In This Circle
Artist: Joan McMillan Lyrics: "In this body no fear, in this body safety, in this body greatest happiness, in this body deep peace. In this circle/family/city/country/world..." Type: Unison Notes: Woof this song hits me in the gut, in the best of ways. Starting with "in this body," and drawing the circle larger and larger, this trauma-informed song embodies the necessity of safety in our own bodies to be able to offer safety to others. I use this song in my own prayers all the time, and I've used it as a congregational prayer. I'm listening
Artist: LEA Lyrics: "I’m listening. I am listening. Spirit speak to me. My ears are wide open, my eyes are now open, to see what I may be. I’m listening. Spirit speak to me?" (full lyrics under video) Type: Unison Notes: I've used this with just the first part, leaving out the (for me) harder to sing second part. Good for moments of discernment, for singing before scripture or sermon, etc. I Am Here in the Heart of God
Artist: Erin McGaughan, arranged by Chanda Rule Lyrics: "I am here in the heart of God, God is here in the heart of me, like the wave in the water and the water in the wave." Full lyrics can be found here Type: Echo Notes: The mystical indwelling of God in all things and all things in God. Celebratory relishing of presence. Finding Home
Artist: Annie Zylstra Lyrics: "Finding home in all that is unknown, release what is gone" Type: Multiple parts, or can sing unison Notes: I came across this song at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it was my theme for weeks. A haunting song for times of uncertainty. Deep Down Inside of Me
Artist: I learned this at an in-person song circle, and I'm not sure of the source. Some googling says it might have been written by Adele Getty. Lyrics: "Deep down inside of me, I've got a fire going on. Part of me wants to sing about the light, and part of me wants to cry cry cry, cause deep down inside..." Type: Echo; the response should overlap the last syllable of each line sung by the leader Notes: This song has a remarkable ability to emotionally devastate AND to lift up in power, both at the same time. I love the way it combines gritty grief with proclamation of hope, without making you choose one or the other. |
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