On November 4, 1847, Felix Mendelssohn, a German composer, pianist and conductor, died. 

Mendelssohn wrote some of my favorite piano pieces called “Songs Without Words”. It is a collection of 48 songs written for solo piano rather than voice. Mendelssohn wrote many works for voice, but I believe he wanted these songs to speak to the listener in a different way. I think he wanted to meet the listener where they were emotionally without using words. 

Sometimes we have no words to describe how we are feeling or what is going on in our mind and heart. Sometimes others have no words to help us feel better. Sometimes we have no words to lift up in prayer to God. 

Mendelssohn’s collection is, to me, moving and soul-touching music without using words. Some of the pieces are soft and delicate and some are fast and angry. It reminds me that our time with God can be silent and still be beautiful and meaningful. It could also be a time for us to scream, wail, cry and shout. God can handle it. 

Prayer-

Lord, I thank you for the opportunities to be silent and know that you are with me. I also thank you for the times I need to vent my anger through groans or tears. It is comforting to feel your presence when what is going on in my heart can’t be expressed with words. 

It is comforting that you know my heart and love me unconditionally. 

Amen. 

~Julie Wilson