The other night I was fortunate to sit in on a band jam as it practiced for an upcoming event at a local church.

My friend, Todd, invited me as he knows I have a deep appreciation for those with musical gifts, talents that I, despite a burning desire, do not possess.

The experience felt straight out of a movie biopic, as I got to sit in the small recording studio with the foursome, getting to pay witness as they worked through five original pieces Todd had penned.

They even outfitted me with headphones and an iPad so that I could follow along as they riffed through the songs. … Talk about feeling like a recording studio exec!

As Todd, guitarist and songwriter, led the group through his vision for each song, Ian (keyboards), Chad (bass) and Aaron (drums) deftly fell in behind his lead.

But the real pleasure was watching how each musician’s talents complemented the other!

While Todd certainly made clear his vision for his deeply personal songs, Ian’s competency on the keys pulled all the sounds together. It was he who helped draw out the sounds the other band members were striving for, helping them find their instrument’s voice.

And there was Chad, whose steady accompaniment on the bass gave each track its soul. With a few expert changes in finger movement, he moved through jazz, soul and Latin vibes that turned each song into a standalone piece of art.

Then there was Aaron on the drums. … Just wow!

After the practice session, I got the courage up to ask if he was really playing without music, as I could see none! … He confirmed, adding he just follows Todd’s lead. His guitar sounds, his voice inflections, his body motions, the emotions of the lyrics. … With that data, he says he just finds the music. … Say what? Incredible!

Todd’s music is heavily faith-based. You should hear the one inspired by Martin Luther!

But that wasn’t why I felt the Holy Spirit’s physical presence in the room. … No, the Spirit was present in each of these four men giving themselves over to their God-given talents in the pursuit of harmony together. In the pursuit of art and beauty and a searching of the soul.

The experience was a blessed reminder of what we accomplish together when we lean into each other’s gifts of the Spirit, and freely offer up our own. No ego, no individualism. Just an intentional effort at perfect harmony.

Oh, how I envy the four of them and their musical talents! … And I am so grateful for their willingness to allow me a glimpse into their intimate and holy experience!

Friends, who are your spiritual bandmates? And how are you going to practice with them this week to achieve such a perfect harmony? Amen.

Devlyn Brooks is the CEO of Churches United in Moorhead, Minn., and an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America serving Faith Lutheran Church in Wolverton, Minn. He blogs about faith at findingfaithin.com, and can be reached at devlynbrooks@gmail.com.