This past month, I discovered once again how life can have a way of springing interesting surprises on us! Out of the blue, I was asked if I would accompany the small choir in our Village on the piano. And in what was perhaps a weaker moment, I agreed!
What could have possessed me? After all, it’s a long time since I accompanied a choir or singing group—possibly around … ahem … thirty-five years! Yes, I have played for congregational worship in that time—but not a great deal, as I have felt those days too are over. Yet I could not help but say yes when our lovely conductor phoned and asked if I would help out. Besides, I soon discovered how much we had in common, with our lifelong involvement in music and also with husbands who are both retired ministers.
In no time at all, I was given the music for five items the choir will sing at two Christmas concerts. Four of these turned out to be easy enough, but the fifth one saw me scurrying to the piano to practise. So many tricky twists and turns and unexpected key changes!
Then the moment came for my big return to accompanying. Everyone was so welcoming—and so grateful to have someone prepared to play for them. I soon felt at ease, especially when I realised the group found that challenging carol even more challenging than I did! I kept my eye on our conductor—and I also tried to help everyone along, wafting up into the melody line at times when the tricky accompaniment was leading some astray. I knew my role as an accompanist was just that—to accompany the singers and enhance their efforts rather than try to outdo them in any way.
As I strolled home that afternoon, it dawned on me that accompanying others in a musical sense is a little like the style of mentoring or spiritual companionship I have tried to give others over the years and still do. As best I can, I endeavour to walk in step with them, to listen to them, to pray for them, to provide resources that may help them somehow and yes, perhaps even to challenge at times when needed.
Then I realised too what a big part the whole idea of accompanying has played in my own journey with God—and still does. Recently when I spoke somewhere, I shared the following quote from Clement of Alexandria:
Prayer is keeping company with God
This is the privilege you and I have as children of God—to walk hand in hand with Jesus each day, listening, learning, knowing we are loved and accepted, talking with him, receiving strength, comfort and guidance. Of course, the difference is that Jesus is the perfect Shepherd, who is also to be honoured and obeyed as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Yet by grace, he chooses to accompany us day by day through all our ups and downs.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. Psalm 23:1-3
Now that’s the fine art of accompaniment at its best, don’t you think?
Jo-Anne Berthelsen's Blog 
In Isaiah we find a curious text: “… these I will bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in the house of my prayer” (וְשִׂמַּחְתִּים בְּבֵית תְּפִלָּתִי). Note the wording: not “my house of prayer”, but “the house of my prayer.” (Isaiah 56:7; Barachot 7A) But how is it possible for God to engage in prayer? And with whom?
The answer lies in understanding that Hebrew prayer is not only a “request-making session.” It is a communal bonding between God and his child. The house of “his prayer” is, therefore, where God himself engages in introspection and in so doing bonds deeply with his people. They in turn reciprocate this action in their own prayers and bond with Him.
Those are lovely reflections, Winston–thanks so much for passing them on. Now that is true ‘accompaniment’ in its purest form, for sure.
Thanks for sharing that, Jo. It also made me think about how often we undervalue, or even neglect altogether, those who have ‘accompaniment’ roles. For example, we praise the singer, but not the pianist who accompanied them. We praise the minister for a great sermon, but not the person on the sound desk who enabled us to hear what was said. I think some of us will be surprised when we get to heaven and discover just how important those accompanists were in supporting those who had more high-profile ministries. Great food for thought. And good on you for accompanying that choir. I’m sure they appreciated it.
Thanks for your thoughtful comments, Nola. To be honest, I really enjoy accompanying the little choir here–although they think they don’t quite rate that title and have opted instead for ‘singing group’! I was in various choirs when I was younger and always admired the excellent work the accompanists did, so I remember all of them as I play now. And yes–I think we might be in for a few surprises too!
Thanks for sharing! It is a great reminder that accompanying people not just blesses them but blesses us also.
I truly agree, Leila, that, as we accompany others in whatever shape of form, God blesses us. Thanks for taking the time to comment–and it was so good meeting you at the Omega Conference and having you in my little ‘host group’!
As an old piano player I enjoyed and was challenged very much by your thoughts, Jo. It has reminded me that ageing does not mean we should stop practising abilities that God wants us to use where, how and when He wants us to bless others.
Lovely to hear from you, Mary–hope you are keeping well. Yes, it is quite fun, accompanying such a lovely group of singers from all sorts of backgrounds. I have been very humbled by the way they so appreciate my playing, as rusty as I am and everything!