Music as Prayer
The Theology and Practice of Church Music
Thomas H. Troeger
Reviews and Awards
"[A] delightful book. Troeger is a poet and a musician, and Music as Prayer is a book about music that reads musically....The volume would make for a terrific series of devotionals for a church choir or music committee. Even its brevity seems to acknowledge that the reader would benefit from putting down the book and picking up a hymnal or an instrument. Church music is wonderful to read and write about, but, truly, it is meant to be made. Music as Prayer equips us all to do just that."--Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology
"Troeger offers a gift both to those who play the organ and those who enjoy the contribution of music to worship. In these pages we move beyond the sound of music for aesthetic enrichment or entertainment to the experience of musical artistry as a transforming spiritual force in our lives."-C. Michael Hawn, Perkins School of Music, Southern Methodist University
"A compelling testimony to the manifold pastoral dimensions of the church musician's role! Theologian, poet, and musician, Prof. Troeger affirms the potential for deep empathy between clergy and musicians. A must read for all pastors and church musicians!"-John Walker, Minister of Music Emeritus, Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church, Baltimore
"Tom Troeger, this flutist, hymn-writer, teacher, preacher and story-teller, has written words of wonder and eloquence about music in worship that will inspire and inform all who sit or stand in pew, pulpit or organ bench."-Robin A Leaver, Yale Institute of Sacred Music
"In these beautifully written reflections and with a sensitive voice that captures the truth through personal anecdote, Thomas Troeger offers an exquisite endorsement of the pipe organ and of church music. He reminds us of the continuing centrality of instrument and voice in the liturgical life of the Church."-Bruce Neswick, Associate Professor of Organ, Indiana University Jacobs School of Music
"In Music as Prayer, pastor and musician Thomas H. Troeger invites the reader to cherish and engage in music as an act of prayer. Taking into account the metaphorical, scientific, and practical aspects of music-making Troeger illustrates the power of music to not only fill a space but to also clear a way for meaning and creativity." - Sophia Har, Sojourners
