Birdsong Prayers

The birdsong symphony starts early in the morning this time of year and I love it! From the moment the sun lightens the sky at 5 am, the orchestral warm ups begin. By 7:00 we have a full-on sonata that sooths my soul. I step outside into mother nature’s concert hall, water my garden, and breathe deeply. There’s just something soothing about birdsong, isn’t there?

When my dad was in hospice during his last weeks of life, we would frequently play recordings of birdsong quietly in his room. It felt soothing. It felt hopeful. It felt like prayer.

It turns out there may be wisdom in praying with the birds. Researchers at King's College London found that birdsong can actually reduce stress, improve mood, and ease feelings of anxiety.

What I find especially encouraging is that birdsong doesn't have to be live to calm us. Whether it's coming from the trees around you or from a recording, the simple sound of birds singing can help soothe a weary spirit. What a gift!

It makes me wonder just what it is about birdsong that draws us in. Some have suggested that hearing birdsong may feel comforting because birds only sing when they feel safe in their environment. In the absence of danger, birds sing to their hearts content without fear – “Here I am” they boldly proclaim to all who can hear!   

Perhaps birdsong can be a gentle reminder that we are safe in God’s tender embrace. Amidst the safety and serenity of a songbird serenade, we can lean into Jesus’ words to “be not afraid,” and then boldly proclaim, “Here I am, Lord!” 

This summer as I seek little moments of peaceful prayer amidst the blessed busy-ness of it all, I hope to create more moments for birdsong prayer – either listening live to the birds in my garden, or listening to an audio clip like the one you’ll find below. I invite you to enjoy a little birdsong prayer this summer, discovering God’s Presence in the simple everyday gift of a bird's song.