Prayerful Improvisations Podcast

This month’s hymn improvisations focus on the gift of nature and how “since the creation of the world [God’s] invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made…” (Romans 1:20).

It’s so important to set aside some space to allow yourself to be still and let go of the day’s chaos. Even when experiencing complete joy, we need time to recharge. Many of us are uncomfortable with space, feeling we need to fill it up by doing something. Allow yourself ten minutes today to sit or stand at rest and dwell in comforting space as you listen to this week’s music. Even the music has allowed time for some space. Release the worries that have built up inside you and welcome the Spirit of peace.

A dose of summer color for your ears this week…

We face decisions every day, both great and small. It can be difficult making a decision that gives us peace of mind, especially when trying to determine which path is right for us. Sometimes we’re called to take the easier and well-traveled path. Other times we’re called to take the less traveled path. No matter what, whether we choose the correct or wrong path, we can trust God with our decisions knowing with confidence that He will walk with us by our side all the way. As the poet Robert Frost mused, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference.”

This month’s hymn improvisations draw from the incredibly rich repertoire of African-American spirituals. While many of these songs were sadly birthed out of oppression, they hold deep emotional conviction for having a personal relationship with Jesus. The history of these songs also reminds us of the truths of freedom and equality for all, that “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that ALL [PEOPLE] are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” (Declaration of Independence).

A moment of calm during this week’s podcast. May you experience a sense of peace and relaxation as you listen…

As frail humans, it's easy to fall into a state of discouragement while living out our lives on this earth. We allow ourselves to be consumed by our past failures, lost dreams, and just about anything negative that is thrown in our path. Let the past stay in the past. Or as the Apostle Paul wrote, "forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead. I press on..." May this week's music help bring you to a place of encouragement, a place where you can look ahead with joy and press on with confidence.

“No justice, no peace” is a phrase that has been circulating among recent protests. This week’s music is presented to provide a moment of peace while praying for hope for justice to those in need.

I don’t usually mix politics and social issues with my music but considering recent events it’s impossible to ignore. This week’s episode is in response to the growing and rampant injustice of racial inequality. It just seems that so many issues are brought about because people (especially those in power) don’t take a moment to take a breath and think of the potential outcomes of their actions. This is a shorter improv this week, but with lots of space to breathe. There is also 9 minutes of silence following the music in memory of George Floyd and all those who have been lost to police brutality and racial injustice. #blacklivesmatter

This month’s hymns bring our attention to the beauty found in scripture and how “the Word became flesh”. May the wonderful words of life bring you peace through these classic hymn tunes.