The Power of Music

Singer-songwriter Lorraine Hess shares her thoughts on the power of music in all aspects of our lives. Consider how you use music in parenting and prayer.

Qui cantat bis orat — Latin for, “who sings, prays twice” (Saint Augustine). How does music double our prayer? Why does music have the power to convey what words alone cannot? And what does that have to do with motherhood?  

When I visited Lourdes, France in 2024, I participated in the nightly procession of the statue of Our Lady. Pilgrims from all over the world followed the statue and prayed the Rosary holding candles. The parade wove in a serpentine up and down the square like a meandering river of light. The first night I was there, I participated in the procession. The second night, I watched from the top of the Basilica, and it was a spectacular display of devotion to Mary. (If you ever go to Lourdes, I highly recommend experiencing both!)  

As magnificent as it was to watch the parade of candles, what drew me in was the music. The Rosary is prayed in multiple languages during this procession, and all the pilgrims sang the beloved tune, Immaculate Mary. Regardless of the language, we are all able to sing together, “Ave, ave, ave Maria. Ave, ave Maria.” There was a bond between pilgrims who were unable to converse with one another because of the language barrier; but we could pray together because of the music. 

Music is an art that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of musical talent. Within the first few seconds of a tune, it invokes a certain emotion or mood. We play upbeat music while on the elliptical to help us push through a workout. We sing soft lullabies to our babies so they will sleep. Imagine playing the reverse for these scenarios!  

Music in liturgy is meant to enhance the experience of the Paschal Mystery. Somber music sets the tone for Lent. Joyful hymns, Easter. As a pastoral musician most of my life, I have had the blessing of writing, planning, singing, and playing music, and I have observed its impact on the assembly. I have sung for the happiest and saddest occasions in many people’s lives.  

Music in liturgy and our prayer time can have the same impact as a soundtrack to a blockbuster movie. Titanic, Rocky, The Godfather, Mission Impossible, Frozen, The Lion King, Top Gun, Wicked: Would they have been so successful without the music? When we listen to just two measures of any of these tunes, it immediately takes us somewhere.  

Music and Motherhood 

How does that help us with motherhood? When my children were young and in school, afternoons were for homework, cooking dinner, preparing for rehearsal, laundry, and making lunch for the next day. (You know the drill!) My four sons often came home wired from the day, and I was tense myself. Settling them (and me) down to study was sometimes a chore, especially on rainy days when there was no recess. (I dreaded days when they had no recess!)  

What they listened to in the car on the way home would either add to their energy or calm it down. The same was true in the house. They may not have liked classical music, but I tried that once and it was amazing how different the atmosphere was compared to some of the music they preferred. I’m not dissing any genre of music; I am suggesting that background sounds have power. It truly makes a difference what we let our children’s developing ears hear. 

In my prayer time, I find it helps me settle in when I start with playing a sacred song. It can be a contemporary Christian song like, Lord, I Need You by Matt Maher, Gregorian Chant, or even one of my own recordings like, As I Pray. Whatever I’m feeling that day … joy, anxiety, peace, grief, love. You name it! Use music to draw you in, settle your heart, and help you focus. 

Last summer, my son got married, and my talented friends led the music. I held it together until the music started. I thankfully avoided the ugly cry. (I would have sobbed like a baby if I hadn’t spent so much money on my makeup!) I loved my son just as much before the music than during, but the piano, strings, and voices held me closer to him in my heart that day.  

Music Enhances All Occasions 

I encourage you to use music to enrich all your experiences. Try classical music while gardening, high school favorites running errands, dance music while cooking, jazz classics while doing your makeup, calming music while bathing the kids, and your favorite sacred tunes before or while praying. Make playlists for the different occasions in your life, and enjoy music’s power. 

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Copyright 2026 Lorraine Hess
Images: Canva