“Spiritual” by Charlie Haden Family and Friends from the album “Rambling Boy”
Devotion
We are people of the Good News, We are given and gifted. It is our identity. It fills us with passion within and around. It inspires poetry, prose, dance and music. When music carries us into a sacred space we can experience a realm of emotions, associative thoughts, memories, or have encounters that we may only be able to describe as holy. They are set apart from the normal. This music helps us to live our normal lives. It is why our iPods, for instance, can become a source of refuge, as mine does, for my bus ride home after work. As of late, I find myself fast forwarding through many songs. I prefer to get to the “Spiritual” section, because it carries me to prayer, which is evident, to me at least, in the combination of this song’s lyrics and accompanying melody. I hope it is true for the specific hymns/songs that draw each of us closer to the fire of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
All our pain, suffering and distress are known by you, God. May that which afflicts be not obstructive to your cares, compassion and love. Amen.