Above:  Gustav Mahler (1860-1911), My Favorite Composer

Image Source = Wikipedia

I am, as I type these words, melting into his Symphony #1.–KRT

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

God of beauty,

when we melt into a symphony,

or an aria

or a concerto,

thank you.

When music transports us positively,

thank you.

When we find and experience beauty in music,

thank you.

Amen.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

KENNETH RANDOLPH TAYLOR

OCTOBER 8, 2011 COMMON ERA

THE FEAST OF SAINT BRIDGET OF SWEDEN, ROMAN CATHOLIC NUN,

THE FEAST OF ERIK ROUTLEY, HYMN WRITER

THE FEAST OF WILLIAM BLIGHT PORTER BLISS, EPISCOPAL PRIEST, AND RICHARD THEODORE ELY, ECONOMIST

http://blogatheologica.wordpress.com/2012/05/04/a-prayer-of-thanksgiving-for-the-enjoyment-of-music/

English Evensong

Image Source = Wikipedia

From Chalice Hymnal (1995), of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ):

God of glory, around whose eternal throne

all the heavenly powers offer their ceaseless songs of praise:

Grant that we may overhear these songs,

and with our own lips interpret them to all

in whose presence we play or sing;

That your church may behold the beauty of God,

and see with mortal eyes the land that is afar off,

where all your promises are celebrated,

and where all your love in every sight and sound

is the theme of eternal rejoicing;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

The Reverend Erik Routley (1917-1982) was an English Congregationalist/United Reformed pastor and hymn writer.  (The Congregational Church in England and Wales merged with the Presbyterian Church of England in 1972 to create the United Reformed Church.  The URC has expanded to encompass other Reformed denominations in the British Isles since its formation.)

Below:  Logo of the United Reformed Church (source = official website, which is http://www.urc.org.uk/)