Why We Created the “Pray Musically” Hats: A Story of Remembering Our Calling

“Pray Musically” first began as a simple tagline on Worship Leader Magazine, but it soon grew into a movement that redefined our approach to worship. Here’s the story of what it means to “Pray Musically” and why we felt compelled to create hats emblazoned with this powerful message.

“Worship Leaders are Prayer Leaders.”

This simple yet profound statement that my father, Chuck Fromm, repeated numerous times and it has profoundly impacted my understanding of worship leadership. It underscores a truth that seems to be increasingly overlooked. The title “Worship Leader” has been widely adopted, but its true essence and purpose are frequently forgotten. In essence, those who lead worship are fundamentally called to lead in prayer.

 

 

Prayer transcends the spoken word and finds powerful expression in song. As the old saying goes, “He who sings prays twice.” (The saying is frequently credited to St. Augustine, though this attribution is now a subject of debate.) This highlights the dual nature of our communication with God: spoken prayer and sung prayer. Both pastors and music directors, therefore, are prayer leaders by definition. We are not merely to talk to God in prayer; we are commanded to sing to Him. This mandate transforms everyone who directs music in a church into a worship leader and, consequently, a prayer leader.

If we align our lives with God’s purpose, we are called to pray continuously. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) is not merely a lofty ideal; it is the goal of our spiritual lives. When our hearts are properly aligned with God, everything we do becomes an act of prayer. Conversely, when our hearts stray from God’s purpose, even our most devout words fall short. Jesus reminds us of this truth. The essence of prayer is relationship. When we approach God humbly in prayer, we seek to be in right relationship with Him. This relational aspect is foundational to our role as worship leaders and prayer leaders.

Through my journey, I have come to recognize that each church plays a unique part in the tapestry of God’s kingdom work. Every congregation has a distinct gift to offer, a unique song to sing, and a special prayer to lift. Embracing this diversity enriches our collective worship and strengthens our communal relationship with God. Let us reclaim the true essence of our calling. As worship leaders, we are prayer leaders. Our mission is to foster a continuous, heartfelt dialogue with God through both spoken and sung prayer. In doing so, we fulfill our divine purpose and contribute to the beautiful mosaic of worship that glorifies Him.

The idea for the “Pray Musically” hats emerged from this renewed understanding. These hats are more than just a piece of apparel; they are a symbol of our commitment to the true essence of worship. Wearing these hats, we remind ourselves and our communities that every song we sing is a prayer lifted to God. It is a declaration that our worship is not confined to words but is a continuous, heartfelt dialogue with our Creator through music.

May our hearts remain ever aligned with His will, and may our lives be a ceaseless prayer. By wearing the “Pray Musically” hats, we embody this commitment, inspiring others to join us in transforming worship into a living, breathing act of prayer.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)