I love music, not all genres, although my preferences are quite varied, which is surprising considering the sheltered environment I grew up in.

You see, I was raised in The Salvation Army, which means I played a brass instrument, generally, the tenor horn, although I could play the cornet, baritone or euphonium. I also played the tambourine, a common instrument used in Salvation Army rhythm brigades or played in church during a good rousing Sunday evening sing-along. However, this was about the only music I was exposed to besides the shows my parents watched. They liked Lawrence Welk, The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour, Don Messer’s Jubilee, and Anne Murray television specials. My father especially enjoyed Johnny Cash's music.

It wasn’t until I left The Salvation Army that my experience in music appreciation was expanded. While I am always moved when I hear a Salvation Army band, mostly because of the fond memories, I have come to a greater understanding of how music can soothe, heal and lead us to a place of worship. It doesn’t necessarily have to be church music. I love classical and light jazz, choirs and voices of all kinds, particularly classical male singers like Andrea Bocelli. Instruments like the cello, sax, piano and symphonies can bring me to a place of total relaxation and contemplation. I am fascinated to imagine what Heaven will be like when all voices and instruments will combine to worship and praise the LORD, our God!

I also love the lyrical echoes found in the beautiful world God has gifted us. The lilting song of a bluebird, the crashing of the powerful ocean waves, the roaring of the mighty thunder or the soft, gentle whisper of a hummingbird's wings. There’s a melody to be found in the giggles of a group of children, the cry of a newborn or the trill of the rain on a rooftop.

Can pleasant-sounding music flow from our very lives? In his writings to the Church in Corinth, the Apostle Paul said that without love, we are simply a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal (1 Corinthians 13:1). A person or a church without love is generally filled with disharmony, discord, conflict and bitterness.

I believe that when our lives are filled with God’s love, we can and will be used as instruments to make this world a much more wonderful, melodic place!

And so, as I pondered these thoughts, I wrote the following prayer, entitled, Lord, May I Be Your Instrument. I pray it will bless you, as you consider how you can be the song that cheers someone along, even when you least expect it. God’s love, after all, is music of the heart!

Lord, May I Be Your Instrument

Lord, may I be an instrument of Your peace,
Slow to speak, and quick to listen,
With a vision to see the hidden hurt,
Offering comfort simply by being present

Lord, may I be me an instrument of Your grace,
With open hands and extended arms,
To give what I can, where I can, whenever I can,
With a generous and compassionate heart

Lord, may I be an instrument of Your love,
With godly insight that sees beyond barriers,
Offering a tender touch, an undivided moment,
Forgiveness and acceptance, with heaven’s grace

Lord, may I be an instrument of Your beauty,
Reflecting the light of Your glory,
In this broken, wounded and weary world,
By Your Spirit, use me to expand Your Kingdom

Lord, may I be Your instrument … music of the heart!

Susan Page is the daughter of the King, His beloved child, wonderfully forgiven and blessed! Susan longs to age gracefully, becoming more like Jesus as she seeks the hidden treasures revealed to her through Scripture, literature, the arts, humankind, and nature.