Singing of Benediction Songs in Private Prayer

[Red_James]

I’ve recently started praying in a more “solemn” nature at home: I pray for longer by saying a particular Litany and prayers to a particular saint, and spend more time in silence and reflecting on my faith. At home, for my weekly “solemn” prayer session, I sing Eucharist songs, which are used during Exposition and Benediction in Church. I begin by singing “O Salutaris Hostia” and then I pray by reciting a litany and other prayers. After I’ve finished, I meditate for a little while and conclude by signing “Tantum Ergo,” after which I kiss the crucifix, and say a prayer of thanksgiving. Am I allowed to sing these two beautiful songs in my private prayer at home, or can they only be sung in Church when praying to the Blessed Sacrament?

I really like singing these two songs and they help me focus on my prayers; however, I don’t want to be committing a sin, every time I pray, by singing one of my favorite songs when I am not allowed to.

 

[Della]

You may want to step the official daily prayer of the Church, the Liturgy of the Hours. Lay people generally pray Morning Prayer (which begins with the Invitatory), Evening Prayer, and Night Prayer. Morning and Evening take about 10 minutes, Night about 5 minutes. You can sing the LOTH formally: monasterypodcast.com/. Or in private recitation, sing in as chant making up your own melodies. The LOTH, or Divine Office, as it is also called. It follows the Church seasons, solemnities, memorials, etc. You may add whatever prayers you like before praying the Our Father near the end of each office, as each is called.

 

[Usige]

I’ve recently started praying in a more “solemn” nature at home: I pray for longer by saying a particular Litany and prayers to a particular saint, and spend more time in silence and reflecting on my faith. At home, for my weekly “solemn” prayer session, I sing Eucharist songs, which are used during Exposition and Benediction in Church. I begin by singing “O Salutaris Hostia” and then I pray by reciting a litany and other prayers. After I’ve finished, I meditate for a little while and conclude by signing “Tantum Ergo,” after which I kiss the crucifix, and say a prayer of thanksgiving. Am I allowed to sing these two beautiful songs in my private prayer at home, or can they only be sung in Church when praying to the Blessed Sacrament?

I really like singing these two songs and they help me focus on my prayers; however, I don’t want to be committing a sin, every time I pray, by singing one of my favorite songs when I am not allowed to.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with singing those songs outside of liturgical settings. Private prayer has no rubrics so you are free to use any prayers, songs or devotional practices that help bring you closer to God. It’s good to remember that the majority of prayers and songs were composed outside of a liturgical context and were only incorporated into the liturgy because of the benefit they bring to people. Those same benefits apply in extra-liturgical practices as well.

 

[Don_Ruggero]

I’ve recently started praying in a more “solemn” nature at home: I pray for longer by saying a particular Litany and prayers to a particular saint, and spend more time in silence and reflecting on my faith. At home, for my weekly “solemn” prayer session, I sing Eucharist songs, which are used during Exposition and Benediction in Church. I begin by singing “O Salutaris Hostia” and then I pray by reciting a litany and other prayers. After I’ve finished, I meditate for a little while and conclude by signing “Tantum Ergo,” after which I kiss the crucifix, and say a prayer of thanksgiving. Am I allowed to sing these two beautiful songs in my private prayer at home, or can they only be sung in Church when praying to the Blessed Sacrament?

I really like singing these two songs and they help me focus on my prayers; however, I don’t want to be committing a sin, every time I pray, by singing one of my favorite songs when I am not allowed to.

I am sorry, but as a priest, I can’t even fathom your question. Why would you think it could possibly be a sin to sing hymns that honour the Blessed Sacrament? Assuredly it is not a sin. Of course you may sing them. You may also pray the divine praises, if you wish, as well as use for your private prayers the oration from the office of Corpus Christi, if you wish; that is the prayer that is often used at Benediction but it is not limited to that or is it limited to being said by a priest or deacon

 

[Truegrit]

If you can carry a tune, not set the dogs howling, frighten off the cats and not tick of neighbors or family-than sing(or chant) away. Eevn if you can’t carry a tune God will love the effort that is put into prayer and praise. Just don’t come sing under my window.

 

[Red_James]

Thank you all, for clearing this up