In Memorium... the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary

December 14, 2012 ...

Like most tragic and shocking events, the news of this elementary school shooting came by word of mouth. I was at work, thinking more of my performance that evening than anything else. I suppose we never really feel the full impact of these events unless we are personally tied to them. So many people experienced a tragedy that day that I can't even begin to comprehend. Despite being far from the events and the deep emotions of that day, I was profoundly touched that evening by what I consider to be the greatest tribute I've heard.  

That Friday evening, the official opening of the Mormon Tabernacle Christmas Concert 2012, Lloyd Newell began the evening with remarks on the tragic events of the day. We dancers were in our places in the aisles as the entire Conference Center bowed head and paused in a moment of silence for the victims and families. It was a somber beginning to the evening performance, though it didn't darken the mood. 

The day's events jumped poignantly to the forefront of the show, however, when Alfie Boe sang "Bring Him Home." I had heard the song several times before, between dress rehearsals and other shows. This time was different. In the musical Les Miserables, the song is often titled "The Prayer." When Alfie sang on Friday, December 14, 2012, it truly felt like a prayer for the beautiful children and teachers who had lost their lives. 

May our God always bring us home to Him. 

Day 13: D&C 25:12

I'm sure you don't really care to hear it (yet again this week), but I am so tired!! I put in almost 50 hours at work this week. Ridiculous. And my sleep has definitely suffered. But I have stuck with this blog project and prayer project, despite it keeping me up later than I'd like. Accountability.... it's a strong pull to keep you exactly honest to your word. Lest ye think I randomly grab a scripture about prayer and write a few words about it, let me fill you in on how this works for me. Sometimes I'll have a particular idea or concept that sticks in my mind all day and unfolds itself as I look for scriptures that relate to that and prayer. I feel like those days are particularly special. Days like today, I usually end up doing a search in Gospel Library. I choose which variation of prayer I want to look for, then decide what book of scripture I'll focus on. Sometimes it takes several tries before I find the scripture that stands out and feels right for the night. So it may be random, but there is method to it. 

Tonight was one of those "oh I need a scripture for tonight and I haven't prepared yet and it's already 11pm and I can just start searching while Perry Mason  wraps up" nights. When I found this familiar verse about the song of the heart and the righteous being a prayer unto God, I realized this was what I needed to share. Many of these prayer scriptures have focused on the need to pray always -- and even if the verses I've shared haven't said that, it's one of those common answers we know about prayer. I have often mused on how we pray often and make it effective, etc. Tonight, I realized that music that brings the spirit can be its own kind of prayer. Music is something I turn to when the stress at work is about to explode and I just need to focus and unwind the energy. A good song not only helps me focus, but it relaxes me and helps me get the calm peace back from the Spirit, who was probably crowded out of my mind from all the other stuff going on. I want to share one of my new favorite songs that makes my soul soar and my skin tingle. It brings me happiness, peace, and calm as it transports me through sound to a better place. Transcend. That's what it does. As you listen, consider what non-traditional prayers you pray each day to keep calm and bring the Spirit with you in what you're doing. I'd love to hear what works for you!

PS. I absolutely love the opening quote on this film. Gorgeous. 

Day 11: John 14:26-27

These verses have arguably nothing to do with prayer. However, they are frequent comfort verses for me, and reflect the feelings I can get from prayer. Several years ago, my friend Rachel set these two verses to music. I still wish I had a recording of it, but the memory is imprinted in my mind. I hear the tune when I read these verses. One thing I loved about her arrangement was ow the music broadened and settled like a blanket during the beginning of verse 27... Peace I leave in you. My peace I give unto you. Peace being drawn out and lengthened in the phrase.

Prayer brings peace. It is beautiful. It wraps and protects us. For me tonight, I cold pray for nothing better.