He Who Sings Prays Twice

The famous saying attributed to Augustine, "He who sings, prays twice," or, "He who sings well, prays twice," is referenced in the Catholic Catechism:

1156"The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as a combination of sacred music and words, it forms a necessary or integral part of solemn liturgy." The composition and singing of inspired psalms, often accompanied by musical instruments, were already closely linked to the liturgical celebrations of the Old Covenant. The Church continues and develops this tradition: "Address . . . one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart." "He who sings prays twice."21

This saying appears to be an abridgment of what Augustine said in his commentary on Ps. 73.1:

Qui enim cantat laudem, non solum laudat, sed etiam hilariter laudat; qui cantat laudem, non solum cantat, sed et amat eum quem cantat. In laude confitentis est praedicatio, in cantico amantis affectio...For he that singeth praise, not only praiseth, but only praiseth with gladness: he that singeth praise, not only singeth, but also loveth him of whom he singeth. In praise, there is the speaking forth of one confessing; in singing, the affection of one loving.

And elsewhere:

Cantare Amantis est... Singing belongs to one who loves [sometimes shortened to: "Singing is loving"] (s. 336, 1 – PL 38, 1472).