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When life became overwhelming, he found an outlet with ‘Piano & Prayer’

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Jonathan Singletary is about to start streaming on Instagram soon. He checks his casual shirt with buttons, making sure it’s clean and distinct from the one he wore previously. He takes a moment to compose himself, offers a brief prayer of gratitude, opens Instagram, and begins the live stream at 5:30 PM. Viewers nationwide begin tuning in for an impromptu music session in a warm, spiritual setting. It’s time for “Piano & Prayer.

In the late afternoon, Los Angeles sunrays filter through sheer curtains, illuminating Singletary as he sits at his piano, ready to play. The music begins. Members of the “Piano & Prayer” community exchange greetings on Instagram, revealing their listening locations: Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Houston, New York City, Maine, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and even Chile.

Singletary performs with an air of self-assurance, much like a seasoned musician who started playing on a toy piano at just five years old within his family home in Nashua, New Hampshire. Now, aged 38 and a father of two, he often harmonizes as he plays, sometimes shaping words, but always in a calming melody.

In the initial phase of the pandemic, right from his home in New York, Singletary initiated “Piano & Prayer,” a weekly event aimed at fostering spiritual connections, though not confined to any specific religious beliefs. This served as an ideal remedy for him against the loneliness he was experiencing.

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Greetings, greetings! Welcome to ‘Piano & Prayer.’ Here’s wishing you a wonderful start to your week, Monday included! Singletary pauses his melody, turns towards the lens, flashing a friendly, inviting grin.

As I stepped into the familiar space, my eyes sparkled with delight. “Hello, Jaden! It’s great to have you back, and look who else is here – Mom! And so many beloved faces, Hannah, it’s a pleasure to see you again. Aunt Jeanette, long time no see! I’ve truly missed everyone, including you, Debra.” After a brief holiday, I was overjoyed to return to this cherished place.

Debra Mazer, a member of the group “Piano & Prayer,” is keeping an eye from Atlanta. During the pandemic, Jonathan’s sessions were scheduled on my calendar as they played a crucial role in maintaining my mental health and well-being. This gathering was discovered by me after following Singletary’s then-fiancée, now wife, Elaine Welteroth, who used to be the editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue.

Back in April 2020, it proved challenging for professional musicians like Singletary. With numerous shows under his belt, he had to halt everything due to the shutdown. Singletary attributes Welteroth for urging him to blend music with social media platforms. He recalls her words, “Go ahead and perform, just share some music.

Singletary admitted that the initial release didn’t feel right for him as he presented acoustic versions of his songs. He then went back to his original instrument, the piano. “Piano & Prayer” wasn’t initially intended to be profitable, but Singletary has recently started a Patreon page, enabling artists to receive funds directly from their fans.

He often spent his leisure time playing the piano at his Catholic high school’s chapel. His pals would join, relaxing on the floor as he played. This practice, which we now call ‘Piano & Prayer’, was something that had been ongoing,” he recalls.

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By the year 2020, instead of gathering in a chapel, individuals spread nationwide took 45 minutes out of their day to connect. Mazer observes that even though the world has transitioned beyond COVID, “Piano & Prayer” is an online event she initiated during the pandemic that she continues to participate in frequently.

Every Monday evening, we come together for an harmonious mix of soft piano melodies, mindful meditation, spiritual reflection, and camaraderie. In our recent online gathering, around 40 individuals joined – a space where people can express their thoughts and emotions in the chat, as well as offer prayers for themselves and others.

“For those affected by the flooding in TX,” one person shares.

I hope my students will catch up on missed assignments during the summer session so they can pass and graduate successfully.

“Praying for the families in Texas. Lord, have mercy,” pops up.

Singletary takes a welcoming stance, connecting with individuals based on their religious or spiritual beliefs without imposing his own views. He avoids being overtly preachy or excessively religious, and at times, references to God may be absent. Raised in a devout family that regularly attended church, he shares, “The church has been an integral part of my life since I can recall.

During the pandemic, Singletary’s routine of attending church every Sunday took on a different meaning for him. He began to feel unsafe, and then he relocated to a new city where discovering a new place of worship became challenging due to social distancing measures.

Across town, it’s 8:30 PM, and my four kids, ranging from 5 to 12 years old, are tucked in bed. A soothing melody of “Piano & Prayer” softly plays on my phone as I spend the night air with my wife. I describe this ambiance as a delightful, romantic backdrop to our conversation.

After that, Singletary offers a few prayers. At his instruction, we all take a moment to breathe deeply. He encourages us to do so, reminding us of the importance.

Prior to moving to Atlanta, Brown resided in the city of Inglewood. He operates a charitable organization known as Donuts For Dads, which serves as a nurturing network for fathers. It was here that he initially met Singletary. Brown admitted that he wasn’t aware his friend had cultivated such a sizable online community.

As a movie critic, I’d say: “I never give it a shout-out. It’s more like, ‘Hey, I’m going online now,'” Brown chuckles. “Whenever one of my friends starts streaming, I pop in to show my support. Even if it’s just for a brief moment, I try to shower them with some likes.

In simpler terms, both Mazer and Brown might be seen as part of a broader movement consisting of individuals who lean towards spirituality rather than organized religion. A recent survey by the Pew Research Center in 2023 revealed that about 41% of American adults have grown more spiritual over their lifetime, while just 13% claim to have become less spiritual.

Sarah Wilkins-Laflamme, an associate professor specializing in the sociology of religion at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, finds this data comprehensible, given her field of study.

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Instead of numerous mom-centered groups, what about establishing a dad’s group that prioritizes emotional support as children engage in play activities?

Or, how about creating a father’s group centered around providing emotional support while the kids enjoy their playtime together?

Religion isn’t my thing, but I find myself drawn to spirituality. Over time and particularly among younger groups, the word ‘religion’ can carry a negative tone in certain situations, whereas ‘spirituality’ seems more neutral.

Singletary, with approximately 25,000 followers, shares his Instagram Live sessions on his feed, and he mentions that the number of views for each “Piano & Prayer” session typically ranges around 1,000 but can peak up to a maximum of 5,000.

Instead of focusing on individuals observing my actions, what truly resonates and possibly validates me is witnessing people interacting, motivating each other, offering prayers, and addressing each other’s prayer requests.

Currently, if it’s 5:30 p.m. on a Monday, you’ll likely find Singletary seated at his sleek black piano, eagerly opening his “Piano & Prayer” community to anyone seeking solace.

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2025-07-21 23:31

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