Ludwig Beethoven began to lose his hearing in 1798. This was devastating to a musical composer of Beethoven’s stature, as he could no longer hear the music he was creating for appreciative audiences. His encroaching deafness assaulted his considerable pride and caused him to become introspective. While Ludwig had been raised in the church, he was not a practicing Catholic in his adult years and was heavily influenced by Enlightenment ideals. He became interested in sacred music and wrote in his diary in 1815 that he wanted to compose a substantial choral work to the glory of God, much as Johann Sebastian Bach had done. Ludwig started working on Missa Solemnis in D major, Op. 123 in 1819, one of his most celebrated musical achievements. It is not often performed today since it requires a large chorus and full orchestra. When he finished the work in 1823, he wrote in a letter, “My chief aim [in writing the Missa Solemnis] was to awaken and permanently instill religious feelings into the singers but also the listeners.” Missa Solemnis is a five-part work consisting of a Kyrie (three petitions for mercy), Gloria (hymn of praise to the glory of God), Credo (statement of belief), Sanctus (praise to the glory of God), and Agnus Dei (acclamation of Christ’s mercy and three closing appeals for mercy). The Credo, which represents the heart of the work, is a musical rendition of the Nicene Creed, a fundamental tenet of Christian churches. As Ludwig labored on Missa Solemnis, he kept in regular contact with a Jesuit theologian and teacher, Johann Michael Sailer (1751-1832). Johann was uniquely suited to speak into Ludwig’s life since he had a healthy respect for reason as espoused by the Enlightenment yet also retained a lively belief in God’s transcendent power through Jesus Christ. Did Sailer bring Beethoven all the way over to saving faith in Christ? God only knows, but Sailer’s contributions to Missa Solemnis were undoubtedly considerable, and today, music aficionados the world over can hear the gospel through this sacred composition. Today’s prayer is attributed to Johann:
Johann Sailer
Father, with thankful and humble hearts, we appear before Thee. We would thank Thee for all the benefits that we have received from Thy goodness. It is to Thy blessing we owe what success we have found. Every opportunity for doing good; every impulse in the right way; each victory we have gained over ourselves; every thought of Thy presence; every silent but loving glance on the example of our pattern, Thy Son our Lord—all are alike Thy gifts to us. Give us strength and wisdom to walk faithfully and joyfully in the way of willing obedience to Thy laws and cheerful trust in Thy love. The best thanksgiving we can offer Thee is to live according to Thy holy will; grant us every day to offer it more perfectly and to grow in the knowledge of Thy will and love forevermore. Amen.
Mary Tileston, Prayers, Ancient and Modern.
Rev. Dr. Peter James served 42 years as the senior of Vienna Presbyterian Church in Vienna, VA — 21 years in the 20th century and 21 years in the 21st century. He retired in 2021 and now serves as Pastor-in-Residence at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Even as a pastor, prayer came slowly to Pete. Read Pete’s story.