A while ago, I went through a tough time. I didn’t have anything nice to say to God. Prayer was impossible, and I felt lost and empty. Then I heard “The Valley Song” by Jars of Clay. I heard the promise I wanted so much to believe—that God would lead me through my “valley of sorrow” into “rivers of joy.”

“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV)

When I couldn’t talk to God, songs became my prayers. When pain threatened to swallow me and I couldn’t sing without crying, I could listen to music and find that God wasn’t far away after all.

—Kristin Camiolo

REFLECT: When I listen to song lyrics—to an artist expressing praise to God, shouts of joy, doubts and struggles—I think about my own relationship with God; and often, I feel compelled to pray. How does music prompt you to communicate with God?

—Steven Wyble