Prayerful Improvisations Podcast

In the apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, just before he describes what it means to “put on the full armor of God” (Chapter 6), he reminds us to “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” When faced with life’s unexpected difficulties, we quickly forget that God provides us with the strength we need to endure. I hope this music encourages you to stand firm in the ways of the Lord—in His mighty power—and find strength within yourself that only He can provide. Take heart, dear friends…

“Quiet, be still.” In that one moment, Jesus spoke and the storm and sea calmed (Mark 4:39). Our days fill up so quickly with noise and clutter. Maybe today we need to hear Jesus say to the storms in our own hearts and souls, “Quiet, be still…”

Hymns. It’s easy to discount hymns of the past because they are old and “out of date.” But I have always loved hymns and especially enjoy improvising on hymn tunes. Here are some hymns about Jesus that I hope will remind you of “the author and perfecter of our faith” and provide a moment of peace and comfort in your day. The music closes with an original improvisation giving thanks to our Savior.

Hope is vital to our lives as human beings, particularly in times of difficulty and despair. Thankfully we have been given the greatest hope ever in a person. The apostle Peter writes, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3). As we wait in hope, may we trust in the hope God has given us in our “Living Hope”. May you find hope today in Him.

“Be still in the Light of My Presence while I communicate love to you…” (Sarah Young, Jesus Calling). Life can get so busy that we forget to take time to be still. God wants us to be still so that we may become more aware of and enjoy His Presence all the more. Then we can be refreshed by His unconditional love! I pray this music helps you find time to be still and be drawn into God’s presence, as Brother Lawrence experienced: “The King, full of mercy and goodness, very far from chastising me, embraces me with love, makes me eat at His table, serves me with His own hands, gives me the key of His treasures; He converses and delights Himself with me incessantly, in a thousand and a thousand ways, and treats me in all respects as His favorite. It is thus I consider myself from time to time in His holy presence.” (The Practice of the Presence of God).

Light. It’s something we can see, explain with science, and experience its natural benefits. But what if “Light” is also a person? The author of John’s Gospel writes that Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12)”. May the light of Christ reveal His goodness and grace to you today and shine brightly in the darkness to lead you to “everlasting light.”

May you experience God’s peace, grace and love in the midst of your life today, no matter what is happening around you. God is with you! “Praise the Lord, O My soul, and forget not all His benefits” (Psalm 103:2).

As we near the close of the first month of 2019, I imagine there have been moments of tension, worry and anxiety in your life. Let the “unfathomable peace” of God pour over you and wash away anything that pulls you away from His Presence. Enjoy a moment in His dwelling place and be renewed and refreshed.

As I write this from my New England home, our house is surrounded by icy snow, temperatures in the single digits, and a general gloominess from the lack of color in the sky or on the ground. But I’m reminded that no matter what our circumstances, “This is the day the Lord has made! So let us rejoice and be glad in it!” (Psalm 118:24). The Lord surrounds us with the warmth of His love and brings light to the darkness. So I pray today’s music will encourage you to press on and enjoy this day, the day God made just for you.

Many of the Psalms teach us, when we are feeling disheartened, to remember what God has done for us in the past and what He promises to do for us now and in the future. Whether you are feeling downcast today or rejoicing in what God has done, may the music from today's podcast remind you of His unfailing and unconditional love FOR YOU and draw you closer to Him . . . bringing you to a place of solace and peace.