After concluding Dvořák’s Cello Concerto with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, German cellist Raphaela Gromes did something unexpected. Speaking without a microphone, she acknowledged the troubling state of our world and invited everyone in Hamer Hall to pray. At first, she hesitated and joked that she might not be serious; but then, she continued, “Actually, I’m not joking.”
She returned to her place on stage and, joined by four MSO cellists, began to play Tropar: Prayer to the Holy Mother of God, composed by Ukrainian composer Hanna Havrylets (1958-2022). Havrylets died in Kyiv on the third day of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, after suffering an aneurysm and being unable to access medical help due to the conflict.
As the cello ensemble played the solemn and sacred notes of Tropar, the whole hall was drawn into something deeper. The haunting music touched our hearts and lifted our minds towards what is good and beautiful. And then I realised – that’s prayer! As the Baltimore Catechism says: “Prayer is the lifting up of our minds and hearts to God.” That’s exactly what was happening.
There was silence among the audience. I think we were all in awe of it all. There was something more than just series of notes being played on those cellos. I thought to myself, ‘Wow, God created we human beings with the capacity to create something as powerful as music to connect with Him.’
As a Christian, I found myself thinking: I wish this happened more often. Public invitations to prayer are rare in our Australian secular society, and even more so in artistic spaces.
We know that prayer should be second nature to Christians. But often, it’s not. I confess there are moments when I should have turned to God, but didn’t. My so-called “second nature” failed to appear. I often pray only when I need something from God.
And I know I’m not alone. Some avoid prayer because they feel their prayers go unanswered. Others shy away out of doubt, discouragement or discomfort with expressing their faith publicly. It’s easy to judge; but the Christian response is not judgment: it is to pray for those people who find it difficult to pray. And often, those people are us.
Allow me to share a simple tip: praying with music.
1. Choose music that draws you in
It could be Taizé music, Gregorian chant or even contemporary praise and worship. Choose what helps you enter a prayerful space.
2. Set aside time.
Listening to music in the car or with headphones is good; but intentional prayer time is even better. Start small: five or ten minutes. Many Gregorian chants are scripture-based and meditative, helping us stay grounded in God’s Word.
3. Ask for the grace of familiarity with God.
St Ignatius of Loyola spoke of familiaritas cum Deo – a familiarity with God – especially in the context of retreat. Music can offer us a mini retreat each day, helping us grow in relationship with God, not just in transactional prayers but in sustained communion.
I hope these thoughts help you, as they’re helping me. I know I need to walk the talk now; and begin again.
Let me conclude with the simple and powerful words of Tropar translated from the original Ukranian:
Holy Mother of God, hear us.
Holy Mother of God, be our intercessor.
Help us with your almighty hand.
Defeat the enemies who attacked us
Link to Tropar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JmM7RPfwr0
About Fr Adi Indra
Fr Adi Indra is the Assistant Priest at Shepparton and Supervising Priest at Rushworth. He was ordained a priest of Sandhurst in 2021 and holds a Licentiate in Canon Law from the Pontifical Gregorian University.
