# Prayer to Saint Cecilia
*2015-11-22*

> Bill Young reflects on the feast of St. Cecilia, the patron saint of music, and offers a prayer asking her intercession for singers and musicians.

## Celebrating St. Cecilia

Good morning. This is Bill Young, and welcome to Prayer and Lunch. Today is Sunday, November 22nd, the feast day of St. Cecilia. Little is known about her life, but tradition tells us she lived in the third century, was martyred for her faith, and had a deep love for music.

## A Prayer for Music

Let us pray together, remembering that singing in church is both a song and a prayer. 

"O gracious Saint Cecilia, who chose to die rather than deny your King, we ask your intercession. As we lift our hearts in joyful song to honor Him, may our music become a double prayer—offered both in our hearts and with our tongues. May the notes we sing rise heavenward as a hymn of praise to God’s dwelling. Help us, dear Saint, to be united with Christ through music. Amen."

Saint Cecilia, help me, for my voice is not very strong.

## Petition for Confidence in Singing

I am preparing a patriotic rosary, and after each decade I intend to sing a patriotic hymn. I fear my voice may not be pleasant to hear. Saint Cecilia, grant me the confidence and encouragement to sing these songs so that they may uplift others. Amen.

*Saint Cecilia reminds us that music is a prayer that lifts both heart and voice toward God.*