Welcome to Quiet Time Coaching, episode 574. Today we’re talking about Celtic spirituality and sacred music.

The reason this is on my mind is that I’m preparing a session on this topic for the contemplative Christian retreat we’ll be holding in Glendalough, Ireland. I’ll put details below.

As I’ve been preparing, I’ve been reflecting on the role music plays in our relationship with God. Most of us have experienced moments when a song, a hymn, or even a piece of instrumental music has touched something deep inside us. Sometimes music seems to help us connect with God in a way that words alone cannot.

That’s certainly something the Celtic tradition appreciated. Celtic Christians had a strong awareness of God’s presence in everyday life and in the created world. Music was one of the ways they responded to that presence.

Core Teaching

Paul wrote in Colossians 3:16:

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”

Notice that music is not an optional extra. It’s one of the ways God’s word lives among his people. Music teaches, encourages and helps us express our gratitude to God.

Recently I listened to a podcast featuring the musician and theologian Noël Tredinnick. He made a comment that caught my attention. Here is the quote:

"Is music itself per se holy? Is music the language of the spheres, the language of harmony and harmonic series, and the scientific atoms that make up sound? The whole concept of melody, the long line of melody, linear music, harmonic music, vertical music? Is that an accident? No, that's God given. Maybe I'm a weirdo, but I have an obsession that music is a gift from God. It's more than just having to be attached to words. It can be attached to words and it speaks wonderfully when it's attached to Christian words, the Bible or whatever. But I think it also speaks wonderfully when you just play instrumental music."

From Music, Theology and Worship with LST: Orchestral Mission: Noël Tredinnick, 23 Apr 2026

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/music-theology-and-worship-with-lst/id1847574466?i=1000763258409&r=862

He notes that music is a gift from God and that it speaks powerfully not only when joined to words, but also when it stands on its own as instrumental music.

I think that’s an interesting thought.

We readily understand how a hymn or worship song can move us spiritually. But what about a melody with no words? Why can a simple piece of music sometimes calm our hearts, lift our spirits, or help us sense God’s presence?

Perhaps it’s because music is part of God’s good creation. Like beauty in nature, music can point beyond itself to the One who created it.

This connects with a well-known Celtic idea, the concept of “thin places”. These are moments or places where we become especially aware of God’s presence. While the phrase is often associated with particular locations, I wonder whether music can create those moments too.

Have you ever been listening to a piece of music and suddenly become more aware of God? More aware of gratitude? More aware of peace? If so, perhaps you’ve experienced something of a thin place.

Practical Application

So how might we make use of music in our times with God?

One idea is to spend a few minutes listening prayerfully to a piece of music. It might be a hymn, a worship song, a piece of sacred choral music, or simply an instrumental piece that helps you focus on God.

Another idea is to pay attention to your response. What emotions does the music stir? What thoughts come to mind? Does it lead you towards gratitude, trust, repentance, or worship?

And don’t rush. Allow space for silence as well. Sometimes it’s not only the music that helps us hear God, but the quietness that follows.

I’d be interested to hear your thoughts. Has music played an important role in your spiritual life? Are there particular pieces of music that help you connect with God? Let me know. I’d love to hear about your experience.

Closing

As I continue preparing for the retreat, I’m becoming increasingly grateful for the gift of music.

Whether through singing, listening, or simply sitting quietly after the final note has faded, music can help us turn our attention towards God.

Perhaps this week you could set aside a few minutes to listen carefully, prayerfully, and attentively.

You may find that God has something to say.

Your brother,

Malcolm

Retreat information: https://shop.thewayministry.global/2026-csr/home

Music by Paul Winter from Pixabay