks and wanted to hook up with me. When I was thinking about him two weeks later in preparation for our plans, I didn't reach out since I assumed he would contact me like he had the previous time. I had several thoughts about him and even had a dream about him. After the dream, I awoke with the realization that I needed to call him that day. Instead, when I got on social media that morning and saw countless posts in response to his death, I was taken aback.

I've learnt my lesson; now, if I think of someone three times (or even fewer), I pay attention and pick up the phone to call them. The individual on the other end of the line is usually happy to hear from me.

Because sleep is our most creative and vulnerable condition, dreams and visions are most easily manifested.

My mother once had a dream that my father was about to die, and she awoke at 2 a.m. She instantly said a few prayers and attempted to sleep again after this nightmare. As it turns out, my father was climbing Mt. Hood in Oregon at the time, and he stepped into a crevice, causing an avalanche that nearly killed him. We don't always understand why we have dreams, but if you have them frequently, it's crucial to pay attention to them.

This might be a vision you see when talking to someone, a foreshadowing like the ones stated above in dreams, or just a random image that comes to mind.

Let's assume you're pulling out of the driveway and suddenly feel uneasy, and you have a mental vision of an accident in your head. You can then decide whether to wait till you feel comfortable or take a different route to work. Premonitions are frequently a type of communication intended to safeguard you from harm.

You thought you were getting up at 5 a.m. every morning to go pee, but it could be something else. Waking awake between the hours of 3 and 4 a.m. on a regular basis is a strong indication that spirits are trying to speak with you. This period is known as the “spiritual” or “connecting hour.” Sit up and allow yourself to receive messages if you consistently wake up at the same time every morning. They are warmly welcomed.

Children are the most conscious of the spirit realm, and they frequently refer to imaginary pals or villains in their nightmares. We reach a state of rest while we sleep “Delta and Theta” states are comparable to those we experienced as children. If there are spirits out there attempting to reach you, they may try to gently wake you up at first, but if that doesn't work, they may resort to nightmares.

I used to have nightmares every night when I initially came to Venice Beach. Worse, the lights were flickering and I was hearing strange noises. To say the least, I felt exceedingly uneasy. I ended up completing a spirit clearing with one of my paintings and, to my surprise, discovered who the spirit was in the process. My neighbor's mother, it turned out, had died when she was just 17 years old, looked exactly like me, and was also an artist. EEEEEk! I was terrified by everything. Looking back on this time in my intuitive journey, I would have most likely attempted to connect with her to figure out why she was in my area. But I was too uncomfortable at the time and wanted her to leave.

This is a highly frequent tendency among many people who are generally unaware of it. Frequently, we are experiencing experiences that are not ours, but rather those of someone we know. It could even be unrelated aches and pains or illnesses.

That used to happen to me on a regular basis. I was just driving from Los Angeles to Portland and began to feel tremendously afraid every time I passed a semi truck, as if they were trying to shoot me as I went past. I kept questioning it since it was the most unsettling experience I'd ever had. Isn't it true that I wasn't supposed to go to Portland? Later that evening, I learned that my girlfriend's parents had been kidnapped in Brazil and that gangs had erupted over the city. I had apparently been experiencing her family's concerns and emotions, and as soon as I realized what was going on, I felt at ease. When this happens, though, take a deep breath and exhale, clearing your mind of all unwanted emotions.

When I'm talking to someone and asking them a question, I frequently have an answer in my head before I even hear their response.

Voices are heard by certain persons. Some people get a thought in their head, while others get a response in their heart. It makes no difference how the signals reach you; what matters is that you are aware of them. When you identify this gift, it can be extremely beneficial in all aspects of your life.

Recognize when you're in a good mood and when you're in a bad mood. Let's assume you envision yourself laughing hysterically with your friends… What sensations do you have in your body as you recall this event? Then imagine yourself having the worst day of your life, whatever that means to you, and pay attention to what your body is telling you. The good and bad feelings will become more obvious as you ask your being questions on a regular basis. Then you'll be able to be yourself “Oracle” and stay in touch at all times. Instead of feeling nice and comforting, it could feel like pressure or even frigid. It's up to you to make sense of the situation.

I get a tingling sense a lot when somebody share something fantastic. When working with clients, I may have the similar sensation when releasing imprisoned emotions, beliefs, and other issues. Tingling and tickling sensations usually cause your body to move, even if it's just a momentary dance. The jumping sensation is usually automatic, and you react to it. Even when I'm writing something good, I'll occasionally be tingling the entire time. Tingling is magical to me; it's when everything is on point and spectacular. The sensation is the body's way of expressing itself “Yes!” says the universe.

You may start to feel a pressure between your brows before you realize you have an intuitive skill. This is your 3rd Eye, and it's a place where you can get messages and instruction. This experience will be strongest in those who are clairvoyant and can hear messages. Then it's a matter of checking in and sharing or “Consider how you're preparing to receive the visions. Some people can see the colors of other people's chakras through their third eye.

If you want to improve your intuition, consciously invite in the experiences listed above. You can express thanks for the experience as you grow more aware of the varied scenarios. It's almost as though you're becoming aware of your subconscious. It's a delicate line, to be sure, but it grows stronger with practice, just like any other muscle. You may also enhance the rate at which guidance and messages arrive to you.

Because it demonstrates your faith and believe in the guidance process, acknowledgment and thankfulness are the quickest ways to improve your intuitive talents.

Finally, it's critical to understand where the advice is coming from. It's critical to make requests that only the highest beings and light provide you messages and guidance. Another choice is to seek the highest level of insight and truth. You'll be better protected this way, especially against nightmares and voices. You don't want advice from those who don't have your best interests at heart.

What are the 7 gifts from God?

Wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord are the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. While some Christians regard them as a comprehensive list of precise characteristics, others see them as illustrations of the Holy Spirit's work through the faithful.

What is music to God?

Music is made first and foremost for the Lord, and then for each other. In the presence of God, music should communicate and express awe and wonder; it should direct our thoughts toward God rather than toward ourselves.