Music to Pray By: The Rain

Sacred music has a large part to play in our Catholic lives. Every one of us can surely name some religious song that lifts our spirits, be it “Ave Maria” or “Here I Am, Lord.”

But even music that is not specifically religious can have a spiritual side to it. Any beautiful melody can orient our thoughts towards God, the source of all creation – and that, in itself, is a kind of prayer.

In this series, I'll highlight five pieces that, while not ostensibly “churchy,” are nonetheless very powerful at getting me into a prayerful, contemplative frame of mind. Sample them here, or make a playlist for your own quiet moments.

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“The Rain” by Joe Hisaishi (on the album Blanc)

I was playing this in my classroom before school started once, and a student told me it sounded “sad.” I think I’d call it “reflective” (and it does get slightly more up-tempo at the end). Whatever it is, it’s beautiful, especially as played by Canadian violinist Angèle Dubeau.

https://youtu.be/3sEyog2CbV4

Which secular songs get you in a prayerful frame of mind? What would you add to the list?

Listen to my other Music to Pray By selections.