Musica divina instructions

While lectio divina is a traditional way of listening to a spiritual reading with the ear of the heart, in musica divina we listen to a short piece of music with the ear of the heart. We may hear God speaking to us through the music or simply rest in God’s presence as we listen to it.

Choose one of the pieces of music below or another short piece of music. Below are three questions that you may reflect on if you choose as you listen to the music three times.

Listen with the ear of the heart.

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As you listen to the music, notice your breath and your body. Simply be present to the music and allow it to speak to your heart, without any particular agenda.  

• Play music first time.

How do you feel listening to the music?

• Play music second time.

Do you get a glimpse of the sacred from this music? Is God speaking to you in this music?

• Play music third time.

If you choose, share aloud a word or phrase to express your experience of the music. 

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Examples of music that might be used:

Paul Robeson, Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child

Bach Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, Prélude, performed by Yo-Yo Ma

'Tis the Gift to Be Simple, performed by Sister R. Mildred Barker & United Society of Shakers

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View sessions of Centering Prayer By Video that incorporate musica divina.

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Reading Suggestions:

Read and listen to an article on chanting the Psalms.

Cynthia Bourgeault, Chanting the Psalms: A Practical Guide with Instructional CD

Music: Physician for Times to Come, ed. Don Campbell, especially
Tim Wilson, “Chant: The Healing Powers of Voice and Ear,”
Manfred Clynes, “On Music and Healing,”
Jonathan S. Goldman, “Sonic Entrainment,”
Bradford S. Weeks, “ The Physician, the Ear and Sacred Music”