On Technology, In-Ears, and Personal Sacrifice for the Sake of the Congregation

My friend Mark will be contributing his mad electric guitar skills to our band this Friday night for Ascent GA, a fusion of modern worship and rich liturgical elements.  We had our dress rehearsal last Saturday, and it was Mark's first experience with in-ear monitors.  The listening transition is always a shock.  

I can always count on Mark to think deeply and reflect biblically on every aspect of life.  It's something I admire about him.  Sure enough, Mark has given some valuable reflections on the interplay of technology, music-making, and faith.  

To summarize his conclusion: The in-ear experience is less than ideal for true musical ensemble, but, in a reverberant space like ours, it becomes a joyful sacrifice of the leader for the sake of the people.

Mark ends his post with this beautiful prayer:

My Lord and my God, take from me everything that distances me from you.
My Lord and my God, give me everything that brings me closer to you.
My Lord and my God, detach me from myself to give my all to you.

St. Nicholas of Flüe

Read Mark's full post.