The Power of Faith through Music: Building a Connection with Children By Dianne Pawlowski, Director, Nippising Parry Sound
Music has long been a powerful tool for teaching and connecting with people, especially children. Faith-based music holds a unique ability to instill spiritual messages and create a deeper connection to religious teachings. One of the most profound examples of this is the song “Our Father,” made famous by Sister Janet Mead in 1973. Her rendition of the Lord’s Prayer topped the charts, reaching #1 in Australia and #4 in the USA, proving that songs of faith can have widespread appeal and impact. However, beyond their popularity, faith-filled songs play a crucial role in spiritual formation, especially in young hearts.
As my priest often says, “Singing is like praying twice.” This idea highlights how music can amplify the spiritual experience. Songs are not just melodies; they are prayers set to rhythm, making it easier for children to engage with their faith. Whether it’s the familiar worship songs like “Be Not Afraid” or “On Eagle’s Wings,” or more modern songs like “Here I Am to Worship” by Tim Hughes, music helps make scripture relatable and accessible to people of all ages.
Faith-inspired music isn’t confined to traditional hymns or the repetitive children’s songs like “He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands.” Christian music today offers a vibrant and diverse range that extends beyond Sunday worship into everyday life. Contemporary Christian artists have been crafting songs that transcend into pop culture for decades, communicating biblical truths in relevant ways that resonate with all generations.
Take the 1986 hit “Kyrie” by Mister Mister – it carries spiritual depth with its refrain, “Kyrie Eleison,” meaning “Christ, have mercy.” It’s a fitting song for moments of reflection, especially in life’s challenges, calling for God’s guidance. Similarly, “Bulletproof” by Citizen Way, draws from Ephesians and urges listeners to put on the ‘armor of God’ to move forward without fear through life’s challenges.
For parents, hymns from the Catholic songbook are comforting connections to their own spiritual upbringing, but they don’t have to rely solely on these songs. They can introduce their children to a new generation of Christian music, offering fresh sounds and meaningful messages that bring faith into daily life. These songs aren’t just for Sundays; they can be enjoyed during car rides, family moments, or personal prayer, anchoring faith in everyday activities. They bring scripture to life in ways that are engaging, uplifting, and transformative. These songs can be woven into the fabric of daily life, reminding us of God’s mercy, love, and presence at every turn.
If you’re looking to explore some new faith-based music, here’s a short list of our family’s (and parish’s) favourite songs and artists to check out this week:
- “WaveWalker” – Citizen Way https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogmsXfAEXq0
- “Bulletproof” – Citizen Way https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4gG6ST0DVkw
- “The Same Love” – Paul Baloche https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvfuKoC2kdU
- “Hosanna (Praise is Rising)” – Paul Baloche https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oAaQ5EEXidc
- “Kyrie” – Mister Mister https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NDjt4FzFWY
- “10000 Reasons” – Matt Redman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXDGE_lRI0E
- “Thank You Lord” – Don Moen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN3_tSDhDpY
- “Here I Am to Worship” – Tim Hughes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXg2ztge8f0
- “Who You Say I Am” – Hillsong Worship –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcC1Bp13n_4
- “Risen” – Shawna Edwards – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCQsK1t9EKY
Enjoy discovering how these songs can inspire and deepen your connection to faith!