Prayer Chants

Like the music from Taiz described earlier, prayer chants may be comprised of one textual and musical phrase that is repeated. This kind of chant focuses the attention of the worshiper and allows the worshiper to experience God's presence without the need to be concerned about the mechanics of the music. Using Chants in Worship Prayer chanting-a musical form in which complete concentration is given to a repeated word or phrase-can be a useful meditation technique. This form is similar in style to the Jesus prayer: "O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior, have mercy on me, a sinner. " Prayer chants are also beginning to be used in liturgical (communal prayer) settings. Liturgists and musicians are learning that this short ostinato form complements hymns, songs, responsorial psalms, litanies, and acclamations. The prayer chant experience is somehow different from that found in other musical forms. But what connection exists between the chanting experienced seated alone in a room b…