Bishop Bryan Bayda: Music is one of the ways God heals our souls, minds, bodies and spirits

As we prepare for the Jubilee of Youth in Rome, where thousands of young people from around the globe are preparing to embark on the Pilgrimage of Hope, we asked Bishop Bryan Bayda, Chairman of the UGCC Patriarchal Commission on Youth. He knows better than anyone how music and song can become the most sincere and effective form of prayer.

Bishop, what do you think a prayer that God hears sounds like? 

The smallest whisper of a thought is heard. God is aware of every thought and nuance in your heart. He surrounds us at all times and to be aware of this is a prayer. 

Do you feel that music heals the soul — yours, the community you serve, the people who hear your songs?  

I think it is one way that God heals our souls. It heals my mind, body and spirit. In the same way a photo or kind compliment takes us back to an experience we had earlier, I believe music engages the soul on many levels that is spiritually, physically and psychologically healing.  

Music helps us appreciate that we belong.  It reminds us we belong.  To belong heals the soul. When your soul realizes the Holy Spirit permeates every aspect of who you are then you know without doubt that you are loved and you belong. Others would have to speak for themselves of course about music and if it heals them.  

What spiritual song accompanies you in difficult moments? 

There are many indeed like the psalms accompany us. Any song that reminds us we are permanently in relationship with God heals us in difficult moments.  I sing a song called “I Stay”. It is about many distractions in life but a thousand ways that God reminds me I am eternally in Gods embrace. I sing it while praying the chotky.  

Do you remember a moment when music in prayer helped change your life? 

Prayer helps change my life everyday and especially when I write a song. The fruit of struggling to capture the truth and depth of an experience with music changes a person.  Searching For Silence is one of those songs.  

What song from your childhood still sounds in your heart like a prayer? 

The first song I recall singing again and again from the radio was sung by Petula Clark in the 1960’s. I was 5 years old then but I can see now how the Holy Spirit used this song to drive home a message. The refrain goes like this; 

My love is warmer than the warmest sunshine  

Softer than a sigh  

My love is deeper than the deepest ocean  

Wider than the sky  

My love is brighter than the brightest star  

That shines every night above  

And there is nothing in this world  

That can ever change my love.