Songs, Hymns & Chants

Lyrics and sources for selected songs
used at Unity Church in Albany

PLEASE NOTE: This page is a work in progress, so formatting is little dodgy at present.
Hoping to get it in a more user-friendly form soon with an index of titles.

7 Wonders of the World

words and music by Robert Anderson

Today at my school in world history
Teacher popped a quiz, he said, “This is easy
Just name the 7 wonders of the world for me” – So this is what we wrote:
The pyramids of Egypt, the Taj Mahal, the Panama Canal, China’s Great Wall
World famous landmarks, we counted them all – Yes, they got every vote

Then I noticed the shy girl who sits next to me
Hadn’t turned in her list, it was plain to see
Teacher asked her what the trouble might be – And this is what she said:
“There’s so many answers, I don’t know what to say”
Teacher said, “Maybe we can help find a way – Just read us your list”
The girl hesitated, then this is what she read:

Chorus

“To touch, to see, to taste and to feel
To laugh and to hear, to love while we’re here
These are such wonders, wonderful wonders
7 wonders of the world”

Well, you could have heard a pin drop in that room
Nobody spoke, nobody moved
‘Til someone asked the girl to read it once more through
And so she spoke again:

(Chorus)

It’s a gentle reminder from a gentle soul
We take for granted gifts worth more than gold
And the richest treasures in life’s plan
Cannot be built by our own hand

(Chorus)

All I Have

– Words: Byron Katie; Music: Roger Mock

All I have is all I need
And all I need is all I have

All I have is all I need
And all I need is all I have
In this moment

All That I Am

– Daniel Nahmod

My body, my soul are part of the perfect whole.
My heart and my hands are serving a sacred plan.
I know that it’s true when all that I am comes down to you.
I know that it’s true,
I know that I can rely on you.

All that I am, all that I am,
All that I am, God, I give to you.
All that I am, all that I am,
All that I am, God, I give to you.

My thoughts and my mind belong to eternal time.
My words and my song – you’re writing them all along.
I know that it’s true when all that I am comes down to you.
I know that it’s true,
I know that I can rely on you.

All that I am, all that I am,
All that I am, God, I give to you.
All that I am, all that I am,
All that I am, God, I give to you.

[ From the Recording Sacred Love – more
info/purchase CD – buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

All the Good

– Jana Stanfield

I cannot do all the good that the world needs
But the world needs all the good that I can do

No puedo hacer todo lo bueno
Que el mundo ne-ce-sita
Pero el mundo ne-ce-sita
Todo lo bueno que puedo hacer

All the Things God Is I Am

– words and music by Erin McGaughan

God is Light. Yes, I know God is Light.
Yes, and so I am light
For all the things God is I am.

God is Life, Love, Joy, Truth, etc.

Alleluia Namaste

– words and music by Mark Shepard

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, Namaste (3X)
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Kyrie Elesion

Yahweh, Yahweh, Yahweh, Namaste (3X)
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Kyrie Elesion

Allah, Allah, Allah, Namaste (3X)
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Kyrie Elesion

Wakan-tonka, Wakan-tonka, Wakan-tonka, Namaste (3X)
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Kyrie Elesion

Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Krishna, Namaste (3X)
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Kyrie Elesion

Jesu Jesu, Jesu Christos, Jesu Jesu, Namaste (3X)
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Kyrie Elesion

Alleluia Sky Fire Climbing

– words and music by Mark Shepard

Summer sky fire climbing
Savior, sun, spark shining
It is the day you were born for
Alleluia
Moonlight surface rising
Life can be surprising
When you open up the door

Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia

Leader: Brothers do you know what day it is?
Men: No, Tell us just what day it is
Leader: It is the day you were born for
All: Alleluia
Leader: Sisters do you know what time it is?
Women: No, tell us just what time it is
Leader: It’s time to open up the door!
All: Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

Bridge:

All my dreams come back to me
Dreams I’d left behind
Distant thoughts race in front of me
Like firmament of time
Drifting, drifting, drifting into you…

I believe it’s true
I believe it’s true (I believe in wisdom)
I believe it’s true (it’s a living vision)
I believe it’s true (I believe in freedom)
I believe it’s true (and the gift of giving)
I believe it’s true. I believe it’s true. I believe it’s true

Laughter shine romancing
Visionary dancing
It is the day you were born for
Alleluia
Scatter seed Spring planting
Picture perfect landing
Unbolt your shackles from the floor

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

Always Here

– Debra Burger

Verse 1
Getting ready for the train that’s coming
I may not know when and I sure don’t know how
I’ve got my ticket in hand and I’m here at the station
When the train arrives it is always now

Chorus
Now, in this very moment
Now, be open be clear
Maybe, it’s not what you planned on
But when the moment arrives it is always here

Verse 2
I’m getting ready for the love that’s coming
I may not know when and I sure don’t know how
I’ve got my heart in my hand and I’m here for the journey
When the love arrives it is always now

Amazing Things

– Words and Music by Jana Stanfield and Megon McDonough

You will do amazing things,
With the choice each new day brings,
And with every step you take,
Bless the progress that you make,
The reason you live,
Is there in every gift you give,
Love your life, love your dreams,
You will do amazing things.

Chorus:
Amazing, Amazing,
You will do amazing things,
Amazing, Amazing,
You will do amazing things.

Oh, the places you will go,
And the people you will know,
Don’t worry when or where or how,
You don’t need to know that now,
You’re on the right track,
No need to look ahead or back,
Just enjoy what this day brings,
You will do amazing things.

Chorus

You don’t have to work it out,
Just stay in the here and now,
Let your mind rest for a little while,
Sometimes deepest answers come,
When you’re out there having fun,
So close your eyes, take a breath,
And smile.

Chorus

© 2003 Jana StanTunes/Eagle Woman Music (ASCAP)
[on Jana Stanfield’s Let the Change Begin • Buy mp3 from Empower Music & Arts
and on Megon McDonough’s Amazing Things • Buy mp3 from Empower Music & Arts ]

Amen

– Words and Music by Daniel Nahmod

A simple silent prayer
A single word of praise
Is true from anywhere
Is hears from any place

So right where I stand I say Amen
Say Amen
Right where I am I say Amen
Say Amen, Say Amen

The longing of my heart
Will always be enough
My word will travel far
On wings of sacred love

So right where I stand I say Amen
Say Amen
Right where I am I say Amen
Say Amen, Say Amen

An Opening

Words & music by Sarah Puig

Oh give me an opening that I may see some light
Oh give me a softening that I may see some light.
Oh give me arms that open
That I may use them for embracing.
Oh let me learn to love
Without ceasing, without restraint.

Ananda is the Ocean

Ananda is the ocean
Ananda is the ocean,
I am one with thee.
Once a tiny lake,
now a mighty sea,
Oh, Ananda, I am one with thee.

And All is Well

– Daniel Nahmod, James Dillett Freeman

The light of God, the light of God surrounds me, surrounds me. (2x)
Wherever I am, wherever I am, wherever I am God is
And all is well, and all is well.

The love of God, the love of God enfolds me, enfolds me…

The power of God protects me…

The presence of God watches over me…

The Angel Rolled the Stone Away

– traditional; arr., Peter Amidon

The angel rolled the stone away
The angel rolled the stone away
T’was on a bright and shiny morn
when the trumpet began to sound
The angel rolled the stone away

Sister Mary came a runnin’ at the break of day,
Brought the news from heaven: the stone is rolled away.

I’m a-lookin’ for my Savior, tell me where he lay.
High up on the mountain, the stone is rolled away.

There were soldiers there a-plenty, standing by the door,
But they couldn’t hinder, the stone is rolled away.

[on The Amidon Singers’ The Beatitudes • buy mp3: Amazon ]

Anyway by Debra Burger

Chorus

It’s not about the stuff I manage to get
It’s not about the things that people might say
It’s never been about you and me
It’s always been about me and God anyway

Verse 1

If you help someone, they may get mad
If you do good, some will think it’s bad
Some will get jealous if things go your way
Do the right thing anyway

Verse 2

Some who do wrong will get more than you do
You might get disbelieved when you say what’s true
Some will laugh when you stop to pray
Keep on praying anyway

Verse 3

If you grow roses, you might get pricked
If you trust someone, you might get tricked
If you love someone they could push you away
Keep on loving anyway

Baba Nam Kavalam (Sumati’s Tune) – Dada Nabhaniilananda

Baba Nam Kavalam
(Sanskrit for “The Beloved’s Name only” or “There is Only Love”)

[on Dada’s CD with Sukha Deva, “Flight of Love“, an album of beautiful kiirtan music • Buy mp3: Amazon ]

Be Still the Water – Words and Music by Mark Shepard

Refrain:
Be still the water. Calm waters run deep
Be still the water and a hush falls over the sea
Be still the water calm waters run deep
Be still the water and a hush falls over me…

Speak the truth and the truth will set you free
Speak the love and love is all you’ll see
Embrace the quiet and you will feel fulfilled
Embrace the silence let yourself be stilled…

Refrain

Stormy days, windy nights
Set your course for the beckoning lights
Listen to that still small voice
That always leads you right back to joy

Refrain

I am already given to the power that guides my life
I cling to nothing so I have nothing to fight
I still my thoughts so I can clearly see
Unattached and at ease I set myself free…

Be the Change – words and music by Mark Shepard and Bethany Gonyea

What if you could really vote with your heart
Imagine the world a better place because of you….
What if we all paused for a moment of peace
What if for a moment all hostility could cease

Refrain:
Be the change you want to see in the world
Be the change you want to see
Be the change you want to see in the world…
Be the change you want to see….

Brothers, sisters, fathers and mothers
What if we all got together
And took a moment to breathe with each other
To show that we can make things better?

Refrain:

Broadcasting love is a conscious choice
That allows your hurt to mend
So lay down your arms and open up your heart
There is nothing you have to defend

Refrain:

Bridge:
I will hold you in my heart
And surround you with love
I will hold you in my heart
In the Light we’re all made of

Refrain:

Be the Love You Are – Words and Music by Laura and Ken Sutherland

Be the love you are,
Be the love you are.
Just as Master Jesus taught us,
Be the love you are.

Shine the light you bear.
Shine the light you bear.
Just as Master Jesus taught us,
Shine the light you bear.

Sing the song you hear,
Sing the song you hear.
Just as Master Jesus taught us,
Sing the song you hear.

Know the joy of life,
Know the joy of life.
Just as Master Jesus taught us,
Know the joy of life.

Be the love you are,
Be the love you are.
Just as Master Jesus taught us,
Be the love you are.

Beautiful Fool

– Don Henry

Martin Luther who did you think that you were?
Appointed by some higher up
Merely mortal, your plans were unaffordable
No one wants to pay for love

CHORUS:
Oh you beautiful fool
Swimmin up stream, kickin’ up waves
Dreams weren’t meant to come true
That’s why they call ’em dreams
Oh you beautiful fool

Walter Cronkite pre-empted Disney one night
And all us kids were so upset
We thought that you were a trouble instigator
Marchin’ through our T.V. set (chorus)

BRIDGE
To fight a fight without a fist all human instinct puzzles this
How dare you threaten our existence?
Mahatma Gandhi, Jesus Christ, history repeats itself so nice
Consistently we are resistant to love

I saw you on the black and white
With Blacks and White’s applauding you
I saw you on another time
Without a sign of life in you (chorus)

Copyright © 1991 Sony Cross Keys Pub. Co. Inc. (ASCAP)
[ recorded by Beth Nielsen Chapman on Prism • buy mp3 from iTunes]

Beautiful Person – words and music by Mark Shepard

Refrain:
I am a beautiful person
I am a part of all that is
I accept the abundance of creation
And the infinite gifts it gives

I could not love you when I hated myself
I could not give to you when I was poor
I could not heal the world when I had no health
I could not bring you peace by bringing you war

Refrain

I am the lion that I saw in my dream
I unleash the hidden power in me
I am the universe just beyond my eyes
That I am only beginning to see

Refrain

I am a joyful emotion
Too huge to be contained in me
I spark across the mountains and the oceans
To the edges of the galaxy

Refrain

Bird Kiirtan – Dada Nabhaniilananda

Baba Nam Kavalam
(Sanskrit for “The Beloved’s Name only” or “There is Only Love”

[on Dada’s CD with Suka Deva, “Flight of Love“, an album of beautiful kiirtan music • Buy mp3: Amazon ]

Blessed – Lui Collins

You have given me the melody as it poured forth from my heart
You have blessed me with the meter as it beat through my veins
As I walk with You and listen, Your words come to me
Oh blessed are we this day.

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Oh blessed are we this day.

Rain so gently falls to soak the earth, life bursts forth from the seed
Roots go stretching down to draw their strength from the soil
Upward grows the plant always reaching toward the hot, beating sun
Oh blessed are we this day.

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Oh blessed are we this day.

You grace us with Your wisdom, love bursts forth from our hearts
We plant our feet upon the earth to draw our strength
Open wide our arms reaching toward the sky, we’re flooded with light
Oh blessed are we this day.

May we walk within Your melody as it pours forth from our hearts
May we step within the meter as it beats through our veins
Open wide our ears and listening, hear Your words spoken clearly
Blessed are we this day.

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Oh blessed are we
Oh blessed are we this day.

[on Lui’s CD Closer, available from www.luicollins.com ]

Blessed Always

– Rickie Byers Beckwith

Blessed always, blessed always,
For the arms of God surround us.
May our joy be so triumphant
That we rest in God and say “Amen.”

[ www.weletitbe.com
– Available on 2006 New Thought Songwriters Tribute from Itoi
Ministeries ]

Blessing to the World

– Karen Drucker, Reverend David Bruner

You are the heart, you are the hands,
You are the voice of Spirit on earth.
And who you are, and all you do
Is a blessing to the world.

I am the heart… We are the heart….

[ Available on Songs of the Spirit 2 at www.karendrucker.com
or Buy mp3 from Empower Music & Arts ]

Blue Sky

– Debra Burger

I look to the blue sky where the clouds gently roll
And the wild birds fly free
I look to the blue sky where sun warms the chill
To heal the (*pain) in me.

*rage, shame, fear

Body, Mind and Spirit

– Words and Music by Mark Shepard

There’s a cat in the window of the apartment next door
Gazing out at a world that he will never explore
He does not know he’s a prisoner there in his own home
Still like you and me he longs for somewhere larger to roam

Body, mind and spirit
Open up your heart to hear it whisper:
“I love you”

Today I saw you prisoner behind your eyes
And I longed to touch and heal you deep inside
But I don’t know if you’re real or a movie in my mind
If we could truly see each other what beauty would we find? Chorus

When I was younger, I felt I was from outer space
I felt so alone and foreign in this rocky place
But the times when I felt your sacred light shine warm upon my skin,
Oh, it helped me to be greatful for the shape I’m in Chorus

Somedays I walk upon these broken paving stones
In spite of myself I manage to stumble my way home
And I come before you vulnerable and naked; see my hands shake
But it’s only darkness that our light breaks
Chorus

Break the Wine Glass

– Words and Music by Mark Shepard

Break the wine glass. Fall into the breath of the glass blower
Break the boundaries that used to keep you small
Break the silence, fall into the breath of the sound
Break the patterns, fall to your knees on the ground

Refrain:
And on the way you might notice a flower
Growing out of a crack in the sidewalk
And on the way you might notice the power
You have to walk your talk and dance into your dreaming

Walk the garden
Glimpse the world through the gardener’s eyes
Has your heart hardened?
Is there no room left for surprise?
Break it open
Scatter the seeds of surrender
Water them well
Do your best to protect the tender (Refrain)

Your greatest weaknesses
Are also your greatest strengths
Your greatest failures
May have been heaven sent
Will the wind break you
Or lift you off the ground?
Will the wind break you
Or merely bow you down? (Refrain)

Break the wine glass
Fall into the breath of the glass blower

The Breathe of God

(author unknown)

Let it breathe in me, let it breathe in me,
let this breath of God just breathe in me,
Let it breathe in me, let it breathe in me,
let this breath of God just breathe in me.

Let it breathe in us, let it breathe in us,
let this breath of God just breathe in us,
Let it breathe in us, let it breathe in us,
let this breath of God just breathe in us.

By Grace I Live

– Scott Kalechstein

By grace I live, by grace I release
By grace I forgive and return to peace.

[on Scott’s Let There Be Light. Buy mp3 from iTunes ]

By Thy Grace

– Words: Yogi Bhajan; Music and Additional lyrics by Snatam Kaur

It is by thy grace that I sing your holy name
It is by thy grace that I feel your holy name

One day the day shall come when all the glory shall be Thine
People will say “It is yours.” But I shall deny: “Not mine.”

Peace to all, life to all, love to all.

[ on Snatam Kaur’s “Grace” • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

Call Down a Blessing

– Words and Music by Margaret Nelson

Chorus:
Call down a blessing, Call down a blessing
Call down a blessing, Call down

Joy before us, joy behind us,
joy within us and around us Chorus

Health before us, Health behind us,
Health within us and around us Chorus

Love before us, Love behind us,
Love within us and around us Chorus

[on Cooper, Nelson and Early’s Heart’s Return • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes
and on Susan Trump’s Songs of Faith and Hope ]

Can You Imagine Being Loved

– words and music by Mark Shepard

What is faith? What is trust?
What is believing in the good?
What is Love? What is Truth?
What does forgiveness mean to you?

Is it a leap off of a ledge
Into the arms of who you could have been
Is it a gamble? Is it a risk?
As you stumble Home again?

Refrain:
Can you imagine? Can you imagine being loved?
Can you imagine? Can you imagine being love?

What is the light? What is this life?
What is the Love that sets us free?
What is peace? What is war?
Is there light through an open door?

Refrain

What will you give?
What will you receive?
Why do you think you have to make a choice?
What if you took
The very first step
On the path to finding your voice?

Carry Me Home

– words and music by Mark Shepard

I was found in the forest where the moss grows deep
I was singing in the chorus where the wild willows weep
I needed you to save me from my own regret
So I took the strength you gave me and I ran with it

Refrain:
Carry me home across the river
Carry me home across the sea
Carry me home to my forgiver
and set me free – repeat

“Untangle me from attachments” begged the kite up in the tree
“Release me from distractions” buzzed the bumble bee
“My love is a flower and I have no enemies,”
Sang the Monarch butterfly to the Southbound Breeze

Refrain

“I’m lonely, yes I’m lonely” whined the porcupine
“if only you would hold me I’d be forever thine”
And the Queen Anne’s lace was dazzling in the morning dew
as she glistened, “all the world’s alive and it calls to you…”

Refrain

I was lost in the city where the shiny people live
I was drowning in self pity because I’d forgotten how to give
I was asking for directions, I was begging for a chance
When you shattered my reflection and taught me how to dance

Refrain

Chariots

-Words and Music by John Kirkpatrick

O Shepherd O shepherd come leave off your piping
Come listen come learn come hear what I say
For now is the time that has long been forespoken
For now is the time there’ll be new tunes to play
For soon there comes one who brings a new music
Of sweetness and clarity none can compare
So open your heart for heavenly harmony
Here on this hill will be filling the air

With chariots of cherubim chanting
And seraphim singing hosanna
And a choir of archangels a-caroling come
Hallelujah Hallelu
All the angels a-trumpeting glory
In praise of the Prince of Peace

See on yon stable the starlight is shimmering
And glimmering and glistening and glowing with glee
In Bethlehem blest this baby of bliss will be
Born here before you as bold as can be
And you’ll be the first to hear the new symphony
Songs full of gladness and glory and light
So learn your tunes well and play your pipes proudly
For the Prince of Paradise plays here tonight

Bring your sheep bleating to this happy meeting
To hear how the lamb with the lion shall lie
It’s mooing and braying you’ll hear the song saying
The humble and lowly will be the most high
Let the horn of the herdsman be heard up in heaven
For the gates are flung open for all who come near
And the simplest of souls shall sing to infinity
Lift up and listen and you shall hear

The warmonger’s charger will thunder for freedom
The gun-maker’s furnace will dwindle and die
And muskets and sabers and swords shall be sundered
Surrendered to the sound that is sweeping the sky
And the shoes of the mighty shall dance to new measures
And the jackboots of generals shall jangle no more
As sister and brother and father and mother
Agree with each other the end to all war

As a candle can conquer the demons of darkness
As a flame can keep frost from the deepest of cold
So a song can give hope in the depths of all danger
And a line of pure melody soar in your soul
So sing your songs well and sing your songs sweetly
And swear that your singing it never shall cease
So the clatter of battle and drums of disaster
Be drowned in the sound of the pipes of peace

[on John Kirkpatrick’s Wassail and on Nowell Sing We Clear’s Just Say Nowell ]

Child of God

– traditional; words adapted by Mindy Jostyn and Jacob Brackman

If anybody asks you now who I am (3x)
You can tell him I’m a child of God.

He made me by His power and He made me good (2x)
He loves me every hour like a father should.
And I will love Him back with all my heart.

He made me in His image, so He made me good (2x)
He’s calling me to glory like a father would,
I surely love Him back with all my heart.

[available on the CD
Coming Home by Mindy Jostyn]

Choose Love

– words and music by Eve Goldberg

You’ve got a heart made to see you through
And the healing power can touch everything you do
Love is strong, it won’t be denied
So look in your heart and see what’s inside

You’ll find love, you’ll find love
You’ll find love, love,
You’ll find love

We’ve been hurt
We’ve been knocked down to size
Rocked to our foundation, taken by surprise
Moving on is the hardest part
Trying to keep the sorrow from hardening your hearts

We’ve got to love, We’ve got to love
We’ve got to love, love,
We’ve got to love

Some may say you’ve got to show you’re strong
Overpower others and prove them wrong
Muscle and might won’t bridge the divide
We need some understanding to turn this tide

We need love, We need love,
We need love, love
We need love

Talkin’ ‘bout love for mercy,
Talkin’ ‘bout love for sweet release
Talkin’ ‘bout love for freedom,
Talkin’ ‘bout love for peace

So travel on,
Take the path to your heart
In the darkest hours love will do its part
There’s a fork in the road every day
And a little compassion can show the way

Choose love, choose love
Choose love, love,
Choose love

[on Eve Goldberg’s A Kinder Season • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

Christ Child’s Lullaby

– traditional Hebridean

My love, my wonder, my delight
My evening star, my morning light
My child, my joy, my heart so true
Who am I to bear you here?

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

Before the sun moved in the sky
Before the moon, before the night
Before the water covered land
You held me in your hand

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

You are the flow’r, you are the seed
You are the branch, you are the tree
You are my God, you are my son,
No beginning and no end

Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, alleluia

[ on Connie Dover’s The Holly and the Ivy • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

Circle of Peace

– Debra Burger

Chorus 1:
Everyone is welcome in the circle of peace.
Everyone is welcome in the circle of peace.
Chorus 2:
Circle of peace is ever so wide,
Room for each precious special being inside.
When you’re feeling weary
And your worries won’t cease,
Find some room in the circle of peace.

Circle of Wisdom

– words and music by Mark Shepard

Part I.
Circle of Wisdom Circle of Light
Circle of Wisdom Help me take flight

Part II.
Dream of your Love now
All the way Home
Dream of your Love now
All the way Home

Part II.
What if you accepted yourself completely?
What if you accepted yourself completely?

Closer to the Light

– Words and Music by Jim Beloff and Herb Ohta

Oh from day to day it’s so hard for me to say
If the road that I’m on now will lead me right.
Ah, but year to year it becomes a bit more clear:
Seems like I am getting closer to the light.

REFRAIN:
And when my burden’s great
So that I bend under the weight
And it seems like I’m surrounded by the night
Oh well, I don’t mind travelling along this darkened road
If I’m travelling closer to the light.

Every day I start with this compass in my heart
And it helps to keep the road within my sight.
And as I go forth looking for magnetic north,
Seems like I am getting closer to the light.

– Refrain –

[on “The Finer Things – The Songs Of Herb Ohta And Jim Beloff” – Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

Come, Come Whoever You Are

– Words: adapted from Rumi; Music: Lynn Ungar

Come, Come whoever you are
Wandered, worshipper
Lover of leaving
Ours is no caravan of despair

Love yet again come

[on Welcome to the Circle by Betsy Rose and Womansong Chorus • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

Come Darkness, Come Light

– Mary Chapin Carpenter

Come darkness, come light
Come new star shining bright
Come, love, to this world tonight.
Alleluia.

Come broken, come whole,
Come wounded in your soul,
Come anyway that you know.
Alleluia.

There’s a humble stable and a light within
There’s an angel hovering with three wise men
Today a baby’s born in Bethlehem.
Alleluia.

Come doubting, come sure.
Come, fearful, to this door.
Come see what love is for.
Alleluia.

Come running, come walking slow
Come weary on your broken road.
Come see him, shed your heavy load.
Alleluia.

[available on her holiday CD Come Darkness, Come Light • buy mp3 from iTunes ]

Come Home to Me

– Debra Burger

Come home to me
My arms are strong and wide
I will hold you through the fear
Here, it is warm and open
It is a place of peace
Where my love is always here

Come to Me

– Michael Joncas

Come to me, come to me, come when you are weary.
Come to me, come to me, and I will give you rest.

All who labor and are burdened,
All who labor and are burdened,
Let them come to me, come to me,
and I will give them rest.

Take my yoke upon your shoulders,
Take my yoke aupon your shoulders,
Come and learn from me, learn from me,
for I am gentle of heart.

For the heart I hold is humble,
yes, the heart I hold is humble,
And my yoke is easy, my burden light,
and you will find rest for your souls.

Coming Home

– Words and Music by Mark Shepard

Have you been stumbling through frozen winter fields?
Running from the shadows of the wounds that would not heal?
Have you been like the children who live on what they steal?
Are you open to the wisdom that your pain just might reveal?

Refrain:
It’s been a long time that I’ve been gone
It’s been a long time that you’ve been gone
It’s been a long time that we’ve been gone
I believe we’re coming Home

I invite you to a higher trance
Where the rhythms fill your body and remind you how to dance
Where healing hands can hold you and help release the hurt
Where you can re-create yourself with your thoughts and words

Refrain:

You are chosen to live within the Light
And I was born to tell you that it is yours by birthright
I may be a healer, but it’s time for you to see
You are just as much a healer, a healer as me…

Refrain: (X2)

[ Copyright 1992-2011 by Mark Shepard. All Rights Reserved. ASCAP
On Mark’s Visions and Voices CD. Here the song here ]

Contemplation Chant

– Sophia Songhealer

Om mane padme hum
Shanti
La illaha il Allah hu.
Shalom
Gloria in Excelsis Deo

[on Sophia Songhealer’s “Journey Into Love” ]

Crossing the Water

– Words and Music by Bill Staines

Chorus:
We are crossing the waters out whole lives through,
We are making a passage that is straight and true,
Every Heart is a vessel, Every dream i’s a light,
Shining through the darkness of the blackest night.

Well, there is no shallow water and not but love to keep
Us safely from the dangers and the devils of the deep.
But with every breath within us,
we search forever more,
To find some peaceful harbor on that far off shore. Chorus

For some it is a glory, for some it is a game
For some it is a story filled with emptiness and pain,
But as rising winds in chorus,
we search for steady ground,
There is only that before us, there can be no turning round. Chorus

Oh, there is no other journey that will ever be the same,
No second chance horizon that will call you by your name.
So when welling waves wash o’er you
and the stormy winds they drive
Give your heart a song, sing it loud and long,
keep your dreams alive. Chorus

Words and music by Bill Staines, © 1992 Mineral River Music/BMI) (administered by BUG Music.)
[on Bill Staines’ Going to the West and on Susan Trump’s Songs of Faith and Hope • Buy mp3 (Staines): Amazon iTunes ]

Do All You Can (Nkosi’s Song)

– Robert Anderson

One little boy in Africa, he put a face on Aids.
Told his story to the world ’til he died
And these are the words, the words he said – He said:

“Do all you can with what you have
In the time you have, in the place you are

Do all you can, do all you can.”

Holy mother from India, helping the sick and the poor
Somebody asked, “Why do you do these things?”
She said, “This is what I came here for” – She said: (chorus)

This is the gift they gave to us, to share wherever we go
“Be the change you wish to see in the world”
Now I understand what they wanted us to know — You can: (chorus)

Don’t Be Afraid of the Light That Shines Within You

– words and music by Luka Bloom

Out of the cold dark winter space
We come together looking for Brigid’s grace
We dip our open hands deep into the well
Where our rivers run to
Who can tell?
Who can tell?

We warm our hearts and faces
In the heat of the burning flame
Something about our spirits
Never stays the same

Don’t be afraid of the light that shines within you
Don’t be afraid of the light that shines within you
Don’t be afraid of the light that shines within you
Within you

So many lives in shadows
With so much to give away
Brilliant dreams in waiting
To see the light of day
We step up to the well
At the dawn of Springtime
And when we go our way
We let the light shine
Let your light shine

Don’t be afraid of the light that shines within you
Don’t be afraid of the light that shines within you
Don’t be afraid of the light that shines within you

Let the light direct you
Let the light protect you
Let the light direct you…

[on Luka Bloom’s Eleven Songs • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

Down in My Soul

– Words and Music by Jan Garrett, JD Martin and Ester Nicholson

I hear the music down in my soul
I hear the music down in my soul
I hear the music down in my soul
And the whole, wide world is my home.

I got a new day down in my soul (3X)
And the whole, wide world is my home.

I love the silence…

I feel the power…

[on Jan Garrett and J.D. Martin‘s Already Home • Buy mp3 from Empower Music & Arts ]

Dream Variations

Words: Langston Hughes; Music: Sweet Honey in the Rock

To fling my arms wide
In some place of the sun,
To whirl and to dance
Until the white day is done.
Then rest at cool evening
Beneath a tall tree
Night comin’ on gently,
Dark like me-

That is my dream (That is my dream)
That is my dream (That is my dream)
That is my dream (That is my dream)
That is my dream (That is my dream)
That is my dream

To fling my arms wide
In the face of the sun,
Dance! Whirl! Whirl!
Till the quick day is done.
And then rest at pale evening
A tall, slim tree
Night comin’ on tenderly
Black like me.

Chorus

Nothing lights a fire like a dream deferred
Nothing lights a fire like a dream deferred

[On Sweet Honey in the Rock’s self-titled 1st album • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes]

EACH RISING SUN

– Will Hannah

Listen to the sea
The swelling of the wave
Is it the crashing surf
Or the silence that you crave?

I will move a mountain for you
What is hard will soon be soft as sand
Come and feel these waves of power
Simply trust and know I have your hand

And with each rising sun
We behold all things new
Breathe into this Love
Let it flow in and out you

In and out you

Oh, Great Mystery
Come wave through me today
Tell me, what will I see
When tears have washed away?

Oh, my child, see only beauty
You’re the pearl I fashioned long ago
Love is more than you can fathom
Realize I’ve always loved you so

And with each rising sun
We behold all things new
Breathe into this Love
Let it flow in and out you

Listen to the sea
The swelling of the wave
Is it the crashing surf
Or the silence that you crave?

I have moved a mountain for you
What was hard is now as soft as sand
You can do these things and more
For I am in your heart and in your hand

And with each rising sun
We behold all things new
Breathe into this Love
Let it flow in and out you

In and out you

Emmanuel

– Words and music by Mark Shepard

Early moring, baby busy borning
God is with us…Emmanuel
Just your average Joe and Mary
High School sweethearts, ordinary
In a time of dreams and miracles
Ancient prophecies fulfilled…

Refrain:
Emmanuel, Emmanuel (2x)

Trailer trach to the powers that be
Something else to you and me
Spark of light through eternity
Grace of Love to set us free

Refrain

He never went to any college
Spoke from some vast inner knowledge
Breath of hope for a weary earth
New star rising marks his birth

Refrain

Early morning, baby busy borning
God is with us…Emmanuel

Even Now

– Erin McGaughan

Even now I am able, even now I am free
Even now I can feel the Spirit washing over me
Even now I can find the love in everyone I see
Even now, even now I am free

Everybody Goes Home

– words and music by Mark Shepard

Everybody looks outside their window
Everybody opens closet doors
Everybody wonders what they were put here for
We leave footprints in the snow

I never do expect to see a unicorn
But I would like to watch my children grow
Give me a dime, give me a dozen roses
Give me the echoes of the hunter’s horn

Refrain:
Everybody goes home, Every body goes Home
Everybody goes home, Every body goes Home

I had an idea but I lost it in infinity
It passed me by and did not pity me
I could be here or I could be there, or somewhere
You can either live or you can sit and stare

Refrain:

Drown my eyes in fields of blazing daffodils
Float me scarcely on a summer breeze
Cauterize my aching heart
And teach me how to breathe…

Refrain:

Everybody looks outside their window
Everybody opens closet doors
Everybody wonders what they were put here for
Me? I leave my footprints in the snow…

Refrain

Expect a Miracle

– words and music by Debra Burger

Verse 1
I prepare the room for a holy life
Miracles are welcome here
I am led by an angel’s light
To see a miracle appear

Chorus
Expect a miracle, expect a miracle
Walk in faith each day
Accept each miracle, accept each miracle
In a kind of Christmas way

Verse 2
I prepare a humble sacred space
Miracles are welcome here
I am led by God’s own grace
To see a miracle appear

Verse 3
I prepare to give what others need
Miracles are welcome here
I am led by love’s blessed seed
To see a miracle appear

Expression

– Words and Music by Robert D Anderson

I am an expression of the spirit
I am an expression of the spirit
A beautiful expression of the spirit
Magnificent expression of the spirit
A unique, unrepeatable expression of God
A unique, unrepeatable expression of God
Right time, right place, an expression of the spirit
I’m fabulous! I’ve got it! An expression of the spirit

A unique, unrepeatable expression of God
A unique, unrepeatable expression of God
I am an expression of the spirit
I am an expression of the spirit

The Face of God

– Karen Drucker

You are the face of God
I hold you in my heart
You are a part of me
You are the face of God

You are the face of love
I hold you in my heart
You are my family
You are the face of God.

[from the recording Songs of the Spirit II • Buy mp3 from Empower Music & Arts]

Facets of the Jewel

– Noel Paul Stookey

Our lives are connected
Like facets of a jewel
The reluctance of a wise man
The wisdom of a fool
They border on each other
Sometimes kind, sometimes cruel

Our lives are connected
Like patches on a quilt
Sewn by coincidence
Some borders edged in guilt
Every choice we make
Creates a different pattern, still
Our lives are connected…

And who’s to say the universe
Is but a single thought
Contained within the mind of God
And who’s to say it’s not?
If Love is the lesson
Then how’s the teacher taught?

Our lives are connected
Like waves upon a shore
Sometimes with a whisper
Sometimes with a roar
Sometimes we think we leave no trace
But sometimes less is more…

Our lives are connected
Like pages in a book
The past is the present
Through which the future looks
Like leaves on a river
Like ripples on a brook
Our lives are connected
Our lives are connected
Our lives are connected…

© 1996 Neworld Music Publishers
[on Noel’s Facets • buy mp3 from iTunes ]

Father Of My Soul

– words and music by Daniel Nahmod

Oh Father of my soul
Thank you for the blessings of the day
Oh Father of my soul
Thank you for the blessings of the day repeat

For the light and the shadow
For the triumphs and trials
For the moment of myst’ry
For the sorrow and the smiles
For the peace and the conflict
For the silence and song
For the calm and confusion
For the winter and the warm

Oh Mother of my heart
Thank you for the blessings of the day
Oh Mother of my heart
Thank you for the blessings of the day

The Field

– Words and Music by Debra Burger, based on a poem by Rumi

There is a field, beyond right or wrong
I’ll meet you there. I’ll meet you there
In that field, we find where we belong
I’ll meet you there. I’ll meet you there.

In the field, that wondrous field
There is no you. There is no me
In the field, that sacred field
We find the heart of being free

When the soul lies down in that grass
I’ll meet you there. I’ll meet you there
There is no first and there is no last
I’ll meet you there . I’ll meet you there Chorus

The world is full, too full to talk about
I’ll meet you there. I’ll meet you there
There is no space for shame or doubt
I’ll meet you there . I’ll meet you there Chorus

Where ideas and language make no sense
I’ll meet you there. I’ll meet you there
The phrase “each other” has no present tense
I’ll meet you there. I’ll meet you there Chorus

Fire Before the Flame

– Words and Music by Mark Shepard

When you strike a match on the side of the box
And the flame bursts into view
Did it exist a moment before
Or is it something new?
When the flame of the match catches the candle
Is it still the same flame?
Now blow out the match where did the flame go?
Is it here or did it disappear?
Is it still alive if you close your eyes
And imagine its spark against a darkened sky

Refrain:

Where was the fire before the flame?
Where was the river before the rain?
Where was the pleasure before the pain?
Where were the diamonds before the claim?
Where were the verses before the refrain?
Where was the fire before the flame?

Did you exist before you were this?
Before you dared the air
And where will you go after you’re gone
When you complete your song?
Will something go on like day follows dawn
Like the ripples in the pond move on…
When you breathe a breath from abundance you take
Yet abundance still remains

Refrain:

Where was this song before it came along
And leapt from my guitar?
Was it a hum vibrating from
Some faint and distant star?
Was it a thought here in my head
That danced out through my mouth and hands?
Was it a shout that bounced its way out
From some distant time or land

Refrain:

Fire In The Eyes

– Words and Music by Mark Shepard

A fragile dawn steals in through my window
Every day another day
And the wonder of it all still thrills me
In fact it takes my breath away
Everyday I glance outside my window
At the people rushing by
Every day I wonder if they know
What it means to be alive

Refrain:
Look out hope over hell
Look out faith over fail
Look out truth over lies
The truth shall make you well
Look out dream over scheme
Look out time over dime
Look out fire in the eyes
It saves you every time

We’re an Easter people in a Good Friday world
At least that’s what somebody said
Are we mad dreamers or insane lovers
To worship a God raised from the dead?
Lord if you answered all our passionate questions
Would we be happier tomorrow?
Why is it that we “children of joy”
Spend so much time in sorrow?

Refrain

Let the evening come and hold us closely
Let morning come and keep us warm
Let the fears and phantoms of this world
Leave you whole and free from harm.

Let the ribbon of this well worn highway
Unravel where it will
Let the drifting blossoms of the springtime
Leave you warm and hopeful still

Refrain

What is courage if you never face fear?
Do you walk the extra mile?
And if I could I’d wrap my arms around you
And leave you with a smile…

Refrain

Fishing on the Right Side of the Boat

– Words and Music by Mark Shepard

I’ve been fishing on the wrong side of the boat
I’ve been searching for somebody who will make me whole
I’ve been fishing on the wrong side of the boat
And I couldn’t catch a fish to save my soul; fish to save my soul

My body is a boat to float through life
Allowing me to taste and touch the world
My body is a boat to float through life
But someday I’ll release it when I move beyond, when I move beyond

I’ve been paddling upstream against the flow
I thought I knew better but I did not know

\I’ve been paddling upstream against the flow
But it’s time to turn around and let resistance go

Let resistance go! Let resistance go!

Take a moment to be trughful, take a moment to be sweet

Take a moment to admit that you’ve been voting with your feet
You can fight with the flow or you can ride with the tide
You can focus on what’s wrong or right, bt you decide…

Let resistance go! Let resistance go!

I am fishing on the right side of the boat
I am open to abundance from the inside out
I am fishing from the right side of the boat
Where health and wealth and wholeness release all doubt

Let resistance go! (Get back in the flow)
Let resistance go! (Get back in the flow)

Flow Through Me

– Mark Shepard

I allow the Light
To refract off of the surfaces of things
I allow the Light
To penetrate my heart (and cause me to sing)
And flow through me

Flow through me
Flow through me
Flow through me
Flow through me

I allow the Love
To heal me from the inside out
I allow the Love
To turn a whisper into a mighty shout
And flow through me… Refrain

I allow the strength
To empower me
I allow the strength
To set me free
And flow through me Refrain

I allow my mind
To release control
I allow my heart
To receive signals from Home (loud and clear)
And let them flow through me Refrain

Footprints

-Debra Burger
based on the poem by Mary Stevenson

PART 1

On a walking meditation by the sandy shore
My past appeared in front of me as it never had before
Beside each day I lived, from the moment breath began
I could see my footprints in the sand
Then I saw a set of footprints right there next to mine
As I reviewed the memories of my life
And I realized that all along, God was there with me
As I moved through the joy, the sadness, and the strife

It’s funny how alone I felt. Somehow I couldn’t see
That a precious loving presence had been right next to me

Saying, “I have walked with you. I have walked with you
Through happiness and heartache, I am walking by your side
Remember always even when your think you are alone
I have always walked with you”

PART 2

But I looked again and noticed there were lonely times
When just one set of footprints was in view
They were the very worst of times, when the voice of hopelessness
Was the only one I really knew

Why was I abandoned, when I needed you so much
Your steadfast companionship, your safe and loving touch
Then I heard a voice so clearly calling me a precious child
Saying I will never leave you. I have been here all the while
When you saw one set of footprints, still my love was true
It was then that I carried you.

It was then I carried you, it was then I carried you
When you were blinded by despair and could not see what’s true
In the times when you believed that you might not get through
I held you gently in my arms. It was then I carried you.

And now I carry you. Now I carry you
When you are blinded by despair and cannot see what’s true
In the times when you believe that you might not get through
I hold you gently in my arms. I will always carry you

The Four Agreements

– Debra Burger
based on the book by Don Miguel Ruiz

Chorus:
I agree to speak impeccably
I agree to take nothing personally
I agree from assumptions to live free
On this day I’ll do my best, yes I agree

Verse I
On this day, I will say what I mean
Think before my words take flight
Still that wagging tongue when its pushed by greed and fear
Risking scorn to speak what’s right

Verse 2
On this day, I will feel my own heart beat
Though you’re certain of what makes me tick
Sticks and stones may break my bones
But today, I will not be your stick

Verse 3
On this day, I will keep my mind from spinning
Thinking that I know each move before it’s made
I won’t predict the end while I’m living the beginning
The joys of being right so quickly fade

Verse 4
On this day, I will reach for the brass ring
I will sing with open voice and open heart
Being ever mindful of the choices that I have
Ever willing to do my part

From the Heart

– Scott Kalechstein

Let me feel what is real
Let me heal what is not
Let me live every moment coming straight from the heart

All I really want is an open heart
All I really need is an open heart
I have an endless supply of love in my heart

A child’s faith is all I need
Live every moment coming straight from the love in my heart

[from Scott’s Midwives of Light • buy CD/mp3 at scottsongs.com ]

From Thee I Receive

– Joseph & Nathan Segal

From thee I receive,
to thee I give
Together we share,
And from this we live

Garden of Dreams

– words and music by Mark Shepard

Refrain:
A stray beam of sunlight caresses the church pews
The mockingbird sings it’s heart out to the sky
Worship is over the people are gone
But the Spirit still lingers as I welcome it’s song…

The ripples that live on the pond where we swim
Move outward in circles and then back again..
If we choose fight them they’ll splash and they’ll churn
And cause us to wonder how the tide can be turned

-Refrain-

In the passing of days and the living of lives
Some wade in the shallows, some go deep when they dive
And always the lesson we must constantly learn
The love that we are never has to be earned

-Refrain-

If you could grasp the wonder you are
How could you not shine out along with the stars?
And dance in the moonlight in the garden of dreams
All that you are is much more than you seem

A Garden of My Own

– Patricia McKernon

Refrain:
There’s a place where dreams are gathered
There’s a soil where seeds are sown
There’s a light beyond the shadows where truths are known
In this light I reach for heaven
In this soil I root my soul
In this place I have a garden of my own

Time was I was up at dawn and eager for the field
Time was I was welded to the plough
Time was I would work as hard as flesh and bone allow
Till the glory of the harvest was revealed Refrain

These days I am on my knees with flowers in my hands
These days I refuse to plant in rows
These days I can feel a seedling tremble as it grows
And the heartland deep within me understands Refrain

Who knows whether time and quiet faith bring something new?
Who knows if I learn to improvise?
Who knows if a flower never seen before will rise
And the world will be the richer for its hue? Refrain

George Bailey

– Jana Stanfield

Every December since I can remember
I’ve watched the same movie,
Despite what it does to me.
It’s a wonderful life but it passes by so fast,
I hate to sound gloomy,
But it’s the story of a guy standing on a bridge,
Seeing all he ever wanted, all the things he never did,
Missing every minute of the life he never lived. Oh…

I don’t want to be George Bailey
waiting, waiting, waiting for the right time, for a clear sign
Even if I make mistakes it’s time I do whatever it takes
I don’t wanna be George Bailey. No more waiting.
I don’t wanna be George Bailey. No more waiting.

I’ve got my suitcase stashed in a safe place
But I never cracked it.
Always too distracted
By this wonderful life, but it passes by so fast
when I don’t take action.
I can never see Paris if I never leave home,
Gotta buy a ticket if I’m gonna get to Rome,
Gotta get going if I’m ever gonna go. Oh…

I’ve been waiting for permission,
Waiting for ideal conditions,
Waiting for the stars to line up in my heart,
Waiting for the day when I don’t feel afraid.
But when my life is said and done,
What if that day never comes?

I don’t want to be George Bailey
waiting, waiting, waiting for the right time, for a clear sign.
Even if I make mistakes it’s time I do whatever it takes.
I don’t wanna be George Bailey. No more waiting.
I don’t wanna be George Bailey. No more waiting.
I don’t wanna be George Bailey. No more waiting.
No more waiting.

Copyright © 2009 JanaStanTunes
[ on Jana Stanfield’s What Would You Do This Year if You Had No Fear?
Buy mp3: Empower Music & Arts ]

Get Ready, My Soul

– words and music by Daniel Nahmod

Get ready, my soul. I’m diving in.
Get ready, my soul. I’m diving in
To the deepest kind of love
To the sweetest kind of life
Get ready, get ready, my soul.

Everything I’ve ever done
Everything I’ve ever seen
Everything I’ve lost or won
Everything I’ve ever dreamed
Has brought me here to the present moment
Here to a new beginning
Here, and I’m seeing life so clearly now.

Get ready…

Here I go, deeper, deeper
Deeper than I’ve ever been before
Here I go closer, closer,
Closer to my sacred source

Get ready…

© Nahmod Music Company (ASCAP)
[on Daniel Nahmod’s Sacred Love: Songs for the New Worship Generation
Buy mp3: Empower Music & Arts ]

Give Yourself To Love

– Words and Music by Kate Wolf

Kind friends all gathered ’round, there’s something I would say:
That what brings us together here has blessed us all today.
Love has made a circle that holds us all inside.
Where strangers are as family, loneliness can’t hide.

You must give yourself to love if love is what you’re after;
Open up your hearts to the tears and laughter
And give yourself to love, give yourself to love.

I’ve walked these mountains in the rain and learned to love the wind;
I’ve been up before the sunrise to watch the day begin.
I’ve always knew I’d find you, though I never did know how;
Like sunshine on a cloudy day stand before me now.

So give yourself to love if love is what you’re after;
Open up your hearts to the tears and laughter
And give yourself to love, give yourself to love.

Love is born in fire; it’s planted like a seed.
Love can’t give you everything, but it gives you what you need.
And love comes when you’re ready, love comes when you’re afraid;
It’ll be your greatest teacher, the best friend you have made.

So give yourself to love if love is what you’re after;
Open up your hearts to the tears and laughter
And give yourself to love, give yourself to love.

Give yourself to love if love is what you’re after;
Open up your hearts to the tears and laughter
And give yourself to love, give yourself to love

[on Kate Wolf’s The Wind Blows Wild • buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

Go in Beauty

– traditional

Oh go in beauty, peace be with you
’til we meet again in the light.

[recorded by Robbie Gass on Songs of Healing; buy mp3 from iTunes]

Go in the Wilderness

– trad. spiritual

If you want to find Jesus,
Go in the wilderness,
Go in the wilderness,
Go in the wilderness
If you want to find Jesus,
Go in the wilderness,
Leaning on the Lord.

If you want to find peace/wisdom/happiness…

Last verse:
Jesus is waiting to meet you…

[Recorded by The Princely Players; On Wade in the Water: African American Sacred Music Traditions • buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

God Believes in You

– Pierce Pettis

when you start to doubt if you exist
god believes in you
confounded by the evidence
god believes in you
when your chances seem so slim
when your light burns so dim
and you swear you don’t believe in him
god believes in you

when you rise up just to fall again
god believes in you
deserted by your closest friends
god believes in you
when you’re betrayed with a kiss
turn your cheek to another kiss
it doesn’t have to end like this
god believes in you

everything matters
if anything matters at all
everything matters
no matter how big
no matter how small

when you’re so ashamed
that you could die
god believes in you
and you can’t do right
even though you try
god believes in you
blessed are the ones who grieve
the ones who mourn,
the ones who bleed

in sorrow you sow
but in joy you reap
god believes in you
oh, god believes in you

[ buy mp3 from iTunes ]

God Is

Music and lyrics written by Danielle Rose, March 2000.
Copyright © 2001 Danielle Rose Skorich, published by World Library Publications, www.wlpmusic.com.

You want to know me?
You want to see my face?
I do not age with time
I do not fit into a space
I transcend the capacity of your eye, so who am I?
It is the question of the moment
It is the question for all time
I am you, and you are mine

I am the beginning in the end
I am the faith in your believing
I am the color of truth
I am the dreamer of your dreams
I am the falling in your love
I am the words of a prayer
I am the silence in the music
I am the music in the silence

I am your father
I am your mother
I am the man who cannot cry
I am the story in your eyes
I am the orphan of war
I am the leper begging on the corner
I am the black slave in chains
I am the Muslim bride who cannot show her face
I’m the cross you carry again

I’m all you have forgotten
I am all that you have not been
I am in you–all of this is within you
Let the journey begin, Amen
I am in you, Amen

God is a River

– Peter Mayer

In the ever-shifting water of the river of this life
I was swimming, seeking comfort; I was wrestling waves to find
A boulder I could cling to, a stone to hold me fast
Where I might let the fretful water of this river ‘round me pass

And so I found an anchor, a blessed resting place
A trusty rock I called my savior, for there I would be safe
From the river and its dangers, and I proclaimed my rock divine
And I prayed to it “protect me” and the rock replied

CHORUS:
God is a river, not just a stone
God is a wild, raging rapids
And a slow, meandering flow
God is a deep and narrow passage
And a peaceful, sandy shoal
God is the river, swimmer
So let go

Still I clung to my rock tightly with conviction in my arms
Never looking at the stream to keep my mind from thoughts of harm
But the river kept on coming, kept on tugging at my legs
Till at last my fingers faltered, and I was swept away

So I’m going with the flow now, these relentless twists and bends
Acclimating to the motion, and a sense of being led
And this river’s like my body now, it carries me along
Through the ever-changing scenes and by the rocks that sing this song

CHORUS

God is the river, swimmer
So let go

God Is My Source – Words and Music by Karen Drucker

God is my source
God is my power
God gives me everything I need
So I give thanks for all my blessings
God gives me everything I need

(Substitute “God” with love, joy, peace, etc.)

On Karen Drucker’s Songs of The Spirit I • Buy mp3 at Empower Music & Arts

God You Are – Words and Music by Daniel Nahmod

God you are every mountain
God you are every ocean
God you are every canyon
Every inch of earth and sky
God you are every morning
God you are every midnight
God you are every moment,
Every second of my life

Everything I see, everything I do, everything I am is You
Everything above, everything below, everything I know is You

God you are every sunrise
God you are every moonglow
God you are every starshine,
Every inch of earth and sky
God you are every springtime
God you are every snowfall
God you are every season,
Every second of my life

Everything I see, everything I do, everything I am is You
Everything above, everything below, everything I know is You

And You are the very breath I breathe
And Your perfect love created me

Everything I see, everything I do, everything I am is You
Everything above, everything below, everything I know is You

© 2004 Nahmod Music Company (ASCAP)
[ From the Recording Sacred Love – more
info/purchase CD – Buy mp3: Empower Music & Arts]

God’s Pleasure by Debra Burger

It is God’s pleasure to give the kingdom
Open your eyes to see it all
Go to the Father and to the Mother
To hear the sacred, blessed call

Good Morning – words and music by Mark Shepard

Refrain:
Good morning, good morning, good morning
Good morning, good morning, good morning
Good morning, good morning, good morning
Rise and shine…

I met a stranger on the road to Galilee
I didn’t know him but he seemed quite friendly
He said some things that didn’t make a lot of sense to me (at the time)

Refrain:

What you think of me is none of my business
What I think of you is all about me
So I choose to think of you magnificently (in my mind)

Refrain:

Look around and breathe a breath or two
Remember you decide what it means to you
Whatever you believe will seem to be true…(rain or shine)

Good News – Ken Whitely

In the quiet of the daybreak
Jesus went to pray
People tried to make him stay
But he said, I’m on my way:

I’ve got good news
I’ve got news
The kingdom of God is here (repeat)

Well, do not be disconsolate
Though life is full of cares
Look within your very soul
And feel God moving there

Take the time to meditate
Take the time to pray
Take the time to listen
And hear what God will say

Well, if you start to worry
Know you’re not alone
Greater than our own small selves
God calls us his own

[on Ken’s Gospel Music Makes Me Feel Alright! • mp3: amazon.com, iTunes ]

Govinda Hare – trad. Hindu

Govinda hare, Gopala hare
He Prabhu deena dayaala hare

on Krishn Das’ Pilgrim Heart • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes

A Grateful Heart – Mindy Jostyn

A grateful heart a garden is
Where there is always room
For every seed of innocence
To come to perfect bloom

A grateful heart a fortress is
A steady rugged tower
And all who dwell therein draw strength
From God’s almighty power

A grateful heart a temple is
A shrine so pure and white
Where angels guide us all day long
And watch us through the night

Our prayer is for one gift alone
Of all things grand or small:
The bounty of a grateful heart
That loves and blesses all.

[ from CD Only a Song,
available from www.mindyjostyn.com]

Guide My Feet – trad. spiritual

Guide my feet while I run this race
Guide my feet while I run this race
Guide my feet while I run this race
For I don’t want to run this race in vain.

Hold my hand…
I’m your child…
Stand by me…

[on Kim & Reggie Harris and Magpie’s Guide My Feet • buy mp3 from iTunes ]

Hail Mary/Divine Mother Chant – Phil Jones

Hail Mary , Hail Mary ,Full of grace,
The Lord is within Thee,
And blessed art Thou, amongst all women,
And blessed is the fruit
Of thy womb Jesus

Holy Mary, Holy Mary,
Mother of Love, Mother of God , Mother of Love
Pray for us….

That we may see the face of God,
That we may see the face of Love,
That WE may BE the face of Love..

Sarasvatee,
Maha Lakshmi,
Durga Devi,
Namo Namah Mey

Hallelujah – Words and Music by Phil Jones

If I were a bird, I would like to fly…
Higher than the sky,
Leave behind, the worries of my mind
Oh, the world would seem so small
In my heart, creator of all
And answering the Divine Call
I would rejoice, I will rejoice…in Hallelujah

Hallelujah – words and music by Leonard Cohen

I heard there was a secret chord
that David played and it please the lord,
but you don’t really care for music do you.
It goes like this, the 4th the 5th, the minor fall, the major lift,
the baffled king composing Hallelujah,

Hallelujah, hallelujah…

You say I took the name in vain,
though I don’t even know the name,
and if I did, well really, what’s it to you.
There’s a blaze of light in every word,
it doesn’t matter what you heard,
it’s a cold and it’s a broken Hallelujah

Hallelujah…

I did my best it wasn’t much,
I couldn’t feel, so I tried to touch.
I’ve told the truth, I didn’t come to fool you.
And even though it all went wrong,
I stand before the lord of song,
with nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah.

Hallelujah…

[on Jeff Buckley’s Grace • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes
and many other recordings ]

Hand Upon Your Heart
– Patricia McKernon

Place your hand upon your heart
Set your heart upon your deepest wish
Send your wish to the place where the sun begins
And you will find peace of mind.

Place your hand upon your heart
Let your heart feel all the love there is
Send your love to the place where the moon begins
And you will find peace of mind.

Place your hand upon your heart
Make your heart as still as still can be
Send that calm to the place where the stars begin
And you will find peace of mind.

Place your hand upon your heart
In your heart, say thanks for all you have
Send your thanks to the place where it all begins
And you will find peace of mind.

[on Patricia’s Midnight Minstrel, available on CD]

He Maha Lakshmi – David Newman

He Maha Lakshmi
He Saraswati
He Mata Kali
Jagatambe Jai Jai Ma

Jagatambe Jai Jai Ma

He Ma Durga
He Ma Durga
He Ma Durga
Jagatambe Jai Jai Ma

On David Newman’s Love Peace Chant • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes

He Will Listen to You – Mark Heard

When the weight of this world crashes down on you,
God will listen to you.
When the sky turns black and your thoughts turn blue,
God will listen to you.

Refrain 1
He will listen to you, always listen to you.
He understands how His children feel;
He will listen to you

Oh, when the river of tears cannot be contained,
God will listen to you.
Or like a drowning man in the pouring rain,
God will listen to you.

Refrain 2
She will listen to you, always listen to you.
She understands how Her children feel;
She will listen to you.

Oh, when the light explodes in a world gone wrong,
God will listen to you.
When your heart beats strong with a grateful song
God will listen to you.

Refrain

On Mark Heard’s Eye of the Storm • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes

Heart of the Mother
– Michael Stillwater

I am one with the heart of the Mother,
I am one with the heart of love,
I am one with the heart of the Father,
I am one with God.

Ave Maria, Kyrie eleison.

[ Available on Chant Wave at Grace Cathedral: Universal Chants of Spirit from www.chantwave.com
Individual songs also available for mp3 download.]

Heaven Guide Me – words and music by Ahria

Heaven guide me, heaven show me the way
Heaven guide me, heaven show me the way
When I am lost and confused,
Heaven lead the way.
When I’m reaching for you,
Will you meet me half way?

Here and Now – words and music by Jana Stanfield and Paul Dolman

It always seems there’s so much space between,
Where I am and where I’d like to be,
And yet when I stop to look around,
At the good life I have found,
I can’t help but see.

Chorus:
Here and now,
I have all that I need,
Here and now,
This is where I’m meant to be,
And somehow, tomorrow come what may,
I will be okay as I learn to love,
Here and now.

I’m always running half a step behind,
The image of my life that’s in my mind,
And yet when I let myself slow down,
I see beauty all around,
And I’m reminded once again.

Chorus
Repeat Chorus

The Hidden Pearl by Debra Burger

At first glance, there’s only empty space.
Could be a moment to expand
Find another lens, a wider gaze.
There’s a pearl hidden in the sand

CHORUS 1
Traveling in empty spaces
in fear of never finding more
Paint by number. Hide it in a drawer.
And keep waiting for what’s in store

Walls can hold an empty space
but there’s hardly enough room to take a stand
It’s softer when you touch the bottom.
There’s a pearl hidden in the sand

Beyond these wall are other spaces
Exotic places, distant lands
But here I sit. Now is all there is
There’s a pearl hidden in the sand

Music plays beneath the silence
Life moves beyond what is planned
Love lives underneath the fear
Touch the pearl it’s right here in your hand

CHORUS 2
Traveling in empty spaces
with faith in finding more and more
Paint with courage. Hang it on the wall
And embrace all that’s in store

Hollow Flute – Words and Music by Laila Brady Walzer

Grandmothers, I come to you
My heart is full of pain.
I long to tread this broken earth,
Bringing joy again, bring joy again.
This they said to me:

Chorus:
You must be as a hollow flute
and let the wind blow clear through you.
You must be as a springtime branch
dancing in the breeze.
You must be as the endless sky,
holding sunlight, holding storm.
You must be as a hollow flute
and let Creator sing you.

Grandmothers, do you know
The darkness that’s inside?
How can I bring joy and peace
When I’ve blamed and lied,
When I’ve blamed and lied?
This they said to me: (chorus)

Grandmothers, the people’s hearts
Are broken everywhere.
How can we start to mend,
What will be be our prayer,
What will be our prayer?
This they said to me: (chorus)

[on Susan Trump’s Songs of Faith and Hope • available in our bookstore! or from Susan ]

Holy Ground – Words by Woody Guthrie, 1954, Music by Frank London (The Klezmatics), 2003

Take off, take off your shoes
This place you’re standing, it’s holy ground
Take off, take off your shoes
The spot you’re standing, its holy ground

These words I heard in my burning bush
This place you’re standing,
it’s holy ground
I heard my fiery voice speak to me
This spot you’re standing, it’s holy ground

That spot is holy holy ground
That place you stand it’s holy ground
This place you tread, it’s holy ground
God made this place his holy ground

Take off your shoes and pray
The ground you walk it’s holy ground
Take off your shoes and pray
The ground you walk it’s holy ground

Every spot on earth I traipse around
Every spot I walk it’s holy ground
Every spot on earth I traipse around
Every spot I walk it’s holy ground

Every spot it’s holy ground
Every little inch it’s holy ground
Every grain of dirt it’s holy ground
Every spot I walk it’s holy ground

Words Copyright 2001 Woody Guthrie Publications
[ On the Klezmatics’ Wonder Wheel • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

Holy Holy Holy –
Karen Drucker

We are holy holy holy,
We are holy holy holy,
We are holy holy holy,
We are whole. (I am… You are…)

Verse:
Spirit Divine – come to me
Felling love – Healing me
Open my heart – Allow me to see
Beauty and love – Surrounding Me

[ Available on Songs of the Spirit 2 at www.karendrucker.com
or Buy mp3 from Empower Music & Arts]

Holy Love – Patricia McKernon

Open my heart, let holy love flow through me
Center my soul upon the path of peace
Make of my life a melody of love
Singing Alleluia, Thou Great One,
Alleluia

[ Available on River of Light, by Linda Worster and Patricia McKernon ]

Holy Now – Peter Mayer

When I was a boy, each week
On Sunday, we would go to church
And pay attention to the priest
He would read the holy word
And consecrate the holy bread
And everyone would kneel and bow
Today the only difference is
Everything is holy now
Everything, everything
Everything is holy now

When I was in Sunday school
We would learn about the time
Moses split the sea in two
Jesus made the water wine
And I remember feeling sad
That miracles don’t happen still
But now I can’t keep track
‘Cause everything’s a miracle
Everything, Everything
Everything’s a miracle

Wine from water is not so small
But an even better magic trick
Is that anything is here at all
So the challenging thing becomes
Not to look for miracles
But finding where there isn’t one

When holy water was rare at best
It barely wet my fingertips
But now I have to hold my breath
Like I’m swimming in a sea of it
It used to be a world half there
Heaven’s second rate hand-me-down
But I walk it with a reverent air
‘Cause everything is holy now
Everything, everything
Everything is holy now

Read a questioning child’s face
And say it’s not a testament
That’d be very hard to say
See another new morning come
And say it’s not a sacrament
I tell you that it can’t be done

This morning, outside I stood
And saw a little red-winged bird
Shining like a burning bush
Singing like a scripture verse
It made me want to bow my head
I remember when church let out
How things have changed since then
Everything is holy now
It used to be a world half-there
Heaven’s second rate hand-me-down
But I walk it with a reverent air
‘Cause everything is holy now

[on Peter Mayer’s Million Year Mind • buy mp3: Empower Music & Arts
on Greg Tamblyn’s The Grand Design • buy mp3: CDBaby Amazon iTunes]

How Can I Keep From Singing?

– Robert Lowry, 1826-1899. Verse 3: Joel Mabus

My life flows on in endless song
Above earth’s lamentation.
I hear the real though far-off hymn
That hails a new creation.
Through all the tumult and the strife,
I hear that music ringing;
It sounds an echo in my soul,
How can I keep from singing?

What though the tempest ‘round me roar
I hear the truth, it liveth.
What though the darkness ‘round me close,
Songs in the night it giveth.
No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that rock I’m clinging.
Since Love is Lord of heaven and earth,
How can I keep from singing?

When men of war come bang the drum
And march their troops before us,
Then friends of peace link hand in hand
And join as one in chorus.
Their voices rise from every land,
An anthem sweetly ringing;
I hear their song of peace on earth,
How can I keep from singing?

I lift my eyes, the cloud grows thin;
I see the blue above it;
And day by day this pathway smooths,
Since first I learned to love it.
The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart
A fountain ever springing.
All things are mine since I am Christ’s;
How can I keep from singing?

[recorded by many, including Judy Collins, Bruce Springsteen, Eva Cassidy, Enya, Peter, Paul and Mary, John MCutcheon, Noel Paul Stookey, Pete Seeger ]

How Could Anyone –
Libby Roderick

How could anyone ever tell you
You are anything less than beautiful?
How could anyone ever tell you
You are less than whole?
How could anyone fail to notice
That your loving is a miracle?
How deeply you’re connected to my soul.

[ Buy from iTunes mp3 – Elaine Silver ]

Human Kind – by Debra Burger

Human kind and human loving
Touch the source of peace within
From this well of human kindness
In this moment I begin

Human kind and human loving
Here is here and now is now
Take this moment to be kindness
From this place you’ll find the how

Hymn to Tara – Beth Nielsen Chapman

Om tare tuttare ture soha
Om tare tuttare ture soha

Gone, gone, thus gone
Gone, gone, thus gone
Gone, gone beyond…

Mother hear us call you
Mother hear us calll

[ On Beth’s CD Prism ]

I Allow, I Surrender – Karen Drucker

I allow, I surrender
I allow, I surrender

I receive, I let go
I release, I know

love, joy, peace

©TayToones Music BMI 2009
[ on Songs of the Spirit, Vol. 4 • Buy mp3 at Empower Music & Arts ]

I Allow Myself – Words and Music by Mark Shepard

I allow myself to be a vehicle
Through which the Universe expresses its self
I allow myself to be a vehicle
Through which the Universe expresses its self
Use me, use me, use me for your good….(2X)

Other verses:
…through which the universe expresses its love / song / wealth / health / joy / etc.

I allow myself to be the miracle
That I’ve been longing to see in the world…

I Am – Robert D. Anderson

I am as God created me
I am a light in this world
I am as God created me
I am, I am, I am, I am.

I Am – Erika Luckett and Lisa Ferraro

I am that I am
I am that I am
I am that I am
I am, I am

[ on Erka & Lisa’s CD Sacred • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

I Am – Elaine Silver

I am the ocean, I am the sea
I know the greatest power lives within me
I am the lover, I am the loved,
I know the greatest power within, below and above.

I am, I am, I am , I am, I am

I am the mountain, I am the land,
I know the greatest power flows through my hand.

I am…

[on Elaine’s The Art of Peace • buy mp3 from iTunes ]

I Am Grateful – Words and Music by Mark Shepard

I am grateful for the people who challenge me to grow
And for all the friends who I may not yet know
I am grateful for the lessons that I thought were mistakes
That looking back were really very lucky breaks

Refrain:
I am grateful. I am grateful. I am grateful for You
I am grateful. I am grateful. I am grateful for You

I am grateful for the food upon my table
and the water that enables me to stay strong and able
I am grateful for the people who wrote the books I read
That helped me through my days and nourished me like bread

Refrain:

I am grateful for these times, which may not be the best
But they surely aren’t the worst and I look forward to the rest
I am grateful for the air which we all must share
And gravity as well, even all the times I fell

Refrain:

I am grateful for the love I feel within this place
And the hope that I still have for the human race
I’m grateful for the days that I may still have to grace
My beloved Mother Earth with the sun upon my face

Refrain:

I Am Healed – words and music by Karen Drucker and Kate Munger

Up from my feet, I call the healing power.
Up from my feet, I draw it to my heart.
It’s already here; I only need to claim it.
Up from my feet, I know that I am healed.

2. In through my hands, I call the healing power.
3. Down from my head, I call the healing power.
4. With my Spirit and Soul, I call the healing power.
5. Up from the earth, I call the healing power.
6. Back to the earth, I send the healing power.

I Am So Blessed – Karen Drucker

I am so blessed
I am so blessed
I am so grateful for all that I have
I am so blessed
I am so blessed
I am so grateful
I am so blessed

[from the recording Songs of the Spirit II • buy mp3 from Empower Music & Arts]

I Am So Deeply Blessed by Debra Burger

On the day of the big storm, in her ninth floor home
The power went off. She was frightened and alone
It would be days before they fixed it. She didn’t know what she would do
With no phone, no lights, no way to get the news

Her daughter walked up all those stairs so she could get her Mom
They would go to her apartment where the power was still on.
They packed some things that Mom would need and they made the long descent
84 year old arthritic legs were aching as she went.

Her legs, well they’re still hurting, but she’s back home and doing well
Though she is grieving for her city and those who’ve been through hell
For the comfort and the safety and caring and the rest
She says, “I know that I am deeply blessed”

Chorus:
I am so deeply blessed. I am so deeply blessed
In the midst of the storm, I am peaceful and warm
I am so deeply blessed
There’s a wellspring forever filling
From one moment to the next
When I am present and I am willing
I know I am so deeply blessed

Only just a year before, he had lost his son
Now his young wife’s battle with cancer was all done
With his family gone, I wondered how he would survive
I knew how precious love had graced their lives

He said, “Some folks don’t get ten minutes of the joy that we had
The sense of true connection, through all the good and bad
For these fifteen years together, I have had the best
And I know that I am deeply blessed

Chorus:
I am so deeply blessed. I am so deeply blessed
Though I am alone, love lives within my home
I am so deeply blessed
There’s a wellspring forever filling
From one moment to the next
When I am present and I am willing
I know I am so deeply blessed

I am the Light of God – Richard Mekdeci

I am the light of God,
I am the love of God.
I am the power of God,
I am the presence of God.
Wherever I am, God is.

You are…

We are…

I Am the Thinker – Sue K-Riley

I am the thinker who thinks the thoughts,
That changes the things that shape my life.
I am the thinker who thinks the thoughts,
I have the power to change my life.

If you ask me “Who am I?”
I am wisdom, I am light
I am more than meets the eye.
I cannot be defined.

If you ask me “What I am?”
I am beauty, I am joy.
I am more than meets the eye.
I cannot be defined.

I can choose to be the light
that brightens someone’s darkest night.
I’m so much more than meets the eye.
I cannot be defined.

I Am Thy Hands –
Erin McGaughan

I am Thy hands, I am Thine eyes
I am Spirit on Earth, I am strong, I am wise.

I am the voice of God, I am the song of Love,
I am the Spirit on earth, in love ever growing.

I Am With You Now – Scott Kalechstein

I am with you now as I have always been
And I will always be with you.

Our hearts are filled with grace
forever and ever.

[ on Scott’s The Eyes of God • buy mp3 from iTunes ]

I Arise Facing East – Words: Mary Austin; Music: Deborah Langstaff

I arise facing east
I am asking towards the light
I am asking that the day
Shall be beautiful with light

I am asking that the place
Where my feet are shall be bright
That as far as I can see
I shall follow it aright

I am asking for the courage
To move forward through the shadows
I am asking towards the light
I am asking towards the light

I Behold the Christ – Debra Burger

I behold the Christ in me
I behold the Christ in you
It is the only thing I know
The only thing that’s true

I behold the Christ in me
I behold the Christ in you
In everything I see
In everything I do

I behold the Christ in me
I behold the Christ in you
Each moment is complete
Each moment is brand new

I Believe This Belongs to You – Words & Music by Jan Garrett, JD Martin, & Ester Nicholson

I once heard a powerful story about a man who stood in his truth
With such conviction in who he was that he would not be moved
Someone stepped out of a crowd and said, “Are you Martin Luther King?”
He said “Yes I am,” and the well-dressed man spit on him
Then King took out his handkerchief and wiped the hate from his suit
He gave it back to the man and said, “I believe this belongs to you.”

I will lift you up and do what I can do
I see your heart, I know your pain, I have been there too
I will hold you high while you do what you have to do
But I am clear who is standing here, I believe this belongs to you

I once had a powerful story I used to carry around
I thought it was you all this time that held my spirit down
But now I know the truth of who I came here to be
You are my angel in disguise, and not my enemy
So I thank you for the part you played
In the dance we had to do
I give you back your own true love
I believe it belongs to you

I will lift you up and do what I can do
I feel your heart, I know your pain, I have been there too
I will hold you high while you do what you have to do
I give you back your freedom now, I believe it belongs to you

I will lift you up and do what I can do
I feel your heart, I know your pain, I have been there too
I will hold you high while you do what you have to do
I give you back your own true love, I believe it belongs to you
I am clear as we’re standing here, I believe this belongs to you

Copyright © 2009 Slipstream Productions
[ As of 1/2011, not yet available for regular purchase, this song is part of a special project which one can subscribe to.
More info here: http://www.garrett-martin.com/incrementalteaser.html ]

I Build a Manger by Debra Burger

I build a manger in my heart
Before the holy child is born
I let go of needing to be right and smart
Before the holy child is born
I let myself love you whoever you are
Before the holy child is born
Guided by light from the brightest star
Before the holy child is born

I feel the pain of letting go
While the holy child is born
And the confusion when I cannot know
While the holy child is born
Truth is brought forth in a fragile life
While the holy child is born
With strength that endure all the long winter’s night
While the holy child is born

I am connected to each leaf and tree
After the holy child is born
I live in God and God lives in me
After the holy child is born
I can be all I’m intended to be
After the holy child is born
Beholding the Christ in all that I see
After the holy child is born

I Choose Joy – Words and Music by Teri Wilder

When the walls come tumblin’ down, I choose joy, I choose joy.
When the world stops spinning ’round, I choose joy, I choose joy.
When my heart’s hard to move, when my music’s lost the groove,
When I have too much to prove, I choose joy, I choose joy.

When hate is all I see, I choose joy, I choose joy.
When fear won’t let me be, I choose joy, I choose joy.
When betrayal and lies hide the light from my eyes,
I look up to the sky, and I choose joy, I choose joy.

Joy, joy, joy, joy, joy, I choose joy.
Joy, joy, joy, joy, joy, I choose joy.

In this moment right here I choose joy, I choose joy.
For the ones that I hold dear, I choose joy, I choose joy.
To be who I might be, for the light to shine on me,
For everybody to be free, I choose joy, I choose joy.

Find the stable ground. Peace and hope abound.
I hear the sweetest sound, the chains have come unbound
And love is all around when I choose joy.

[on Teri Wilder’s I Choose Joy • buy mp3 ]

I Don’t Need to Know – Daniel Nahmod

When things go wrong, it’s natural to wonder:
What celestial rule did I break?
When things go right, it’s logical to ponder:
What credit can I take?

But the truth is so much easier,
I don’t need a master plan.
I can live here in the moment
‘Cause my life is in good hands.

I don’t need to know where the wind blows
‘Cause God knows

I don’t need to know what the future holds

‘Cause God knows
I need never know how pain ends, how my heart mends.
I can just let go ’cause God knows.

But still I find I’m crying out for answers.
Guess I’m still craving control.
And still I find I’m afraid of taking chances
(As if I could damage my soul!)

But at this moment I remember –
It comes so clear to me

That the moment I surrender
I’m as safe as I could be.

I don’t need to know where the wind blows
‘Cause God knows
I don’t need to know what the future holds
‘Cause God knows
I need never know how pain ends, how my heart mends.
I can just let go ’cause God knows.

[ From the Recording One Power – more
info/purchase – buy mp3: Empower Music & Arts ]

I Dreamed of Rain – Jan Garrett

I dreamed of rain, and the rains came
Soft and easy, sweet and clear
I dreamed of rain, and the rains came,
and peace spread over the land

I dreamed of summer, and the winds changed
And the green was easy, and the rivers ran clear
I dreamed of summer, and the winds changed,
and peace spread over the land

And the flowers bloom in the desert,
And the air is fresh and clear
I dreamed of rain, and the rains came,
and peace spread over the land

I dreamed of freedom, and the moon rose
And the way was easy, and the path was clear
I dreamed of freedom, and the moon rose,
and peace spread over the land

And the guardian stars are shining
And the night is bright and clear
I dreamed of freedom, and the moon rose,
and peace spread over the land

I dreamed of heaven, and the earth sang
And the sound was easy, and the song was clear
I dreamed of heaven, and the earth sang,
and peace spread over the land

And the ancient pain is forgotten
And the father’s debts are clear
I dreamed of heaven, and the earth sang,
and peace spread over the land

[CD of same name by Jan Garrett and J.D. Martin available from www.idreamedofrain.com

Buy mp3: Empower Music & Arts ]

I Forgive you, Dad – words and music by Debra Burger

Verse 1
I used to wish that I would have a dad like Robert Young
What a comfort to feel that Father does know best
Or that Ward Cleaver would hold my hand. He’d be gentle. He’d be firm
And in his arms it would be safe to rest
But that was not my story and with all the good and bad
On this day, I forgive you Dad

Verse 2
I used to try to find a greeting card that wasn’t filled with lies
I couldn’t say “You brighten all my days”
Couldn’t say that I looked up to you. That you taught me right from wrong.
That I trusted you to help me find my way
Oh that was not my story and with all the good and bad
On this day, I forgive you Dad

Verse 3
I think I was a lightning rod for your anger and your shame
And I believed it really was my fault
Sometimes you tried to hold it in, but the dam would always break
And bring another furious assault
That was my childhood story, so frightening and so sad
But on this day, I forgive you Dad

Verse 4
I carried bruises with me and hurt the ones I loved
I see how it was just that way for you.
You didn’t know how you could fix it, had no faith or hope
No way to understand what you could do.
And so we lived those years with the little strength we hadAnd on this day, I forgive you Dad

Bridge
I’m held by my heavenly Father, who lives deep within my soul
He says, “Pour out the love I give to you, and it will make you whole”

Verse 5
There were times you were so proud of me. We really did have fun
I’ve memorized when I felt loved and understood.
I tell all the jokes you told. They still make people laugh
There were lovely moments in my childhood.
And that too is my story and with all the good and badOn this day, I forgive you Dad

Verse 6
It was years and years ago. I’ve recovered from the harm
I have learned to find deep peace and to love the child within
And though the suffering you brought us both cannot be called okay
It’s long been time for healing to begin
It’s a very human story, that many people have
And on this day, I forgive you Dad

Bridge
I am held by my heavenly Father, who lives deep within my soul
He says, “Pour out the love I give to you, and it will make you whole”

This is my true story, the only one I truly have
And on this day, I forgive you, Dad

I Give Myself to You – Words and Music by Daniel Nahmod

God of the mystical canyons
God of the oceans blue
God of the glacier-carved mountains
I give myself to you

God of the first redwood forest
God of the seedling new
God of the wildflower meadow
I give myself to you

Yours is a higher power, Yours is a greater plan
Finally I surrender into your loving hands

God of the sun’s endless fire
God of the gleaming moon
God of our earthly oasis
I give myself to you

Yours is a higher power, Yours is a greater plan
Finally I surrender into your loving hands

God of this heartbeat within me
God of this gift of life
God of no end or beginning
I am Yours and You are mine
I am Yours and You are mine.

I Have Faith
– Karen Drucker

I have faith, I pray faith
I choose faith; I am faith.

I have hope, I pray hope,
I choose hope, I am hope.

When I trust and I let go
I know all is well.

I have love, I pray love,
I choose love, I am love.

You are love, we are love,
All God’s children are love.

[On Karen’s Songs
of the Spirit III; buy
mp3 from Empower Music & Arts ]

I Hear a Call – words and music by Tony Arata

I hear a call, now will I answer
Forsake my own to serve another
though darkness falls, stay a believer
I hear a call, now will I answer

I see a light, now will I follow
Fill up this life that grows more hollow
Make joy reside where there lives sorrow
I see a light, now will I follow

I hear a call from out of nowhere
and from everywhere I go
I hear a call, now will I answer

I feel a touch, now will I hold on
Be there with love for those with no one
With a kindness such, it lives though I’m gone
I feel a touch, now will I hold on

I hear a call from out of nowhere,
and from everywhere I go.
I see a light, now will I follow.
I feel a touch, now will I hold on
I hear a call, now will I answer

[on Emmylou Harris’ Cowgirl’s Prayer • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

I Know How You Can Get – by Debra Burger (BASED ON A POEM BY HAFIZ)

VERSE 1

I know how you can get when you haven’t had a drink
From the hands of love
I know how you can get when you cannot remember
The precious substance you’re made of
Your words are razor sharp
You’re stopped before you start
You find a flaw in everything you are
When you haven’t had a drink of love

CHORUS
Only God’s waters will quench your deepest thirst
So drink from the hands of love
The wise ones always knew what today we hold as true
That the only thing to do is fall in love with the world

VERSE 2
I know how you can get when you haven’t had a drink
From the hands of love
I know how you can get when don’t feel connected
To all around, below, beside, above
You rip apart each word of everything you’ve heard
You even frighten daffodils and birds
When you haven’t had a drink of love

VERSE 3
I know how you can get when you haven’t had a drink
From the hands of love
I know how you can get when you cannot remember
The playful, joyous spirit you’re part of
You throw sharp stones and spears at everyone who’s near
Even those whose care for you is clear
When you haven’t had a drink of love

I Live in God – words and music by Mark Shepard

I had a Sunday school teacher back in 1965
And she said something I’ll remember as long as I am alive…
“We live in God like fish live in the Sea
And God lives in us like the sea lives in the fish…
We live in God like clouds live in the sky
God lives in us like light lives in our eyes…”

Refrain:
I live in God. God Lives in me.
I live in God. God Lives in me.
I live in God. God Lives in me.
I live in God. God Lives in me…
I live in God. (like the fish live in the Sea)
God lives in me (Like the Sea lives in the fish)
I live in God. (like clouds live in the sky )
God lives in me (like light lives in our eyes…”)

I deny the illusion of separation
I affirm that All is One…
We are no more apart from God
Than sunshine is something other than the Sun

Refrain:
I live in God. (One and one is One)
God lives in me (Two and two is One)
I live in God. (Three and three is One)
God lives in me (Four and four is One)

So it’s Sunday morning, I’m sitting here in the pew with you
And the Reverend Jim is speaking true
And the affirmation starts resonating in my heart
How can I keep from singing from the God in me?
The God in you? The God in WE?

Refrain:
I live in God. (I remember. I remember!)
God lives in me (I surrender. I surrender!)
I live in God. (like the fish live in the Sea)
God lives in me (Like the Sea lives in the fish)
I live in God. (like clouds live in the sky )
God lives in me (like light lives in our eyes…”)
I live in God. (One and one is One)
God lives in me (Two and two is One)
I live in God. (Three and three is One)
God lives in me (Four and four is One)

I Love Myself the Way I Am – words and music by Jai Josefs

I love myself the way I am,
There’s nothing I want to change.
I’ll always be the perfect me,
There’s nothing to rearrange.
I’m beautiful and capable of being the best me I can,
And I love myself, just the way I am.

I love you just the way you are,
There’s nothing you need to do.
When I see the love inside myself,
It’s easy to love you.
Behind your fears, your rage and tears,
I see your shining star.
And I love you, just the way you are.

I love the world the way it is,
And I can really see.
That all the things I judge are done
By people just like me.
So ’til the birth of peace on earth
That only love can bring,
I’ll help it grow by loving everything.

I love myself the way i am,
And still I want to grow,
‘Cause change outside can only come
When deep inside I know,
I’m beautiful and capable of being the best me I can,
And I love myself, just the way I am.

[available on Jai Jesef’s CD Freedom River available at www.jaijomusic.com ]

I Release – music and words by Rev. Michael Beckwith and Rickie Byars-Beckwith

I release and I let go
I let the Spirit run my life.
And my heart is opened wide
Yes, I’m only here for God.
No more struggle, no more strife,
With my faith I see the light
I am free in the Spirit
Yes, I’m only here for God

I Rise in You – words & music Claudia Carawan

The dead of winter is over and gone
And a brand new day is finally dawn
The bitter cold and icy gloom
Are now tiny buds upon the bloom
They will rise in you

Chorus:
You are my light
You are my joy
You are my strength
I rise in you
You are my hope
You are my love
You are my peace
I rise in you

Let everything upon this earth
Participate in the rebirth
and be born anew
Let every heart be lifted higher
Let every soul now be inspired to rise in you

Chorus

You are the force that lifts the eagles wings
You are the power that makes my heart to sing
You are the power that turns an acorn to a tree
You are the power working miracles in me
I Rise in you… I Rise in you…

Chorus

I See the Light
– by Hank Williams; new words by Debra Burger

I see the light, I see the light
No more darkness, no more night
Now I’m so happy, no sorrow in sight
Praise the Lord, I see the light

I Send My Love (Anastasia’s Song) – Words: Joyce Ripp; Music: Karen Drucker

I send my love over the mountain
I send my love over the sea
I send my love into the heavens
And it comes back to me

I send my joy over the mountain
I send my joy over the sea
I send my joy into the heavens
And it comes back to me

I send my power…

I send my peace…

I Still Have Joy – traditional

I still have joy, I still have joy.
After all the things I’ve been through,
I still have joy.
I still have joy, I still have joy.
After all the things I’ve been through,
I still have joy.

There are times in my life when I felt I couldn’t go on,
But the Lord he blessed me and he made me strong.
I kept the faith and I held on through the night.
This is my testimony that he made everything all right.

I get joy when I think about all he’s done for me.
He even broke the habits trying to conquer me.
Well I spoke to the mountain, it ran down to the sea.
I can’t begin to tell you what he’s done for me.

——————————————

New verses, by Debra Burger:

I have joy when I realize that I don’t run the show
My rules keep out of the peaceful river’s flow
There are things I chose that forced my heart to close
An open heart can lead me where I’d rather go

I have joy when I think about all God gives to me
A higher power can restore my sanity
Peace does not come from my work alone
That higher power leads me to my sacred home

I have joy when I let go and let God sing the song
My ego is weak but my higher power is strong
Even when I’m scared, I know that God’s there
I find peace and grace when I let go of fear

[ on the Amidon’s Beatitudes ]

I Want to Live So God Can Use Me – trad. spititual

I want to live so God can use me
Anywhere, Lord, anytime

I’m gonna sing so God can use me…

I’m gonna pray so God can use me…

I’m gonna walk and talk so God can use me…

[on Ken Whiteley’s Another Day’s Journey • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

I Will Follow You – Words and Music by Daniel Nahmod

I want to thank you, I want to praise you,
I want to do what you’d have me do.
I want to thank you, I want to praise you,
I want to do what you’d have me do.

So every day of my life I will follow you
Every day of my life I will follow you

Every day of my life I will follow you
I will follow you

I want to know you, I want to love you,
I want to do what you’d have me do.
I want to know you, I want to love you,
I want to do what you’d have me do.

So every day of my life I will follow you
Every day of my life I will follow you
Every day of my life I will follow you
I will follow you

I Will Not Leave You Comfortless– Words and Music by Jan Phillips

I will not leave you comfortless,
I will not leave you alone.
I am the air you breath in,
I’m the light of every star and every dawn.

[On Jan Phillips’ All the Way to Heaven • buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

I Will Surrender – Karen Drucker, David Roth, Faith Rivera

I will surrender to my greatest highest good.
I will release any fear that blocks my way.
For every step I take is taken in pure faith,
and I am stronger every moment every day.
(2nd time: grateful 3rd time: kinder)

My mind is willing and my heart is open wide.
I trust my instincts and let Spirit be my guide.
I vow to live a life that’s real and true and free,
as I continue walking in this mystery.

There may be walls there may be roadblocks in my way,
but I can choose to take a higher path each day.
And now I know that what I thought was safe and sound,
was only habit and regret that held me down.

©TayToones Music BMI 2009
[From the CD: “Songs of the Spirit 4” • Buy mp3 at Empower Music & Arts ]

If I Were Brave – Jana Stanfield and Jimmy Scott

What would I do if I knew that I could not fail?
If I believed would the wind always fill up my sail
How far would I go, what could I achieve /
Trusting the hero in me?

If I were brave I’d walk the razor’s edge
Where fools and dreamers dare to tread*
Never lose faith, even when losing my way
What step would I take today if I were brave

What would I do today if I were brave? (4 times)

What if we’re all meant to do what we secretly dream?
What would you ask if you knew you could have anything?
Like the mighty oak sleeps in the heart of a seed
Are there miracles in you and me?

Repeat Chorus

If I refuse to listen to the voice of fear
Would the voice of courage whisper in my ear?

Repeat Chorus

* “where true believers dare to tread” on later recordings

[on Jana Stanfield’s Brave Faith
and What Would You Do This Year if You Had No Fear • Buy mp3: Empower Music & Arts]

I’m a Rich Man (to Have You for a Friend) – Words and Music by Mark Shepard

I may not have a lot of money at the moment in the bank
But I am so abundant that I easily give thanks
I got a soft, warm bed to sleep in and a roof over my head
Got fresh cream for my coffee and butter for my bread
Well the sky is free for breathing and the ground is free to walk
I got a voice to sing with and words with which to talk

Refrain:
I’m a rich man, I’m a rich man, I’m a rich man, I’m a rich man
I’m a rich man, I’m a rich man,
I’m a rich man to have you for friend.
I’m a rich man to have you for a friend.

I’ve got the sun to warm my body and the moon to soothe my eyes
Every day that passes helps to make me realize
Life is full of moments that we sometimes do not notice
The blossom of a dandelion rivals any lotus
There is so much wealth around us, abundance that surrounds us
That sometimes it’s a challenge to maintain our focus

Refrain:

Well the world is full of magic but we all still complain
Learn the lessons from the tragic or repeat it all again
We never know who we will meet as we move through our days
All I know is it’s a treat to share the path with you a ways
Well this song may be too simple and this song may be too sweet
But this song helped me through a day when I was in defeat

Refrain:

I’m Gonna Do What the Spirit Says Do – traditional spiritual

I’m gonna do what the Spirit says do
I’m gonna do what the Spirit says do
What the Spirit says do, I’m gonna do, oh Lord
I’m gonna do what the Spirit says do

I’m gonna PRAY when the Spirit says pray
I’m gonna pray when the Spirit says pray
When the Spirit says pray, I’m gonna pray, oh Lord
I’m gonna pray when the Spirit says pray

I’m gonna LOVE / SING / TRUST etc.

I’m Gonna Lift My Brother Up – unknown

I’m gonna lift my brother up, He is not heavy (3x)
If I don’t lift him up
If I don’t lift him up
If I don’t lift him up
I will fall down.

( sister, father, mother, people)

I’m Here to Remind You – David Ault

I’m here to remind you of your magnificence,
To help you awake to all the wonder that you are.
I long to show you all the joy you’re worthy of.
I’m here to remind you how much you’re truly loved.

I’m Sorry. Please Forgive Me – Words and Music by Mark Shepard

(Inspired by Ho’oponopono – Hawaiian Prayer)

I’ve got nothing left to give you
Except this simple song
I’ve got nothing else give you
So I hope you’ll sing along

Refrain:
I’m sorry. Please forgive me
Thank you. I love you
I’m sorry. Please forgive me
Thank you. I love you

Some days I barely make it
Some days I’m hardly here at all
Some days I try to fake it
And I feel like I’m going to take a fall (Refrain)

Every step’s a challenge
When you walk barefoot on broken glass
Every thought’s a cage we build
When we’re stuck clinging to the past (Refrain)

We all have our good reasons
That later, turn out to be lies
You can not fight the seasons
Ask any fool who tries… (Refrain)

The only thing to count on
Is that “this too shall pass…”
The only thing to count on
Is that Love is bound to last… (Refrain)

In Beauty May I Walk – Words: Navajo prayer adapted by Karen Drucker; Music: Karen Drucker

In beauty, may I walk.
All day long, may I walk.
Through the seasons may I walk.
May I walk in peace. May I walk in peace.

On this path, may I walk.
Through my life, may I walk.
In old age, may I walk.
May I walk in peace. May I walk in peace.

Chorus:

May I walk, May I walk,
May I walk, May I walk,
May I walk, May I walk,
May I walk in peace. May I walk in peace.

In joy, may I walk.
In love, may I walk.
In gratitude, may I walk.
May I walk in peace. May I walk in peace.

In stillness, may I walk.
In forgiveness, may I walk.
In loving kindness, may I walk.
May I walk in peace. May I walk in peace.

to Chorus

In Gratitude I Sing – Words and Music by Sarah McQuaid

6-part round

This earth of ours is beautiful,
The sky, the rocks, the trees,
The birds and the animals, rivers and seas.
In gratitude I sing to You
For I am thankful, I am thankful,
I am thankful in my soul

In the Stillness – words and music by Karen Drucker

In the stillness of this moment there is peace, there is peace
In the stillness of this moment there is peace
And I rest and trust and brethe and know
That in the stillness of this moment there is peace.

In the stillness of this moment there is love…

In the stillness of this moment I feel love…

In the stillness of this moment I am peace…

[on Karen Drucker’s “Shine” • buy mp3 from Empower Music & Arts ]

In This Very Room – Ron Harris

In this very room there’s quite enough love for all the world
And in this very room there’s quite enough joy for all the world
And there’s quite enough hope and quite enough power
To walk through every fear
One spirit, one spirit is in this very room
In this very room, in this very room

[ On Bethani’s Go Within • Buy mp3: Amazon ]

Inside to Find My God – Words and Music by Daniel Nahmod

Verse 1:
I will leave this world as it is
Go inside to find my God
I will leave this world as it is
Go inside to find my God

Chorus:
Inside there is peace, inside there is joy
Inside there is more than enough
Inside there is peace, inside there is joy
Inside there is sacred love

Verse 2:
I will leave this day as it is
Go inside to find my God
I will leave this day as it is
Go inside to find my God (Chorus)

Verse 3
I will leave this life as it is
Go inside to find my God
I will leave this life as it is
Go inside to find my God
Go inside to find my God
I’ll go inside to find my God

Io Sono Spirito – music: Charley Thweatt; words: A Course in Miracles

Ostinato Chant:

Io Sono Spirito (Italian: I am Spirit)

Spirit am I
A holy child of God
Free to forgive
Safe and healed and whole

[on Charley’s Chants Encounter • buy mp3: CDBaby iTunes ]

Ish’q Allah – trad. Sufi chant

Ish’q Allah mahbud lillah,
Ish’q Allah mahbud lillah.

Allah ya Jamil, Allah ya jamil.
Allah ya jamil, Allah, Allah.

translation: God is love, lover and beloved. God is beauty.”

[on Deva Premal and Miten’s Songs for the Inner Lover • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

It’s In Every One of Us – David Pomeranz

It’s in every one of us to be wise.
Find your heart; open up both your eyes.
We can all know everything
Without ever knowing why.
It’s in every one of us,
You and I. (original: “by and
by”)

It’s in every one of us.
I just remembered.
It’s like I’ve been sleeping for years.
I’m not awake as I can be
But my seeing’s better;
I can see through the tears.
I’ve been realizing that
I bought this ticket
And watching only half of the show.
But there’s scenery and lights
And a cast of thousands
Who all know what I know
And it’s good that it’s so.

It’s in every one of us to be wise.
Find your heart; open up both your eyes.
We can all know everything
Without ever knowing why.
It’s in every one of us,
You and I.

It’s Only…Right Now – words and music by Pete Furlong

It’s not the things you do
It’s not the things you have
How many skills I’ve acquired
How perfectly I’ve walked this path

It’s not the things we say
Things we have yet to do
Not my career or ambition
My follow-up or my follow-through
It’s only… Right now

It’s not who you know
Though you may have been convinced so
It’s not the company you keep
Whether you work on Main or Wall Street
It’s only… Right now

It’s not the baggage we still claim
Point of view we still maintain
Or the unattractive more-than-just-mistakes
The number of times that a learned lesson takes
It’s only… Right now

It;s not the way you look
Your car, clothes or neighborhood
Our yesterdays or pasts
Futures or tomorrows, that come too slow or fast
It’s only… Right now

It’s What You Are – Words and Music by Charley Thweatt

Waves of light landing on the shore that is your heart
It’s what you are, it’s what you are
Open arms that welcome you in spite of what you thought
It’s what you are, it’s what you are

And could it be that it was always only you
Keeping love away, Thinking it would never stay?
What if you could see that love is always here
Living right inside? Would you change your mind?

Angel wings are holding you in such a gentle peace
It’s what you are, it’s what you are
Merging into everyone as far as you can see
It’s what you are, it’s what you are

Why do people love you?
Do you think that it’s the things you do?
No, it’s what you are, it’s what you are

[on Charley Thweatt’s Wave After Wave • buy CD or mp3: CDBaby ]

Jerusalem, My Destiny -Words and Music by Rory Cooney

I have fixed my eyes on your hills
Jerusalem, my destiny
Though I cannot see the end for me,
I cannot turn away.
We have set our hearts for the way
This journey is our destiny
Let no one walk alone
The journey makes us one.

See, I leave the past behind;
A new land calls to me.
Here among you now I find
A glimpse of what might be.

To the tombs I went to mourn
The hope I thought was gone.
Here among you I awoke to unexpected dawn.

O city of hosannas, O city of the cross!
The hour is upon us!
I have come within your walls!

Jesus of the Colors – words and music by Molly Scott

Jesus of the colors, burn me into light
Jesus of the colors, rainbow in my night
Free me from the confines of my mind
Let me find the silence beneath thinking.

Shine in me, Lord
Shine in me, Lord
Shine in me, shine in me, shine in me. repeat

Jesus of the sunset, help me feel my pain
Jesus of the sunset, touch me through my rain
Let me see the life that lives in death
Let me be your instrument of loving

Jesus of the sunrise, light to whom we pray
Jesus of the sunrise, wake me to my day
I would be your mirror, be my sun
Let me come full circle to my centering.

[on Sumitra’s Honor the Earth: http://www.mollyscott.com/HTML/sales.html ]

Jesus On The Main Line – traditional

Jesus in on the main line; tell him what you want.
Jesus in on the main line; tell him what you want.
Jesus in on the main line; tell him what you want.
Call him up and tell him what you want.

The line ain’t never busy…

If you want his kingdom…

If you’re sick and you want to get well…

He’ll come in a hurry…

[Recordings by Aretha Franklin, Mavis Staples, Ry Cooder and many more]

Just a Closer Walk With Thee – Trad.; verses 2,3,4: Debra Burger

Just a closer walk with thee
Grant it Jesus is my plea
Daily walking close to Thee
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be

The ego’s weak but Thou art strong
When I walk with you, I can’t be wrong
I’ll be satisfied as long
As I walk, dear Lord, close to thee

Through this world of joys and cares
All I need to know is that you’re there
Who but thee my burden shares
As I walk with thee, oh Lord, with thee

You’ve walked with me when times are good
Helped me do all that I could
You’ve carried me and helped me see
When I’ve walked, dear Lord, with thee

Repeat Verse 1

Keeper of the Journey – Words and Music by Mark Shepard

Sometimes I can really feel like Thomas
You can call me a doubter and I would not disagree
But doubt and disbelief are two different things
Some days I see the Christ at work in every living thing

Refrain:
My God is a gentle dancing god
My God is a laughing loving god
My God is the keeper of the journey

All the time lately when I lie awake at night
I feel as if somebody is calling out to me
He says, “Reach out your hand. Reach out from the inside
Open the door. Open the door. Come out and be free!”

—Refrain—

Woke up this morning to a liquid silver sky
Something in the air was saying “YES! you are alive!”
It is my birthday, today and every day
Behold the new has come and the old has passed away

—Refrain—

Last Song – Daniel Nahmod

If this is my last song,
If this is my final day,
If tomorrow I’ll be gone,
What do I want to say?
If this is my last song,
If it’s my time to go,
When my body’s moved on
What will I have to show?
Oh, but fortune and fame – they scatter to the wind.
The things that make a name – just don’t matter in the end.

(chorus)
Is the world a little more peaceful?
Oceans and sky a little more blue?
Is humankind a little bit wiser
About the good that we can do?
Does the sun shine a little bit brighter
Where before there was only rain?
If so, then I’m glad I came.

If these are my last words
For all of the earth to hear,
If all that I have ever been
Is about to disappear,
If these are my last words,
There’s nothing that I need to say.
I have only tried to serve.
It’s never been about talking anyway.
So much hurt there is to heal – it’s hard to understand.
All I can hope to feel is that I am doing what I can.

(chorus)

Have I given hope to the hopeless?
Has a hungry soul been fed?
Has a child stood a little bit taller
‘Cause of something that I said?
Have I left a little kindness?
Have I eased a little pain?
If so, then I’m glad I came.
For that, I’m so glad I came.

If this is my last song,
What do I leave behind?
What do I pass on
If I am out of time?

Lead Me to the Light –
Bethani

Lead me to the light,
Lead me to the light.
Help me to make it through.
Lead me, lead me into the light.

Make my eyes to see
All that I could be.
Help me to see it through.
Lead me, lead me into the light.

Turn my night to day.
Take the hurt away.
Help me to be with you.
Lead me, lead me into the light.

[Buy mp3 from iTunes – www.bethanisings.com]

Learning
to Love Myself – Scott Kalechstein

Everyday in every way,
I’m learning to love and respect myself.
Every day in every way
I’m learning to love myself.

[On Scott’s Let There Be Light; Buy mp3 from iTunes ]

Let It Flow – words and music by Debra Burger

verse 1
Don’t dam up the waters of your life ( 2x )
It’ll make you tired and sick
What an awful thing to pick
Don’t dam up the waters of your life

chorus
Let it flow, let it flow
A healing river is within you everywhere you go
Let it flow, let it flow
Don’t get in the way of what help you grow

verse 2
Don’t dam up the waters of your life (2x)
What a waste of time
Postponing what you need to find
Don’t dam up the waters of your life

verse 3
When you need to cry, don’t let those tears get stuck
When you don’t get what you think you want, maybe it’s just good luck
Go with the flow, let go of all that strife
Don’t dam up the waters of your life

Let Me Be Your Bethlehem – Words and music by Danielle Rose

Is there no room in this world for you?
Oh, let me be your Bethlehem, let me be your Bethlehem.
It’s cold outside; see, I’ve opened up my door.
Let my life be your Bethlehem,
Unto my life may you be born.

Is there no place for you to lay your head?
Oh, let me be your manger, let me be your manger.
Rest in me and I will rest in you;
Rest in me, O child, my Savior;
Rest in me, Lord, my Savior.

Chorus:
Born in a stable with the angels close at hand,
Strength became weakness that we might understand,
A God who is hungry, a king without a throne,
Emmanuel, a child is born.

Is there no one who will hold you, Lord?
Let me be your mother, let me be your mother.
Heaven cannot hold your glory, Lord
Yet I hold you in my arms,
I hold you in my arms.

Chorus

Let Me Rise – words and music by Eve Goldberg

Chorus:
Let me rise in the morning, feel the joy in living
Let me open my heart like a flower unfolds
When my burden is heavy will you walk beside me?
Will you open your heart shine a light for my soul?

Little flowers in the desert
Can’t take the heat of the noonday sun
But they open up their petals
Before the day has just begun

Chorus

I was wandering in that desert
Desperate for a sign of rain
Your heart shined out like a beacon
And brought my soul back home again.

Chorus

We’re just like those little flowers
Who put down roots in the burning sand
We’ve got to gather love around us
And make our way in a thirsty land

Chorus

[on Eve Goldberg’s A Kinder Season • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

Let My Life Be Prayer – Ken Whiteley

Let my life be prayer,
Let my life be prayer,
Let my life be prayer,
Surely you will see me through.

From the moment that I wake up, till I go to sleep at night,
I offer up my work and words and bring them to the light,
Let me feel the power through which we all unite,
And let my life be prayer.

Take the song that I am singing, I offer it to You,
The words that I am thinking, may they express anew,
That You are the inspiration of everything I do,
Let my life be prayer.

I do not need to worry though I know that cares will come,
I do not need to hurry, If I know Thy will be done,
I just need to trust and in that faith walk on,
And let my life be prayer.

Our time upon this planet, is surely but a span,
And things are bound to happen, which we cannot understand,
So in both joy and sorrow, I take Your outstretched hand,
And let my life be prayer.

Let the River Run

– words and music by Carly Simon

We’re coming to the edge, running on the water,
coming thru the fog, your sons and daughters.
Let the river run,
let all the dreamers wake the nation,
come the new Jerusalem.

Silver cities rise,
the morning lights the streets that lead them
and sirens call them on with a song.
It’s asking for the taking, trembling, shaking.
Oh my heart is aching

we’re coming to the edge running on the water,
coming thru the fog your sons and daughters.
We, the great and small,
stand on a star
and blaze a trail of desire through the darkening dawn.

It’s asking for the taking,
come run with me now,
the sky is a color of blue you’ve never even seen
in the eyes of love, my heart is aching,

coming to the edge, running on the water…

[On Carly Simon’s Clouds in My Coffee • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

Letting Go – Words and Music by Harold Payne

Let the peaceful waters tumble down my soul
Let me live in this moment and watch it all unfold
And let this joyful feeling come from deep inside
And lift my spirit closer to the light

Oh, I’m letting go
Oh, I’m letting go

I’m gonna roll with the tide, surrender to the highs and lows
And to the pull of the moon and the ebb and flow
I am lost in the stillness, a silent prayer
Just the movements of breath and a heartbeat there

Oh, I’m letting go
Oh, I’m letting go

Repeat verse 1 and chorus

Additional verse by Roger Mock:

I’m gonna live in the light of my divinity
Let this flow of compassion stream out of me
I’m letting go of doubt, I’m letting go of fear
I’ll let the song of my soul echo loud and clear

Life is Eternal – Carly Simon and Teese Gohl
based on words by Rossiter W. Raymond

Chorus:
Life is eternal and love is immortal
and death is only a horizon
Life is eternal
As we move into the light
and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight,
Save the limit of our sight.

[ on Carly Simon’s Have You Seen Me Lately • buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

Light in the Soul –
Joe Marshalle

Where there’s light in the soul there is beauty in the person,
Where there’s beauty in the person, there is harmony within the home.
Where there’s harmony within the home, there’s order in the nation,
Where there’s order in the nation there is peace in the world.

[ Recorded by Scott Kalechtsein www.scottsongs.com
– buy
mp3 from iTunes ]

The Lighthouse Beam by Debra Burger

Verse 1
I see the light that shines through you
though you stumble blindly in the dark
even when your fear and grasping lead to suffering
I’ll remember who you are

Chorus 1
I’ll remember you are part of me
and we are each of us part of the sacred one
and when you’ve gone astray
I will be the lighthouse beam
to guide you home when the day is done

Verse 2
I know there’s a love that lives in me
though my heart be can be locked up by fear
and when a blanket of shame is covering the kindness
I’ll remember the love that is here

Chorus 2
I’ll remember I am part of you
and we are each of us part of the sacred one
and when I’ve gone astray
you will be the lighthouse beam
to guide me home when the day is done

Chorus 3
I’ll remember I am part of you
and we are each of us part of the sacred one
and when we’ve gone astray
we will find the lighthouse beam
to guide us home when the day is done

Little Butterfly – words and music by Esther Alvarado, Ginger Baker, Jana Stanfield
(with an excerpt from “Butterfly” by Joyce Rouse and Jana Stanfield)

I have lived all alone in a world without light.
I have lived in a cell without bars, without sight.
While longing for meadows, and fields full of flowers,
Pain and confusion have filled lonely hours.
I have wanted to fly, to soar over green fields,
But the hard shell around me would not crack, would not yield.
I felt bound to the earth, wrapped in ribbons of steal,
It hurt when I hoped, it hurt when I’d feel.

Yet even as I yearned so much for release,
Something inside spoke softly of peace.
A whisper was there each time that I cried,
Saying, “Don’t give up, child, keep hope alive.”
Hope seemed a thing as distant and far
as the most distant galaxy, the most distant star.
I did not believe I would ever break free
of the heavy cocoon that was covering me.

Then slowly, so slowly, came a glimmer of light,
It scared me at first, this first bit of sight.
There were others around me. Why had they come?
Why had they entered my dark, lonely home?
And then, one by one, they reached out a hand
and lifted the ribbons of steel, strand by strand.
When their hands touched the ribbons, the steel fell away,
And I began to feel different in this lightness of day.

They smiled, they rejoiced, and I heard a song,
One that had played in my heart all along,
These are the words the song sings to me,
This is what it says:
“I can feel a change is coming, I can feel it in my skin
I can feel myself outgrowing, This life I’ve been living in
And I’m afraid, afraid of change,
So, butterfly, please tell me again, I’m gonna be all right”
And I know, I know, I’m going to be all right.
And I know, I know, I will take flight.

When my friends now, they call my new name,
And I smile at the promise that my new name brings.
They call me, “Little Mariposa”, “Little Butterfly”
And my heart takes wing.

The Little Church – words and music by Donovan Leitch

If you want your dream to be,
Build it slow and surely.
Small beginnings, greater ends;
Heartfelt work grows purely.
If you want to live life free,
Take your time, go slowly.
Do few things, but do them well;
Simple joys are holy.

Day by day, stone by stone
Build your secret slowly
Day by day you’ll grow, too
You’ll know heaven’s glory

From the film Brother Sun Sister Moon • Buy mp3: iTunes

Living in the Heart of God – Words and Music by Jan Garrett and JD Martin

Nothing is ever lost, and we are not forgotten
We are living in the heart of God
Nothing is ever lost, and we are not forgotten
We are living in the heart of God

We are living, we are living, we are living in the heart of God
We are living, we are living, we are living in the heart of God

Morning sun coming thru the trees
And the green leaves shimmer in the summer breeze
Songbirds singing to the honey bees
Living in the heart of God

We are living, we are living, we are living in the heart of God
We are living, we are living, we are living in the heart of God

After the dazzle of day is done
The moon makes love to the setting sun
The stars come twinkling one by one
Living in the heart of God

We are living, we are living, we are living in the heart of God
We are living, we are living, we are living in the heart of God

Nothing is ever lost, and we are not forgotten
We are living in the heart of God
Nothing is ever lost, and we are not forgotten
We are living in the heart of God

We sleep in dreams both deep and bright
Sailing thru the velvet night
Refreshing the soul to the spirit’s delight
Living in the heart of God

We are living, we are living, we are living in the heart of God
We are living, we are living, we are living in the heart of God

We are living in the heart of God, We are living in the heart of God

Nothing is ever lost,
and we are not forgotten……

© 2005 Foolchild Music (ASCAP)
Gill ‘n’ Goldie Music (ASCAP)
[ on Jan Garrett and JD Martin’s Already Home • Buy mp3: Empower Music & Arts ]

Lord, I Want to Be a Christian

– trad. spiritual

Lord, I want to eb a Christian in my heart, in my heart,
Lord, I want to be a Christian in my heart.

In my heart, in my heart,
Lord I want to be a Christian in my heart.

Lord, I want to be like Jesus…

Lord, I want to be more loving…

Lord, I want to be more holy…

Lord, I want to feel your presence…

[ Recording: on “Negro Spirituals” by Moses Hogan Singers – a lovely, gentle choral version • mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

The Lord is My Light

– Lillian Bouknight/Psalm 27

The Lord is my light and my salvation,
The Lord is my light and my salvation,
The Lord is my light and my salvation,
Whom shall I fear?

Refrain:
Whom shall I fear, whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the strength of my life;
Whom shall I fear?

In the time of trouble, He shall hide me…

Wait on the Lord and be of good courage…

[ here’s a gospel
choir version from iTunes ]

Lord of the Dance – Sydney Carter

I danced in the morning when the world was begun,
And I danced in the moon and the stars and the sun,
And I came down from heaven and I danced on the earth,
At Bethlehem I had my birth.

Refrain

Dance, then, wherever you may be;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.
And I’ll lead you all wherever you may be,
And I’ll lead you all in the dance, said he.

I danced for the scribe and the Pharisee,
But they would not dance and they would not follow me;
I danced for the fishermen, for James and John;
They came to me and the dance went on.

Refrain

I danced on the sabbath when I cured the lame,
The holy people said it was a shame;
They whipped and they stripped and they hung me high;
And they left me there on a cross to die.

Refrain

I danced on a Friday and the sky turned black;
It’s hard to dance with the devil on your back;
They buried my body and they thought I’d gone,
But I am the dance and I still go on.

Refrain

They cut me down and I leap up high,
I am the life that’ll never, never die;
I’ll live in you if you’ll live in me;
I am the Lord of the Dance, said he.

Refrain

Lord of the Starfields – words and music by Bruce Cockburn

Lord of the starfields
Ancient of Days
Universe Maker
Here’s a song in your praise

Wings of the storm cloud
Beginning and end
You make my heart leap
Like a banner in the wind

O love that fires the sun
Keep me burning.

Lord of the starfields
Sower of life,
Heaven and earth are
Full of your light

Voice of the nova
Smile of the dew
All of our yearning
Only comes home to you

O love that fires the sun
keep me burning

Copyright 1970 Golden Mountain Music
On Bruce Cockburn’s In The Falling Dark and Circles in the Stream (live)
Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes

Love Came Down at Christmas – Christina Rosetti; trad. Irish melody

Love came down at Christmas
Love all lovely, love divine
Love was born at Christmas
Star and angels gave the sign

Love shall be our token
Love be yours and love be mine
Love to God and all of us
Love for plea and gift and sign

[on Shawn Colvin’s Holiday Songs and Lullabies • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

Love Forevermore – words and music by Charley Thweatt

Leave your cares at the window
Leave your thoughts at the door
Enter a deeper temple
Love forevermore, Love forevermore,
Love forevermore.

Love forever, love forevermore
Love forever, love forevermore
Love forever, love forevermore
Love forever, and ever

[on Charley Thweatt’s Chants Encounter • Buy mp3: CDBaby iTunes ]

Love in Any Language – Jon Mohr and John Mays

Love in any language
Straight from the heart
Pulls us all together
Never apart.

And once we learn to speak it
All the world will hear,
“Love in any language
Fluently spoken here.”

[recorded by Sandi Patti on Morning Like This • buy mp3 from iTunes ]

Love is My Decision – Daniel Nahmod

Love is my decision
It’s up to me to give of my heart
Love is my decision
No one else can tell me to start
And once I decide to change my mind
God will show me how
Love is my decision
My decision right here and now

Love is my decision
It’s up to me to stand on that bridge
Love is my decision
No one else can make me forgive
And once I decide to change my mind
God will show me how
Love is my decision
My decision right here and now

Love is my decision
It’s up to me to dance down the road
Love is my decision
No one else can lighten my load
And once I decide to change my mind
God will show me how
Love is my decision
My decision right here and now

Love is the Only Action – words and music by Debra Burger

CHORUS
I won’t poison my soul with the hatred I hold
While somehow I think I’m hurting you
I can only heal my heart when I give my heart away
Love is the only action I can do

I’ve given up my joy, my wholeness and my calm
All to feel delight in being right
Now I hold a deeper truth, I hold a wiser view
I’ve given up the struggle and the fight – Chorus

Give a tooth for a tooth and there’s no one who can chew
An eye for an eye makes us all blind
When I bring life’s beauty to the ugliness I see
I open to the gift of peace I find – Chorus

There are things that others do that hurt us, it is true
There are acts that cause such suffering and pain
Yet, we need to find a grace to make it through the day
And stand so we that we may walk again – Chorus

Love Love Love – Words and Music by Chris Foster

Look in the mirror.
What do you notice, what do you see?
God’s own expression manifesting wholly and fully.

Chorus:
I am pure, I am perfect, I am wonderful.
I am love, love, love in the mind of God.
I am free and endless, I am beautiful.
I am love, love, love in the mind of God.

Look in the mirror.
What do you notice, what do you see?
God’s pure potential manifesting wholly and fully. Chorus

Look in the mirror.
What do you notice, what do you see?
God’s peace progressing, manifesting universally. Chorus

Love One Another – Mindy Jostyn and Jacob Brackman

Love one another
Light of revelation
Love frees the prisoner
Love is liberation
Love is what the world needs most
Love’s the sign that God is close
Love is the only way
Love is the only way

Love knows no evil
No injury, no sadness
Love chases out the fear
Lifts your heart to gladness
Love turns the winter warm
Love calms the raging storm
Love is our answered prayer
Love is our answered prayer

Love now is dawning
Over every nation
Showing us our brotherhood
Showing us salvation
Bringing hatred to an end
Peace on earth, good will to men
Love, love alone is power
Love, love alone is power

[ from CD Only a Song,
available from www.mindyjostyn.com ]

Love, Serve & Remember – Words & Music by John Astin

Why have you come to earth?
Do you remember?
Why have you taken birth?
Why have you come?

To love, to serve and remember
To love, to serve and remember

[ On John’s Already Shining • buy mp3 from iTunes ]

Love Song – Words and Music by Leslie Duncan; additional words by Roger Mock

The words I have to say
May well be simple but they’re true –
Until you give your love
There’s nothing more that we can do

Love is the opening door
Love is what we came here for
No one could offer you more
Do you know what I mean?
Have your eyes really seen?

You say it’s very hard
To leave behind the life we knew
But there’s no other way
And now it’s really up to you

Love is the key we must turn
Truth is the flame we must burn
Freedom the lesson we must learn
Do you know what I mean?
Have your eyes really seen?

Additional verses (by Roger Mock):

There’s one thing you must do
For love to free your heart and mind –
Tear down the barriers,
Those blocks of fear you hide behind.

Love is the only way,
Love is the truth you must confess.
When you want only love,
Then you will look on nothing less.

There’s nothing to hold back,
Nothing to keep apart and hide.
Love offers no defense,
In trust and openness abides.

And when your eyes have seen,
And when your ears have really heard,
You’ll know within your heart
That love’s the key, love is the Word.

[ on Elton John’s “Tumbleweed Connection” • buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

Love
Will Guide Us – traditional tune; words:
Sally Rogers, based on hymn “I Will Guide Thee”

Chorus:
Love will guide us, Peace has tried us,
Hope inside us will lead the way
On the road from greed to giving,
Love will guide us through the dark night.

If you cannot sing like angels,
If you cannot speak before thousands,
You can give from deep within you,
You can change the world with your love.

You are like no other being,
What youcan give no other can give
To the future of our precious children,
To the future of the world where we live.

Hear the song of peace within you,
Heed the song of peace in your heart.
Spring’s new beginning will lead to the harvest,
Love will guide us on our way.

[ from the unfortunately out of print album by Sally
Rogers, Love Will Guide Us ]

Loving Kindness – Words and Music by Karen Drucker

May I be filled with loving kindness,
May I be blessed
May I be peaceful and at ease
And may I be happy

May you be filled…

May we be filled…

I am filled…

[on Karen’s Songs of the Spirit I • buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

That’s What Love’s About – words and music by Karen Taylor-Good

Did you ever see a small child
Lose his mama in the crowd?
Or the moment when he finds her?
That’s what love’s about

Did you ever need a shoulder
But couldn’t ask ’cause you were down
And someone’s loving arms enfold you?
That’s what love’s about

REFRAIN:

Love’s about holding tight
Love’s about making it right
Love heals, love gives
Love’s about the best there is

Did you ever plant a small tree
Knowing you won’t be around
And birds are nesting in its branches?
That’s what love’s about

REFRAIN

[On Karen Taylor-Good’s CD One Mile Apart • Buy mp3 at Empower Music & Arts ]

Magic Penny – words and music by Malvina Reynolds

Love is something if you give it away,
Give it away, give it away.
Love is something if you give it away,
You end up having more.

It’s just like a magic penny,
Hold it tight and you won’t have any.
Lend it, spend it, and you’ll have so many
They’ll roll all over the floor.

Chorus

Money’s dandy and we like to use it,
But love is better if you don’t refuse it.
It’s a treasure and you’ll never lose it
Unless you lock up your door.

Chorus

So let’s go dancing till the break of day,
And if there’s a piper, we can pay.
For love is something if you give it away,
You end up having more.

Chorus

copyright 1955 and 1958 Northern Music Corporation, renewed 1986
[on Malvina’s Ear to the Ground • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

Make Me an Instrument – Kurt Van Sickle

Make me an instrument, Lord, of your peace
As I let go, as I release
Make me an instrument, humble and free
As I awaken the living Christ in me
As I awaken the living Christ in me

Make me an instrument, Lord, of your peace
As I give love, love I receive

Make me an instrument, humble and free
As I awaken the living Christ in me
As I awaken the living Christ in me

[on Kurt Van Sickle’s Make Me an Instrument
(a gorgeous one hour recording of this chant for use in meditation) • buy mp3: Amazon $8.99 ]

May the Light of God – Don Besig and Nancy Price

May the peace of God be with us today.
May the peace of God be with us today.
May it guide us and protect us
As we go our separate ways
May the peace of God be with us today.

May the Light of Love – Words & Music by David Roth

As we come around to take our places at the table
A moment to remember and reflect upon our wealth
Here’s to loving friends and family, here’s to being able
To gather here together in good company and health

May we be released from all those feelings that would harm us
May we have the will to give them up and get them gone
For heavy are the satchels full of anger and false promise
May we have the strength to put them down

CHORUS
May the light of love be shining deep within your spirit
May the torch of mercy clear the path and show the way
May the horn of plenty sound so everyone can hear it
May the light of love be with you every day

May we wish the best for every one that we encounter
May we swallow pride and may we do away with fear
For it’s only what we do not know that we have grown afraid of
And only what we do not choose to hear

As we bless our daily bread and drink our day’s libation
May we be reminded of the lost and wayward soul
The hungry and the homeless that we have in every nation
May we fill each empty cup and bowl

May nothing ever come between or threaten to divide us
May we never take for granted all the gifts that we receive
Being ever mindful of the unseen hands that guide us
And the miracles that cause us to believe

May the horn of plenty sound so everyone can hear it
May the light of love be with you…may the light of love be with you
May the light of love be with you every day

May We All Return –
Michael Stillwater

May we all return, may we all return.
To the place of the heart, may we all return.

[ Available on Chant Wave at Grace Cathedral: Universal
Chants of Spirit from www.chantwave.com
Individual songs also available for mp3 download. ]

Maybe This Christmas – Ron Sexsmith

Maybe this Christmas will mean something more
Maybe this year love will appear
Deeper than ever before

And maybe forgiveness will ask us to call
Someone we love
Someone we’ve lost
For reasons we can’t quite recall
Mmm, maybe this Christmas

Maybe there’ll be an open door
Maybe the star that shone before
Will shine once more

And maybe this Christmas will find us at last
In heavenly peace, grateful at least
For the love we’ve been shown in the past
Mmmm Maybe this Christmas

Maybe there’ll be an open door
Maybe the star that shone before
Will shine once more

And maybe this Christmas will find us at last
In heavenly peace, grateful at least
For the love we’ve been shown in the past
Mmmm Maybe this Christmas
Mmmm Maybe this Christmas

[By Ron Sexsmith on A Winter’s Night, a collection of holiday songs by contemporary singers and bands.
Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes
Also a really nice version by Leigh Nash on Wishing For This • buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

Memorial Day Meditation – words and music by Steve Holmes

On this day
We remember
All of those
Who have gone to the light

Some were our fathers
Some our mothers
Sisters and brothers
Gone to the light

Now they are roses
They are sunshine
They are rainbows
They are love

They have returned
To a place so fine
Soon we will follow
Each in our own time

Some were warriors
Some were lovers
Some we went to grammar school with
Now all gone to the light

Now they are roses
They are sunshine
They are rainbows
They are love

How we miss them
How we love them
How we wish them
Peace and light

They have returned
To a place so fine
Soon we will follow
Each in our own time

On this day
We remember
All of those
Who have gone to the light

Now they are roses
They are sunshine
They are rainbows
They are love

Steve Holmes 2007

Metta Prayer – Carole Fults

(Based on Unity’s Prayer of Protection and on the Buddhist Metta Prayer)

May the Light of God surround you
And the Love of God enfold you
May the power of God protect you
May God’s presence be your comfort
May you be well

May your days be filled with laughter
And your dreams filled with the Mystery
May you always sense the presence
of the Spirit by your shoulder
May you be well

When the Spirit comes upon you
And the stillness takes your mind
May the brightness of the Son’s light
Warm your soul and help you find
That you are well

May your longings turn to lovings
And your heart’s dreams be unfolded
May you rest in God’s own garden
When your day of work is over
May you be well

May your heart be filled with kindness
And your life with health and beauty
May compassion light your pathway
May your life be lived in truth
May you be well

Miracle Cure –
Luka Bloom

When all the fighting is done, forgiveness.
When all the blood has run, forgiveness.
The opening fist brings forgiveness.
A wounded hand to kiss, forgiveness.

It’s the wonder drug, it’s the miracle cure.
It could change our wolrd, make our lives secure.
And I take my chance at each abyss,
And reach for my forgiveness.

The moment the words cut in, forgiveness.
The moment anger begins, forgiveness.
In the light of a new day, forgiveness,
I hope you’ll have your say. Forgiveness.

Together we grow, together we know
No losers, no winners in forgiveness.
Together we’re free, together we see
No right or no wrong in forgiveness.

[ On Luka
Bloom‘s CD Innocence. Buy
mp3 from iTunes ]

Mister Caterpillar words and music by Dalton Roberts

As Mister Caterpillar mosied down the road
He stopped and had a chat with Mr. Toad
By and by a butterfly came flitting overhead
The caterpillar pointed up and said:

Chorus:
“You’ll never catch me up in one of those things.
They’re pretty as can be but check those wings.
They’re thin as onion skin. Oh, it just makes me cringe.
You’ll never get me up in one of those things.”

If God had meant for us to fly, we’d be born with wings
And if that thing should crack your goose is cooked.
I’m much too old to try to change, no, flying’s not for me.
I’m doing quite well crawling, don’t you see. (chorus)

I’m gonna keep my fifty feet here on the ground.
They may be slow, but they get me around.
I’ve always been afraid of heights, and I’ll add one more thing:
It looks like too much work to flap them wings. (chorus)

More Like Falling in Love – Words and Music by Jason Gray

Give me rules
I will break them
Give me lines
I will cross them
I need more than a truth to believe
I need a truth that lives, moves, and breathes
To sweep me off my feet
It ought to be

(CHORUS)
More like falling in love
Than something to believe in
More like losing my heart
Than giving my allegiance
Caught up, called out
Come take a look at me now
It’s like I’m falling, oh
It’s like I’m falling in love

Give me words
I’ll misuse them
Obligations
I’ll misplace them
‘Cause all religion ever made of me
Was just a sinner with a stone tied to my feet
It never set me free
It’s gotta be

More like falling in love
Than something to believe in
More like losing my heart
Than giving my allegiance
Caught up, called out
Come take a look at me now
It’s like I’m falling, oh
It’s like I’m falling in love

It’s like I’m falling in love, love, love
Deeper and deeper
It was love that made
Me a believer
In more than a name, a faith, a creed
Falling in love with Jesus brought the change in me
It’s gotta be

[From the album Everything Sad is Coming True • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

More Than Enough words and music by Daniel Nahmod

There is more than enough in a universe that you created
There is more than enough on a planet of sacred design
There is more than enough for humanity made in your image
Why would I worry, why would I doubt?
Why would I ever think I’d go without?
Why would I worry, why would I doubt?
Why would I ever think I’d go without?

Your infinite love made me,
Made everything I see,
And all that will ever be is your infinite love
Let the world know the truth
Whatever we choose to do
Your infinite love will prove more than enough

My Dedication – Claudell Hafner County

Here I am Lord, use me, guide me,
fill me, take me, lead me by Your will.
Here I am Lord, ready, to follow,
to serve You, To love You,
to be You in this world.

Thy will is done through me this day.
Thy will is done through me this day.

Lord you call; I answer, I’m open,
I listen, I hear You, I feel you move in me.
Lord I come closer, humbled,
surrendered, lifted, committed to Your plan.

Thy will is done through me this day.
Thy will is done through me this day.

My Peace – Keith Routledge

My peace I give unto you
It’s a peace that the world cannot give
It’s a peace that the world cannot understand,
Peace to know, peace to live,
My peace I give unto you.

My love I give unto you
It’s a love that the world cannot give
It’s a love that the world cannot understand,
Love to know, love to live,
My love I give unto you.

[ on Keith Routledge’s In His Time • buy mp3 from iTunes ]

My Soul Is Welcome Here – Words and Music by Daniel Nahmod

I’m in the right place at the right time
I am just where I’m supposed to be,
I’m in the right place at the right time
I am just where I’m supposed to be

Oh, my soul is welcome here.
Oh, my soul is welcome here.
I am getting the message loud and clear,
My soul is welcome here.

I’m in the right place at the right time
I am just what I’m supposed to be,
I’m in the right place at the right time
I am just what I’m supposed to be

Oh, my soul is welcome here.
Oh, my soul is welcome here.
I am getting the message loud and clear,
My soul is welcome here.

[On Daniel Nahmod’s Sacred Love • Buy mp3: Empower Music & Arts ]

My Soul Rises Up – words and music by Erin McGaughan

As I lay down my burden, my soul rises up
As I lay down my burden, my soul rises up
As I lay down my burden, my soul rises up
Hallelu, hallelu.

As I lay down my sorrow… fear… etc.

My Source – Words: Christina Hovemann; Music: Phyllis Pulver

God is the source of my supply,
Ready the good to multiply,
Bringing the substance I require,
Filling my every deep desire.

This I know: blessings flow,
And my confidence in God will grow;
Yes, I know: blessings flow
Filling every deep desire.

God has abundantly decreed
Substance supplying every need,
Causing his riches to outpour
‘Til every cup is running o’er.

[ in Wings of Song hymnal, # 149 (with different melody) ]

My Uncomfortable Delusion – words and music by Mark Shepard

My uncomfortable delusion
Fills my mind with lies
My ridiculous conclusion
Is the farthest thing from kind

My uncomfortable delusion
Thinks it knows for sure
My ridiculous conclusion
Is the farthest thing from pure

My uncomfortable delusion
Thinks that what it thinks is real
My ridiculous conclusion
Thinks that it is a big deal

My uncomfortable delusion
My busy monkey mind
My ridiculous conclusion
Does it’s best to keep me blind

Refrain:
My mind says this, my mind says that
Lately I have noticed that my mind’s a brat….
My mind says that, my mind says this
I would prefer to notice what my mind has missed

My uncomfortable delusion
Wants to be the boss
My ridiculous conclusion
Has to win the toss

My uncomfortable delusion
Thinks that it’s in charge
My ridiculous conclusion
Is a mental garbage barge

My uncomfortable delusion
Is a maxed out credit card
My ridiculous conclusion
Is a prison without bars

My uncomfortable delusion
Is obsessed with keeping score
My ridiculous conclusion
Is the cause of every war

(Refrain)

My uncomfortable delusion
Needs to take a walk
My ridiculous conclusion
Needs to learn how not to talk

My uncomfortable delusion
Can not stand up to love
My ridiculous conclusion
Fades away when I’m above

Second Refrain:
Lift me up! Lift me up!
Lift me up I have had enough!

Lift me up! Lift me up! Lift me up I want to see the love!
Lift me up! Lift me up! Lift me up I want to hear the love!
Lift me up! Lift me up! Lift me up I want to feel the love!

Name It Claim It Words and Music by Erin McGaughan

Well, I name it, I claim it, and then I see it everywhere!
Well, I name it, I claim it, and then I see it everywhere.

‘Cause it’s mine! Mine, all mine!
The endless, everlasting love of the Divine.
So I name it, and claim it, and then I see it everywhere!

[On Erin’s Rising High, Going Deep • Buy CD or mp3: CDBaby]

The Newborn King – Words and music by Peggy Vogel-Nagengast

On a starry night, many years ago
In a town very far away
A little baby boy came to be born
And lay upon a bed of hay.

From his humble manger birth
And his quiet family life
What would he give
To all humanity?

Why did the stars shine so bright that night
And sheep & lamb lay down?
Why did angels on high announce to the world
The newborn king without a crown?

How did they know He would be the one
That would show us the way
By giving us the keys to his kingdom of love
For us to enter in and stay

From truth he would reveal
And a message that would heal
What hope would he fulfill
And peacefulness instill?

Why did the stars shine so bright that night
And shepherds & Magi bow down?
Why did angels on high announce to the world
The newborn king in Bethlehem?

He would show us the way
By giving us the keys to his kingdom of love
For us to enter in and stay
For us to enter in and stay

We rejoice and celebrate his birth
In song at Christmas time
Let our voices ring out, announce to the world
The Newborn King, the Christ!
The Newborn King, the Christ!

Night of Silence – words and music by Daniel Kantor
(may be sung simultaneously sith “Silent Night”)

Cold are the people, winter of life,
We tremble in shadows this cold, endless night,

Frozen in the snow lie roses sleeping,
Flowers that will echo the sunrise,
Fire of hope is our only warmth,
Weary, its flame will be dying soon.

Voice in the distance, call in the night,
On wind you enfold us, you speak of the light,
Gentle on the ear you whisper softly,
Rumors of a dawn so embracing,
Breathless love awaits darkened souls,
Soon will we know of the morning.

Spirit among us, shine like the star,
Your light that guides shepherds and kings from afar,
Shimmer in the sky so empty, lonely,
Rising in the warmth of your Son’s love,
Star unknowing of night and day,
Spirit we wait for your loving Son.

[ on Marty Haugen’s Night of Silence • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

No Boundary – Debra Burger

CHORUS
There’s no boundary between us
We’re children of one life
No boundary between us
We’re children of one life

The same red blood runs through our veins
We all cry salty tears
More alike than different
Held back only by our fears – Chorus

For some, the love of country,
Excuses all we do
But those who live in distant lands
love their countries too – Chorus

If I destroy my enemy
Through vengeance, fear and might
A part of me is wounded too
No one wins in such a fight – Chorus

So let’s join hands and lets join hearts
Even when we disagree
For right and wrong are in us both
I am you and you are me – Chorus

Nothing is Lost on the Breath of God – Words and Music by Colin Gibson

Nothing is lost on the breath of God,
nothing is lost for ever;
God’s breath is love, and that love will remain,
holding the world forever.
No feather too light, no hair too fine,
no flower too brief in its glory;
no drop in the ocean, no dust in the air,
but is counted and told in God’s story.

Nothing is lost to the eyes of God,
nothing is lost for ever;
God sees with love and that love will remain,
holding the world for ever.
No journey too far, no distance too great,
no valley of darkness too blinding;
no creature too humble, no child too small
for God to be seeking, and finding.

Nothing is lost to the heart of God,
nothing is lost for ever;
God’s heart is love, and that love will remain,
holding the world for ever.
No impulse of love, no office of care,
no moment of life in its fullness;
no beginning too late, no ending too soon,
but is gathered and known in God’s goodness.

O God, You Search Me – Bernadette Farrell

O God, you seach me and you know me.
All my thoughts lie open to your gaze.
When I walk or lie down you are before me:
Ever the maker and keeper of my days.

You know my resting and my rising.
You discern my purpose from afar,
And with love everlasting you besiege me:
In every moment of life or death you are.

Before a word is on my tongue, Lord,
You have known its meaning through and through.
You are with me beyond my understanding:
God of my present, my past and future, too.

Although your Spirit is upon me,
Still I search for shelter from your light.
There is no \where on earth I can escape you:
Even the darkness is radiant in your sight.

For you created me and shaped me,
Gave me life within my mother’s womb.”
For the wonder of who I am, I praise you:
Safe in your hands, all creation is made new.

[on the choral recording Christ Be Our Light • download mp3 from iTunes ]

Oh Guide
My Steps – Debra Winston and Julie Silver

Oh guide my steps and help me find my way
I need your shelter now.
Rock me in your arms and guide my steps
And help me make this day a song of praise to you.
Rock me in your arms and guide my steps.

Ufros aleinu sukat sh’lomecha.
(Spread over us your shelter of peace)

[Recorded by Nefesh on Songs
for the Soul • Buy
from iTunes]

Om Namah Christaya

Om Namah Christaya
Om Namah Christaya

Christaya, Christaya, Christaya
Christaya Namah Om

[On Karen St. Laurent & the Om Sweet Om Band’s Atma Kirtan • Buy mp3: CDBaby Amazon iTunes ]

Om Namaha Shivaya – Robert Gass

Om Nama Shiva, Om Nama Shiva
Om Nama Shiva, Shiva Om Nama.

[43 minutes of this beautiful chant is available on
Robert Gass & On Wings of Song’s Om Namaha Shivaha (Amazon link) ]

Om Shanti – Rickie Byars-Beckwith

Let there be peace in my mind
Let there be peace in the earth

Om Shanti Om Shanti Om Shanti Shanti Om
Om Shanti Om Shanti Om Shanti Shanti Om

Peace inside of my mind, God
And only God is moving me
Peace inside of my mind, God
And only God I live to see

Om Shanti Om Shanti Om Shanti Shanti Om
Om Shanti Om Shanti Om Shanti Shanti Om

Peace inside of my heart, God
And only God is moving me
Peace inside of my heart, God
And only God I live to see

Om Shanti Om Shanti Om Shanti Shanti Om
Om Shanti Om Shanti Om Shanti Shanti Om

Peace inside the earth, God
And only God is moving me
Peace inside the earth, God
And only God I live to see

Om Shanti Om Shanti Om Shanti Shanti Om
Om Shanti Om Shanti Om Shanti Shanti Om

If there is peace in my mind
There will be peace in the earth

[ on Rickie’s In the Land of I Am • buy mp3 from iTunes ]

On Eagle’s
Wings – Michael Joncas / Psalm 91

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
Who abide in His shadow for life,
Say to the Lord: “My refuge,
my rock in whom I trust!”

And He will raise you up on eagles’ wings,
bear you on the breath of dawn,
make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of His hand.

The snare of the fowler will never capture you,
And famine will bring you no fear:
Under His wings your refuge,
His faithfulness your shield.

You need not fear the terror of the night
Nor the arrow that flies by day;
Though thousands fall about you,
near you it shall not come.

For to his angels he’s given a command
to guard you in all of your ways.
Upon their hands they will bear you up
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

One Heart – Words & Music by JD Martin, Jamie Houston & Wendy Waldman

There’s a new church (earth) on the horizon
Made of light, not of stone
Calling out to all creation
You are not alone

Lions and lambs, saints and sinners
Best of friend, enemies
Woman and man, losers and winners
They are all in you and me….we are

One heart….looking for answers
One soul….finding our way in the dark
One dream….we share together
We are all a part of one heart

Out in the cold there are faces
Hidden by the wind and rain
Hold out your hand, someone will take it
And bring you home again

Around the world tonight
The fires are burning
Tears are falling from the sky
Still the world keeps turning

[on “One Heart” by JD Martin • buy mp3 from Empower Music & Arts ]

The One Love – Armand Della Volpe and Penelope Smith

There is no love but the One Love
It’s the pure love, it’s the one love
There is no love but the One Love
In the ocean in which we dwell

[on Armand and Angelina’s Follow Your Dreams • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

One With the Spirit – by Debra Burger

Chorus:
One with the Spirit of the Spirit of the Lord
We are one with the Spirit of the Lord

Rushing, rushing, got to get it done
Never enough time we’ve got to run, run, run
Breathing, breathing, lying in the sun
Now holds every moment, We are one. chorus

This thing, that thing. Got to have it all
Never enough beauty, worldly riches call
Feast on the blazing sky when the day is done
All that’s here is ours, we are one. chorus

Hug me, hold me, show me that you care
Never enough love to fill the hole that’s always there
Behold a trusting child. See Christ in everyone
Love is all around us, we are one. chorus

Ong Namo – Yogi Bhajan; Snatam Kaur

Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo
Guru Dev Guru Dev Namo

O my Beloved, Kindness of the Heart
Breath of Life, I bow to you
Divine Teacher, Beloved Friend
I bow to you, again and again
Lotus sitting on the water
Beyond time and space
This is your way
This is your grace

On Snatam Kaur’s Grace • buy mp3: Amazon iTunes

Only a Song
– Mindy Jostyn and Jacob Brackman

Listen to the morning lark
Whistling in the deepest dark
Only a song, but it’s straight from the heart
Daylight arrives, Sun must’ve heard
So much power for one little bird
Only a song, but it breaks through the dark.

I’ve seen some long nights linger on
I wonder, can I last till dawn
Only a song, but it’s straight from the heart.
I raise my voice to praise the One
Next thing you know, here comes the sun
Only a song, but it breaks through the dark.

Song of courage, song of grace
Song of freedom, song of faith
From the mountains to the se
All God’s children, you and me

David has his psalms to sing
He plays the harp and the tambourine
Only a song, but it’s straight from the heart.
He soothes the fears of a troubled king
He stops Goliath with one little sling
Only a song, but it breaks through the dark.

In Bethlehem, one winter morn
A star shines forth, a baby’s born
Only a song, but it’s straight from the heart.
Two thousand years gone by since then
We’re all still tryin’ to sing like him
Only a song, but it breaks through the dark.

Song of triumph, song of cheer
Song of love, song of prayer
Risin’ higher, ever higher
Many voices, one great choir

[ on Mindy Jostyn’s In
His Eyes ]

Only Love – John
Prine

(original lyrics; Debra Burger’s new lyrics will be printed below
when available)

You may live alone and close your eyes
Some folks do
You may dream a dream that’s twice your size
All night through
When the morning comes who’s to tell your dreams to
Only you

Chorus:
Only love, love only, only love
Will do
Only love, love only, only love
Comes true
Nothing else, you see, there is nothing else
Only love, only love

I have known a love within my heart
One or two
Where one love would end and one would start
I never knew
If love should come your way you’ll learn to say
I love you I love you

[ buy
mp3 from iTunes ]

Onward to the Kingdom – words: David Haas; music: trad. Irish

Sing we now, and on we go;
God above and God below;
Arm in arm in love we go,
Onward to the kingdom.

Star above to show the way,
Through the night and into day,
With the light we won’t delay
Onward to the kingdom.

Come now, sisters, brothers all,
Time to heed the Lord’s call
We will travel standing tall,
Onward to the kingdom

In the promised land we’ll be,
One with God where all are free
The deaf will hear, the blind will see,
When we reach the kingdom

Open Our Eyes – Leon Lumkins, Richie Havens

Father, open our eyes,
That we may see, to follow thee.
Grant us, thy loving peace,
and let all dissension cease. let our fait,
Each day increase,
And master – lord please-
And let us spend each day in peace

Open our eyes, open our eyes

He has given us, hills and mountains,
He has given us, level plains.
He has given us food and clothing,
And shelter from the storm and the rain

Oh, when I finally realize,
Oh, when I finally realize…

[on Riche Haven’s Stonehenge • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes]

Open Up the Windows By Debra Burger

Chorus
Open up the windows, unlatch all the doors
Let the breeze caress you, it’s all mine and yours
Roll up all the shades, the light just wants to shine
No limits in the kingdom, It’s all yours and mine

Verse I
Before the race begins, some folks fumble at the gate
Afraid to be embarrassed or distracted by their hate
Keep on moving forward, honor all you will
The well provides the water, every vessel can be filled

Verse II
You don’t have to hoard when everything you need
Is everywhere around you, no necessity for greed
When we share the bounty, everyone gets fed
Fish on every plate, and crusty loaves of bread

Verse III
Knock, the door will open, seek and you will find
Why keep the treasure padlocked, metal rusts through time
Iron bars cannot protect you, they cage you in instead
Free yourself from worry to claim what lies ahead.

Verse IV
Be open to receive. All life’s precious gifts are here
In this sacred moment, don’t be shackled by your fear.
Don’t dam up the river, be awake and always know
You are part of all around you, you can let the waters flow.

Our Awakening

– words and music by Charley Thweatt

Would you be happy if you could run fast?
Would you be healed if you could outrun your past?
Just breathe it inside you, let it be OK
‘Cause every step has brought you right here today
To your awakening
Your awakening

We are all woven from so many threads
Some of them treasures, others we dread
All dancing inside us, making us grow
Cracking us open, so we can be shown
Our awakening
Our awakening

Life is such a mystery
But life’s not just your history
You go much deeper than this time and space
You are much more than that look on your face
Life’s a mystery
Such a mystery

[on Charley Thweatt’s Angel on My Shoulder • buy mp3: CDBaby ]

Our Wake Up Call – Will Hannah

I knew a boy in a box
He thought of Love instead of locks
All at once he stepped thru:
If he can do it, we can do it too

This is our wake up call
This is our open door
This is our moment now
That we’ve been hopin’ for

This is our destiny
This is our brand new day
This is our innocence
That never went away

Are we ready to roll?
Well, all right!
Nothin’ raises yer confidence like
Rising up from the dead and walking thru walls!

It’s hard to see eye to eye
Half asleep and afraid to die
But what seems real in the night
Is gone the second we turn on the light

This is our wake up call
This is our open door
This is our moment now
That we’ve been hopin’ for

This is our destiny
This is our brand new day
This is our innocence
That never went away

Are we ready to roll?
Well, all right!
Nothin’ raises yer confidence like
Rising up from the dead and walking thru walls!

This is our wake up call!

Oyaheya – Rickie Byars-Beckwith

I am listening to the music
of the Wholly Holy Spirit
Oh what a song God is singing
I will listen all day long
I will listen all day long

Oyaheya oyaheya oyaheya hallelujah
Oyaheya oyaheya oyaheya hallelu oyaheya hallelu

I am lifted in the love
of the Wholly Holy Spirit
Oh what a joy God is being
Raise the Spirit all day long
Raise the Spirit all day long Oyaheya…

I am moving to the rhythm
of the Wholly Holy Spirit
This dance of life God inspires
Keeps me dancing; my faith is strong.
Keeps me dancing; my faith is strong. Oyaheya…

There’s a silence in the stillness
of the Wholly Holy Spirit
Oh what light God is shining
Let us see it everywhere
Let us be it everywhere Oyaheya…

[ on Rickie’s In the Land of I Am • buy mp3 from iTunes ]

Paying Attention – words and music by Mark Shepard

Hey… are you paying attention?
As the words flow down like rain…
Can you feel the touch of Spirit
Like wind in the ripening grain?

Can you hear the thoughts you’re thinking
As blackbird gossip in the trees?
It’s time for meditation
to catch an ancient lifting breeze….

Refrain:
Did I catch you dreaming?
Did I catch you wide awake?
The way I see it…
There’s no such thing as a mistake…

When I asked you to receive me
I was really opening to you
In the path of seeking silence
We can create our world anew…

It’s a judgment-less catharsis
A new coat cut from the old
Like the day that Saul of Tarsus
Was struck down blind, but joyful on the road…

Refrain:

Hey I’m just trying to pay attention
While the silence patiently explains
The need for such a gratitude
That nothing else but Love remains…

Peace Be to You – Michael Stillwater

Peace be to you, peace be to me,
Peace be to you and me and all the world.

[in his Medicine Music collection (individual mp3 purchase available) ]

Peace Call – Words and Music by Woody Guthrie

Open your hearts to the paradise,
To the peace of the heavenly angels,
Takes away that woeful shadow dancing on your wall;
Take to the skies of peace, oh friends,
Of peace of the heavenly Father;
Get ready for my bugle call of peace.

CHORUS:
Peace, peace, peace.
I can hear the bugle sounding,
Roaming around my land, my city and my town;
Peace, peace, peace.
I can hear the horn and voices ring louder,
While my bugle calls for peace.

Thick war clouds will throw its shadows,
Darkening the world around you,
But in my life of peace your dark illusions fall;
Think and pray my union way,
Kiss everybody around you;
Get ready for my bugle call of peace.

If these war storms fill your heart
With a thousand kinds of worry,
Keep to my road of peace, you’ll never have to fear;
Keep in the sun and look around
In the face of peace and plenty;
Get ready for my bugle call of peace.

I’ll clear my house of the weeds of fear
And turn to the friends around me,
With my smile of peace, I’ll greet you one and all;
I’ll work, I’ll fight, I’ll sing and dance,
Of peace of the youthful spirit;
Get ready for my bugle call of peace.

Words © Copyright 1963 by Woody Guthrie Publications, Inc. & TRO-Ludlow Music, Inc. (BMI)
On Eliza Gilkyson‘s Land of Milk and Honey • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes

Peace
for the Taking – Debra Burger

VERSE 1
Once again, the chill of winter comes
The Christmas story is retold
We find the beauty in a snowy day
We find a peace that we can hold.

CHORUS
Peace is here for the taking
Take it now and fill your heart
Peace is ours for the making.
Is there a better time to start? Let’s make a start.

VERSE II
Help a stranger. Give to your family.
Waken each morning with a prayer.
Celebrate the birth of hope.
Embrace the peace that’s always there.

VERSE III
Light a candle and the dark will fade
Practice love and hate will cease
In our fear we can ignite a spark to
Warm our hearts and bring us peace

Peace in Every Moment – Armand and Angelina

Peace I am, peace in every moment
Peace I am, peace in every moment

[ on Sing the Secret • buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

The Peace of the Earth Be With You – trad. Guatemalan, arr. John Bell

The peace of the earth be with you
The peace of the heavens, too;
The peace of the rivers be with you,
The peace of the oceans, too.

Deep peace, flowing over you.
God’s peace growing now in you.

Peace, Salaam, Shalom – Pat Humphries and Sandy O

Peace, Salaam, Shalom
Peace, Salaam, Shalom
Peace, Salaam, Shalom
Peace, Salaam, Shalom

We believe in peace

We will work for peace

We can live in peace

Jerusalem, Ramallah
In Tel-Aviv, in Washington
In Hebron, in Baghdad
In Lebanon, in New York City

We believe in peace

Peace, Salaam, Shalom
Peace, Salaam, Shalom
Peace, Salaam, Shalom
Peace, Salaam, Shalom

[ on emma’s revolution’s one X 1,000,000 = change • buy mp3 from iTunes ]

People, Look East –
Words: Eleanor Farjeon, 1928; Music: ‘Besançon’, traditional French carol

People, look east. The time is near
Of the crowning of the year.
Make your house fair as you are able,
Trim the hearth and set the table.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the Guest is on the way.

Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare,
One more seed is planted there.
Give up your strength the seed to nourish,
That in course the flower may flourish.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the Rose is on the way.

Birds, though you long have ceased to build,
Guard the nest that must be filled.
Even the hour when wings are frozen
God for fledging time has chosen.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the bird, is on the way.

Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim,
One more light the bowl shall brim,
Shining beyond the frosty weather,
Bright as the sun and moon together.
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the Star, is on the way.

Angels announce with shouts of mirth,
Him who brings new life to earth.
Set every peak and valley humming
With the word, the Lord is coming
People, look east and sing today:
Love, the Lord, is on the way.

A Place in the Choir – Bill Staines

CHORUS:
All God’s critters got a place in the choir
Some sing low, some sing higher,
Some sing out loud on the telephone wires,
And some just clap their hands, or paws, or anything they
got now

Listen to the bass, it’s the one on the bottom
Where the bullfrog croaks and the hippopotamus
Moans and groans with a big t’do
And the old cow just goes moo.

The dogs and the cats they take up the middle
While the honeybee hums and the cricket fiddles,
The donkey brays and the pony neighs
And the old coyote howls.

CHORUS

Listen to the top where the little birds sing
On the melodies with the high notes ringing,
The hoot owl hollers over everything
And the jaybird disagrees.

Singin’ in the night time, singing in the day,
The little duck quacks, then he’s on his way.
The ‘possum ain’t got much to say
And the porcupine talks to himself.

CHORUS

It’s a simple song of living sung everywhere
By the ox and the fox and the grizzly gear,
The grumpy alligator the the hawk above,
The sly racoon and the turtle dove.

CHORUS
© 1979 Mineral River Music
[ On his kids album “The Happy Wanderer” and on “Bridges” • buy mp3 from iTunes ]

Practice Makes Progress – David Roth

I was nervous, I was scared
He said “Jump!” And I said “Where?”
“Off this cliff we’re gonna glide.”
“You must be joking”, I replied

Not at all, he said to me,
I’ll be right here, Here’s where I will be
We’ll take the plunge, it won’t be hard

We’ll do it once and that’s a start

‘Cause practice makes progress, give it a try
That thing you can’t do just stresses you

Got a friend in a chair
He rolls around here and there
There are things he can’t do –
Ride a bike, tie his shoe

But who said legs or eyes or ears
Make this world any clearer?

He teaches me, I stumble on
And we get up whenever we fall down.

chorus

Here it comes again, I’m feeling fearful
Afraid of the mistakes I might make
But fear is just excitement without oxygen

So I will take the deepest breath that I can take

A little nervous, a little shy,
New situation. My, oh my!
But here I go, what’s there to lose?
I’ll still be breathing no matter what I do.

chorus

It’s just a journey, it’s always so
Practice makes progress, here we go!

copyright © 2006 David Roth/MaytheLightMusic (ASCAP)
[on David’s Practice Makes Progress • www.davidrothmusic.net • Buy mp3 from Empower Music & Arts]

Prayer –
Josh Bogin

as sung at Unity:

All below me peaceful
All above me peaceful
All behind me peaceful
All before me peaceful
All around me peaceful
All around me peaceful

original text:

All before me peaceful
All behind me peaceful
Under me, peaceful
Over me, peaceful
All around me peaceful
All around me peaceful

[ Anne Dodson recorded a lovely version on her In
It’s Own Sweet Time ]

Prayer of St. Francis – Joe Jencks

Based on the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi

As a musician, this prayer has always been close to my heart.
A modern setting of it seemed timely. It works too! It’s a great mantra.
This song was a spiritual gift to me in a time of need, and with it I wish you peace as well.
—Joe Jencks

(Chorus)
Lord make me an instrument
An instrument of your peace
Lord make me an instrument
An instrument of your peace

Where there is hatred, let me bring your love
Where there’s injury, let me bring your healing, Lord
Where there’s a shadow of doubt within the soul
Let me bring true faith in you

Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope
Where there’s darkness, let me always be your light
Where there is sadness and grief within this world
Let my life reflect your joy

Only as we forgive can we ever be forgiven
For all the harm we’ve caused
And the good we’ve failed to do
Only in giving can we ever hope to receive
Only in dying to ourselves are we born to you

Words and Music © 2004 Joe Jencks, Turtle Bear Music
[on Joe Jencks’ The Wonder Deep Within • mp3: Amazon iTunes • CD: CDBaby ]

The Prayer of St. Therese – by Will Hannah

May today there be
Peace in me
May I trust I am
Where I’m meant to be

May I not forget
The infinite
Possibilities
That are born of faith

May I use the gifts
That I have received
Pass along the love
That is given me

May I be content
Knowing that I am
A child of God
A child of God

Let this Presence now
Settle in my bones
And allow my soul
The freedom to sing!
Freedom to dance!
Freedom to praise!
Freedom to love!

It is here

For each and every one of us
For each and every one of us
For each and every one of us

Prayer Song – Danny Flowers

O come to me, you who live your life unseen
Show me the way, show me the way
O giver of this breath of life today
Show me the way, show me the way

And as the radiance of the sun
Pours its light down on everyone
Let me begin to begin to shine the whole day through
And as I kneel at the dawn of the night
Let my prayer song to you take flight
Let there be life, let there be life

There is war in this sacred land. We fight.
And no one is right, no one is right.
Help us remember that we are each his child, I pray
Show us the way, show us the way.

And as the radiance of the sun
Pours its light down on everyone
Let us begin to begin to shine the whole day through
And as we kneel at the dawn of the night
Let our prayer song to you take flight
Let there be life, let there be life

And as the radiance of the sun
Pours its light down on everyone
Let there be life, let there be life

On Danny Flowers’ Tools For the Soul • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes

Prosperity Chant – Karen Drucker

What do I want – what do I desire
What will bring me to my highest good… 2X

Prosperity – I claim it
Abundance – it is mine
Love – flows through me
I feel joy – all the time

I can have it – I deserve it
I claim it – it is mine
I can have it – I deserve it
I am it – it is mine

Peace – fills my heart
I surrender – everything
Health – is my birthright
Passion – helps me sing

What do I want – what do I desire
What will bring me to my highest good… 2X

I release – and let go
I accept – what is mine
I can have – what I want
and let Spirit – direct the flow
Life is good! – Life is fun!
Life is great! – This song is done!

[from the recording Songs of the Spirit II • buy
mp3 from Empower Music & Arts ]

The Puzzle Song – by Debra Burger

the world’s a great puzzle, we’re pieces and parts
seeking a place where we fit
we try first with one piece, then with the next
searching out which ones we belong with

so it makes no sense to blame yourself
when you find that you’re in the wrong place
it makes not sense to be trying to fit
in a space that’s not really your space

have you ever tried to force
two pieces together when they’re not just right
but it looks as if the pieces should fit
so you squeeze and you push and you fight
to get it to work. to force it to be
you’re not letting the picture emerge
you only can see how you want it to be
so you lose out on what you might learn

for right at your hand is a much better match
than the one you have worked at and tried
you don’t have to struggle to make these two parts live happily side by side

you can trust when you’re doing a puzzle
that the pieces have all been supplied
you can trust when you’re living a lifetime
you’ll find what you need to find

so it makes no sense to blame yourself
when you find that you’re in the wrong place
it makes no sense to be trying to fit
in a space that’s not really your space

you can trust when you’re doing a puzzle
that the pieces have all been supplied
you can trust when you’re living a lifetime
you’ll find what you need to find

Raining With Mercy – Michael Stillwater

We rise, we fall,
In the end we are the All in All
We rise, we fall
In the end we are the All in All

It’s raining with mercy, it’s raining with love
It’s raining with mercy, it’s raining with love

I am that I am

Let it rain inside my heart
Let it rain inside my heart
Let it rain with mercy inside of my heart

On Michael Stillwater’s Oh Great Spirit

Raised and Called – Words and Music by Mark Shepard

We’re raised and called
From out the darkness
By the power that we only have a name for
The reasons why are less important
Than the gathering together of our souls here

Resolved and robed
With shades of West wind
“Cary me Lord!” I shout aloud
I’m full of moon, I’m full of stardust
“Scatter me, scatter me through the skies!”

Bridge:

I say, I say to you
A day will come when we will have wings
I say, I say to you
The Spirit surges through all things
I say, I say to you
the road lies out before you now
I say, I say to you
Winter has put on her Spring gown!

We’re Pilgrims on
Some endless journey
Travling, always traveling towards the Home land
Embracing hope, that fragrant lover
We will not allow our failures to defeat us.

We’re raised and called
From out the darkness
By the power that we only have a name for
The reasons why are less important
Than the gathering together of our souls here

Raising the Veil
– Daniel Nahmod

I’m raising the veil
between me and my God,
no separation, no distance at all.
God is right here in my heart,
God is right here in my heart.
God is right here in my heart.
I’m raising the veil.

I want to know You, oh, God, I’m raising the veil.
I want to see you, oh, God, I’m raising the veil.
I want to hear you, oh, God, I’m raising the veil.
I want to feel you, oh, God, I’m raising the veil.
I want to praise you, oh, God, I’m raising the veil.
I want to love you, oh, God, I’m raising the veil.

[ From the Recording Sacred Love
– more
info/purchase CD – buy mp3: Empower Music & Arts ]

Receive Who You Are (Communion Song) -words and music by Joe Uveges

Receive who you are. Do not be frightened.
Come say “Amen”. To all of your life.
Open your heart. Come and be lightened.
Singing “I Am, the Body of Christ.”

Chorus:
I am the Body of Christ, Singing I am, dancing I am.
I am the light of the world, I see who lives in me. . . yeah Lord I receive. . .

I see the broken. I see the weary.
I breathe in compassion. I breath out hope.
Here in my heart. Here in my center.
It’s here that you enter all that I am.

Chorus

Remember to Breathe – Words and Music by Will Hannah

We were made by Love
Of Love
To love
Remember to breathe today
Love is what’s left
When all the fear falls away

Everyone’s a star
Here we all are
Remember to shine anew
Deep in the dark
The Light of the world is you!

Radhe Shyam – traditional Sanskrit

Radhe Radhe Radhe Shyam
Govinda Radhe Jai Shree Radhe

Govinda Radhe Radhe Shyam
Gopala Radhe Radhe

on Krishna Das’ Live on Earth CD • Buy mp3: Amazon

Ring in the New Year – Alix and Anne Herrmann

Ring it in, ring in the New Year
Ring it in, ring in the New Year

Bells are ringing, bells are ringing
Bells are ringing, bells are ringing
Peace and love throughout the new year
Peace and love throughout the new year
Joy, Joy, Joy! Joy, Joy, Joy!

[on Christine Lavin’s The Runaway Christmas Tree (“a New Year’s Round”) • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

River – Words and Music by Bill Staines

I was born in the path of the winter wind
And raised where the mountains are old.
Their springtime waters came dancing down,
I remember the tales they told

The whistling ways of my younger days
Too quickly have faded on by
But all of their memories linger on
Like light in a fading song.

River take me along in your sunshine,
sing me your song ever moving and winding and free
You rolling old river,
You changing old river,
Let’s you and me, river, run down to the sea.

Well, I’ve been to the city and I’ve been back again,
I’ve been moved by some things that I’ve learned,
Met a lot of good people and I’ve called them friends,
Felt the change when the seasons turned.

I’ve heard all the songs that the children sing,
And I’ve listened to love’s melodies
I’ve felt my own music within me rise
Like the wind in the autumn trees

River, Take me along…

Some day when the flowers are blooming still,
Some day when the grass is still green,
My rolling waters will round the bend
And flow into the open sea.

So here’s to the rainbow that’s followed me here,
And here’s to the friends that I know,
And here’s to the song that’s within me now,
I sing it where ere I go.

River take me along…

The Road That Never Ends – Keali’i Reichel

Here we are
In this Holy place together
Bearing witness as the two of you
Become man and wife.

On this day
As you join in heart and spirit
You begin another chapter
In the book of life.

Love is a circle that surrounds you
You can find it on the faces
Of your family and friends
Love, let it wrap its arms around you
And guide you on your journey
Down the road that never ends.

There’s a song in your heart
You can hear it if you listen
As it whispers through the branches
High above the family tree.

And as time
Plays its melody upon you
You can rest assured in knowing
That you’re right where you should be.

[very popular in Hawaii as a wedding song • YouTube video ]

Sacred Love –
Daniel Nahmod

You are sacred love, sacred love is all that you are.
You are sacred love, sacred love, God, is all that you are. (repeat)

You are deepest joy, deepest joy is all that you are.
You are deepest joy, deepest joy, God, is all that you are.

Show the way, God, show the way.
I want to live in such a state of grace.
Lead the way, God, lead the way.
I want to live in such a holy place; such a holy place.

You are blessed peace, blessed peace is all that you are.
You are blessed peace, blessed peace, God, is all that you are.

Show the way…

You are sacred love, sacred love is all that you are.
You are sacred love, sacred love, God, is all that you are.

[ From the Recording Sacred Love – more
info/purchase – buy mp3: Empower Music & Arts]
>

St. Francis Prayer – author unknown

May I be an instrument of peace
May I be an instrument of peace

Where there is hatred, let me sow love
Where there is injury, let me sow pardon
Where there is doubt let me sow faith
Where there’s despair, let me sow hope
Where there is darkness, let me sow light
Where there is sadness, let me sow joy

[on the Threshold Choir’s CD Listening at the Threshold (songs sung at the bedsides of the sick and dying) ]

St. Paul’s Song – Pierce Pettis

If I spoke in tongues of men, spoke in tongues of angels,
But I could not speak with love,
I’d just be symbols clanging
And every one would hold their ears,
They wouldn’t know how to take it.
Not a soul would want to hear a racket so outrageous.

And if I spoke in prophecy the fate of men and nations,
If I knew the mysteries and the secrets of creation
And had all the faith I need,
Enough for mountain moving,
Without love to carry me,
O, what good would it do me?

Love is kind, it suffers long,
It’s never proud or jealous.
Love will never do you wrong,
Love will never fail us.
It hopes, believes and bears all things,
It will never be defeated.
More than faith, more than hope, love is the greatest.

Knowledge, prophecy will fade and tongues will all fall silent
But love that lives is here to stay,
Solid and defiant.
And though it’s hard to see these things
As through a dark glass straining,
When we’re standing face to face
The truth won’t need explaining.

[Currently available on the compilation album Fast Folk Musical Magazine (Vol. 4, No. 1)
Artist listed incorrectly as Diane Chodkowski, but is, in fact, Pierce Pettis.
Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

Sanctuary – Donna De Lory

Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary
Pure and holy, tried and true
With thanksgiving I’ll be a living
Sanctuary for you

Sanctuary, sanctuary for you

[ on Donna De Lory‘s Sanctuary, largely an album of devotional Sanskrit chants • buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

Satyagraha – Words and Music by David Roth

One hundred years ago, halfway ‘round the world
A fertile seed took hold in a barren field
A lawyer thrown from a train, ticket in his hand
Spent the night in the station, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Satyagraha, satyagraha
Satyagraha, clinging to the truth
Satyagraha, satyagraha
Satyagraha, clinging to the truth

Struggling with his rage, shaping his transformation
Alchemizing shame into dignity
Tuesday night they came, three thousand men and women
Invited by the one taken from the train, it was time for change

Satyagraha, satyagraha
Satyagraha, clinging to the truth
Satyagraha, satyagraha
Satyagraha, clinging to the truth

The man was Mohandas Ghandi, the year was 1906
The date was September 11th, there was a problem he needed to fix
And that was the night civil disobedience
Came into the light of our consciousness

One hundred years ago, now one hundred years beyond
One hundred and eighty degrees, we must turn around
Return to peace
Satyagraha, satyagraha

Satyagraha, clinging to the truth
Satyagraha, satyagraha
Satyagraha, clinging to the truth

Season of Light – Words and Music by Mark Shepard

May you be slow to anger, quick to forgive
May you have many, many reasons to live
May you be able to laugh at yourself
May you have friends who are willing to help
In the Season of Light

May your uncle Charlie finally give up cigars
May you never get caught with your hands stuck in the cookie jar!
May you be who you’ve always longed to be
May you receive something absolutely free
In the Season of Light

Season of Light, Season of Light
Season of Light, Season of Light

May you get to sleep late every once in a while
May the clerk at the DMV greet you with a smile

May you never have to stand on line
May the patrolman give just a warning this time!
In the Season of Light

May your third grade teacher always know your name
And not becuase you were always a pain
May you never catch another cold
May you be young at heart when you are old
In the Season of Light

Season of Light, Season of Light
Season of Light, Season of Light

May your bus or train or plane run right on time
Unless of course you are running behind!
May the UPS truck
bring stuff for you
May you never have to learn to sing the blues
In the Season of Light

May you be just a little bit kinder to yourself
May you experience abundance and health
May you be true to who you really are

May you look up and see a shooting star in
In the Season of Light

Season of Light, Season of Light
Season of Light, Season of Light

Secret Garden – words and music by Carol McComb

I haven’t sung for myself in so long now…
I don’t remember how to begin
It’s like finding a path to a secret garden
Only I can’t find my way back again
Looking for a song…
is like looking for shooting stars in the sky
The harder I try…the less I see with my eyes.

And I haven’t seen you in so long now…
This letter came from you just yesterday
The bitterness there is like a cloak you still wear
That paints you and shrouds you all in grey
Demanding of love… Is like clutching at fistfuls of sand
The harder you hold…the less you have in your hand.

Is there music in the touch of a fiddler’s hand
or in the fiddle before he thinks to play?
Is there love in our hearts before we’re born,
waiting to grow more every day?
Believing in love… Is like letting a song sing itself
The more that comes out… the more you become your own self

I haven’t sung for myself in so long now…
I don’t remember how to begin

[On The Gryphon Quintet’s Undecided
and on Bill Staines’ Bridges • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

Seed – Sandy O

Take the seed that you have and plant it here
Give it water and time for a day or a year
Take the seed that you have and plant it here
Give it love, give it love

Give it love

Take the dream that you have and dream it here
Give it courage and time for a day or a year
Take the dream that you have and dream it here
Give it love, give it love

Give it love

Take the song that you have and sing it here
Give it strength and time for a day or a year
Take the song that you have and sing it here
Give it love, give it love

Give it love

[ on emma’s revolution’s one X 1,000,000 = change • buy mp3 from iTunes ]

Servant Song – Bobby Fisher and Ziggy Stardust

Be fair and just. Be merciful and true.
These are the things I am asking of you.
Walk humbly with your God in everything you do.
This is the way that will lead you to the truth.

1. To you, O Lord, we lift our souls.
To you, O Lord, we pray.
For we open our hearts to you, O God,
awaken us, show us the way.

2. Lead us on the path of truth.
Guide us along the way.
Remember your kindness and mercy, O God.
Give us your wisdom today.

3. Breathe in us the spirit of life.
Awaken our senses this day
To feel your presence in all of the earth.
Move in us, lead us to you.

4. Mold our hearts for all that is good.
Let kindness be our guide.
May we be your voice to others in need,
Your shelter where friends can abide.

Shanti Alleluia – words and music by Michael Stillwater

Let peace enlighten all the world
Let peace enlighten all the world repeat

Shanti Alleluia Shalom A’Salam
Shanti Alleluia Shalom A’Salam repeat

Live not just for our own
Live not just for our own
Live not just for our own but live for the day
When peace will lighten all the world
repeat

[on Michael Stillwater’s One Great Spirit • buy online ]

She Carries Me – words and music by Jennifer Berezan

She is a boat, She is a light
High on a hill, in dark of night
She is a wave, She is the deep
She is the dark where angels sleep
When all is still, and peace abides
She carries me to the other side

She carries me, She carries me
She carries me to the other side

And though I walk through valleys deep
And shadows chase me in my sleep
On rocky cliffs I stand alone
I have no name, I have no home
With broken wings, I reach to fly
She carries me to the other side

She carries me, She carries me
She carries me to the other side

A thousand arms, a thousand eyes
A thousand ears to hear my cries
She is the gate, She is the door
She leads me through and back once more
When day has dawned, and death is nigh
She’ll carry me to the other side

She carries me, She carries me
She carries me to the other side

She is the first, She is the last
She is the future and the past
Mother of all, of earth and sky
She carries me to the other side

She carries me, She carries me
She carries me to the other side

on Jennifer Berenzan’s She Carries Me • available on CD only

Shepherd of
My Heart – Francis Patrick O’Brien

My shepherd is the Lord,
For nothing shall I want.
Green are the pastures where I’m led to repose.
Near waters still and deep
God will refresh my soul.
I am led onward in ways true to God’s Name.

Refrain:
Guide me, O shepherd of my heart;
Lead me homeward through the dark,
Into everlasting day.
Show me the way of truth and light;
Keep me always in your sight.
May my life never part
from the shepherd of my heart.

If I should walk one day
into the vale of darkness,
No evil shall I fear with God at my side.
There with your crook and staff
you give me strength and comfort;
You spread a banquet in the sight of my foes. (Refrain)

You anoint my head with oil;
My cup is overflowing;
Goodness and kindness crown the days of my life.
Within the Lord’s own house
I dwell in peace forever,
Within the house of God my soul is at rest. (Refrain)

Shine – Words and music by Mark Shepard

Out in the darkness a child is born
Is he who we expected or something more?
His father is a dreamer, his mother is poor
Tell me what you seek as you peek around the stable door…

Shine, Shine, Shine

Out in the distance a star ignites
Even in the daytime you can see its light
Could this be a sign of the end of times?
Or just an invitation to change your mind?

Shine, Shine, Shine

Back in the beginning was the word
Breaking through the silence to be heard
Can you hear it now? Can you turn it up?
You know the Word is Love. Come and fill your cup.

Shine, Shine, Shine

Shine All Your Light – words and music by Beth Nielsen Chapman and Kimmie Rhodes

Here under Heaven’s eyes, down under paradise
Sometimes it seems like we’re so small
Here on the shores that reach beyond infinity
How could we matter much at all
Would it be enough if each of us would give our love

Like sand on a mountain
Rain on a fountain
Shade on a shadow
A breeze in this tornado
Just do what you can
Clap with one hand
And shine all your light in the sun

We live to learn to love, oh mercy from above
Amazing grace like rain comes falling down
We sing our hearts to you, our song of gratitude
The voice of every soul, how sweet the sound
We can only trust all our prayers will all add up

Like sand on a mountain
Rain on a fountain
Shade on a shadow
A breeze in this tornado
Just do what you can
Clap with one hand
And shine all your light in the sun

Prismlight Music (SESAC – USA and Canada)/PRS – Worldwide ex. USA and Canada)/Almo Music Corp./Irving Music, Inc./Gracey Rhodes Productions, Inc. (BMI)
[on Beth Nielsen Chapman’s Prism ]

Shout for
Joy – trad. American spiritual

Mary had a baby, shout for joy
Mary had a baby, shout for joy
She laid him in a manger, shout for joy
She laid him in a stable, shout for joy
Mary had a baby, shout for joy
There were angels watching over him, shout for joy
They named him King Jesus, shout for joy.

He was the Prince of Peace
He was the Mighty Counselor
King of Kings on Christmas in the morning
Oh Lord shout for joy,
Oh Lord shout for joy
Oh Lord shout for joy
Oh Lord shout for joy

[ on the Amidons Beatitudes
• on Odetta’s Christmas
Spirituals ]

Show Me the Innocence – Music and Words by Virginia Curry

Show me the innocence of my brother.
Show me the innocence of this man.
Even though we may be different,
Even when we don’t agree,
Show me the innocnece in me.

Chorus:
Show me the innocence
Show me my innocence.
Show my your innocence.
Show me.

Show me the innocence of my sister.
Show me the innocence of her heart.

It’s not my place to judge her
But only to show love.
Show me the innocence in us. (chorus)

In all our relations, we must make a choice.
In every situation, we must be the voice of Love.

Show me the innocence of my brother.
Show me the innocnece of this world.
Even though we may be different,
Even when we don’t agree,
Show me the innocence in me. (chorus)

Even though we may be different
and at times we don’t agree,
Show me the innocence in me.

The Sight
of Christ – Words: A Course in Miracles; Music: Roger Mock

The sight of Christ is all there is to see.
The song of Christ is all there is to hear.
The hand of Christ is all there is to hold.
There is no journey but to walk with Him.

The Christ in you is very still.
He knows where you are going
And He leads you there with gentleness
And blessing all the way.

Sing Your Own Song – Debra Burger

Sing your own song
Dance your own dance
Listen from within as you find a way to pray
Make your own choice
Find your own voice
You can move along
Dare to do it your own way

Someone will tell you that you’re wrong no matter what you do
Some will like it, others won’t, if you try something new
But if you follow closely, “To thine own self be true”
You’ll know what you’ve been living for when your life is through

When you get to heaven, they won’t ask, “Why were you late?
Why were not more like your lovely sister Kate?
Why were you not clever, like that seventh grade classmate?”
They’ll say, “Why were you not more like your own self?
You’re truly great”

Sometimes the child who lives within gives me a real hard time
She’s selfish and she’s greedy, much too quick to pout and whine
But I hold her gently in my arms and tell her that she’s fine
Then I hold her hand and proudly walk And tell the world she’s mine.

Sita Ram – traditional

Shri Ram, jai Ram, jai jai Ram
Shri Ram, jai Ram, jai jai Ram

Sita Ram, Sita Ram, Sita Ram, Sita Ram
Sita Ram, Sita Ram, Sita Ram, Sita Ram

[on Krishna Das’ Live on Earth • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

Siyahamba
– traditional African

Siyahamb’ ekukhanyen’ kwenkhos’

We are marching in the light of God (dancing, singing, praying…)

[there’s a very good recording by the Chancel Choir of the 1st
Uniterian Church of Oakland – Buy
mp3 from iTunes ]

So That I May – Words and Music by Daniel Nahmod

God, help me to empty my mind of every earthly distraction
So that I may, So that I may only worship you
God, help me to empty my heart of every false separation
So that I may, so that I may only worship you

You are my mind, you are my heart
You are my life’s only reason
So I let go of all the false gods that I’ve known;
It’s you I believe in

God, help me to empty my life of every human illusion
So that I may, So that I may only worship you

You are my mind, you are my heart
You are my life’s only reason
Let me let go of all the false gods that I’ve known;
It’s you I believe in

God, help me to fill up my soul with ever deeper devotion

So that I may, So that I may only worship you

Copyright Nahmod Music Co. (ASCAP)
[ From the Recording Sacred Love – more
info/purchase – buy mp3: Empower Music & Arts ]

Softening – James Burgess, Elaine Silver

I am filled with the light of a thousand angels,
Softening my way, softening my way,
I am filled with the light of a thousand angels,
Softening my way to Thee.

I am filled with the infinite love of Spirit
Softening my way, softening my way,
I am filled with the infinite love of Spirit
Softening my way to Thee.

Joy, joy is in my heart,
Joy is in my heart
Joy is in my heart

I am filled with the peace of the Mother Goddess…

[ on Elaine’s Faerie Goddess • buy mp3 from iTunes ]

Something Wonderful – Harold Payne

Something wonderful, Something wonderful
Is happening to me right here, right now
Something wonderful, Something wonderful
Is happening to me right here, right now

I can feel it in my body I can feel it in my soul
I can feel it in my heart And it won’t let go

Something wonderful, Something wonderful
Is happening to me right here, right now
Something wonderful, Something wonderful
Is happening to me right here, right now

All this love inside
We can let it shine

Something wonderful…

Somos El Barco (We Are the Boat) – Lorre Wyatt

Somos el barco, somos el mar,
Yo navego en tí, tu navegas en mí,
We are the boat, we are the sea,
I sail in you, you sail in me.

The stream sings it to the river, the river sings it to the sea,
The sea sings it to the boat that carries you and me.

Now the boat we are sailing in was built by many hands,
And the sea we are sailing on, it touches many sands.

Oh the voyage has been long and hard and yet we’re sailing still,
With a song to help us pull together, if we only will.

So with our hopes we raise the sails to face the winds once more,
And with our hearts we chart the waters never sailed before.

[ on recordings by Peter, Paul & Mary, John McCutcheon, Pete Seeger and others ]

Song for My Beloved – Words and Music by Elaine Silver

You are waiting in the silence of the doorway to my heart
We have come to a beginning; all we have to do is start
Breathing in the joy like children with their toys
Playing to enjoy, we’re every girl and boy

I am dreaming we are soaring; we are dolphins in the wind
Catching breezes from the Goddess, and the Universe within
Breathing in the light of freedom in the night
Singing with delight; the energy is right.

Om Sita Rama
Om Radha Krishna
Om Lakshmi Vishnu, Om

My beloved, you are willing and your heart is open wide
We have always been in oneness and this truth can’t be denied
Breathing in the peace of pleasure and release
May these feelings never cease
May these feelings never cease

Om Sita Rama
Om Radha Krishna
Om Lakshmi Vishnu, Om

[on Elaine Silver’s I Choose Love • buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

Spirit Am I – author unknown; words from A Course in Miracles

Spirit am I ~ free of all limits,
Safe and healed and whole.
Spirit am I ~ free to forgive
and free to save the world.
Spirit am I.

Spirit Calls – Ginger Curry

Chorus:
Spirit calls, “Come up higher,”
Spirit calls sing “I Believe.”
Spirit calls, “Come up higher.”
Love lifts us up and sets us free. repeat

Sets us free from all lack or limitation.
Sets us free, to realize who we can be.
We are made in the image and the likeness of God
Spirit calls, so stand up and believe.
chorus

Spirit of Joy – words and music by Charley Thweatt

I’m taking my time and making a choice
That I am the one in charge of my joy
And yes, I believe in a spirit of good
That helps me to walk where I never would

Spirit of Joy, that’s what I’ll call you
Spirit of steady peace
Spirit of Life is always here
Reminding me, reminding me

[on Charley’s Knowing Myself • buy mp3: CDBaby iTunes ]

Spirit Song – Words and Music by Bill Staines

There stands a misty mountain in the soft and gentle rain.
Against the flight of endless time, forever to remain.
Through all the passing seasons, through every night and day,
I can see that misty mountain, and I hear a spirit say.
Oh, brother don’t you weep,
Oh, brother don’t you weep no more,
The sun’s gonna shine on a golden shore.
Oh, brother don’t you weep.
Oh, sister don’t you weep,
Oh, sister don’t you weep no more,
The sun’s gonna shine on a golden shore.
Oh, sister, don’t you weep.

Up the rocky roads of trouble, down the twisted paths of pain
Sometimes it is a struggle, sometimes we come up lame
But with children on our shoulder we face another day,
And through their eyes of innocence, I can feel the children say.
Oh, father don’t you weep,
Oh, father don’t you weep no more,
The sun’s gonna shine on a golden shore.
Oh, father don’t you weep.
Oh, mother don’t you weep,
Oh, mother don’t you weep no more,
The sun’s gonna shine on a golden shore.
Oh, mother, don’t you weep.

So when there’s music all around you and you just can’t seem to hear
When the answer’s just around the bend, but it never shows up clear,
And when there’s darkness right above you, it’s hard to know and understand,
But there’s a heart out there that loves you, and there’s a promise in your hands.
Oh, people don’t you weep,
Oh, people don’t you weep no more,
The sun’s gonna shine on a golden shore.
Oh, people don’t you weep.

Oh, people don’t you weep,
Oh, people don’t you weep no more,
The sun’s gonna shine on a golden shore.
Oh, people, don’t you weep.

[On the Bill Staines CD, Vol. 2-First Million Miles. • buy mp3: Amazon ]

Spring Forth a Well/I’ve Got a River – trad.

I’ve got a river of light flowing out of me,
Makes the lame to walk and the blind to see,
Opens prison doors, sets the captive free,
I’ve got a river of light flowing out of me.

Spring forth a well inside my soul,
Spring forth a well and make me whole
Spring forth a well and let me see
That light that lives in me.

[ Available on River of Light, by Linda Worster and Patricia McKernon ]

Standing on the Side of Love – Jason Shelton

The promise of the Spirit:
Faith, hope and love abide.
And so every soul is blessed and made whole;
The truth in our hearts is our guide.

Chorus:
We are standing on the side of love,
Hands joined together as hearts beat as one.
Emboldened by faith we dare to proclaim
We are standing on the side of love.

Sometimes we build a barrier
to keep love tightly bound.
Corrupted by fear, unwilling to hear,
Denying the beauty we’ve found.
chorus

A bright new day is dawning
when love will not divide.
Reflections of grace in every embrace,
Fulfilling the vision divine. chorus

[ on the CD The Fire of Commitment ]

Step By Step – words and music by Chuck Pyle

There’s an old ancient saying in the wind
One must only take a first step to begin
You’re on your way now you’ve done the hardest part
Now make your journey with a generous heart

Chorus:
Step by step. Side by side.
Hand in hand this old world’s a better ride.
Step by step. Side by side.
Take a little step with your neighbor side by side.

We’ve stumbled and we’ve broken our stride
Wearing old, worn out boots of foolish pride
Gonna put on our brand new running shoes
To run a race in which no one can really lose

CHORUS

If you see me fallen down and your stop to lend a hand
What goes around comes round, and round and round

If you run to another for help
It doesn’t mean you can’t do it for yourself
It just means that your neighbor will know
That if he needs help, he’ll know where to go

CHORUS

If we understand the heart’s the one true power
And that nothing that we see is really ours
That from a satellite we all look like one.
I think our world’s time may finally have come.

CHORUS

[on Chuck Pyle’s Keepin’ Time By the River • Buy mp3: CDBaby Amazon iTunes ]

A Still Small Voice – Words and Music by Bob Franke

In a still small voice in the middle of the night,
Brother Martin heard the simple truth
And he followed its pleading, though it led to a crossroads
Parting in the days of my youth.
From the heart of my city came a single scream
And I heard it through all the white noise.
And the papers told us that they’d killed The Dream,
But they never killed the still small voice.

All the lies come at you in a million ways
Some you hear and some you tell yourself
And they say that virtue is a pile of gold
And that weapons are a nations wealth
But when kings stand naked in their ugly schemes
Will the poor of this world rejoice
Will they sell their children down a bloody stream
Or will they listen to a still small voice

Now the one-eyed bandit in your living room
Will convince you that you have no time
And it will swear to take you on your one free ride
While it’s looking for your last dime
But the light of heaven is a simple gift
And you can see it when you make that choice
It will shine like riches in your inmost heart
But it will speak in a still small voice

[on Bob Franke’s The Other Evening in Chicago and Brief Histories • buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

Straw Against
the Chill – Bob Franke

In a town of David, not so near to spring,
At the heart of love, there came a lovely thing.
It was the time of Mary, the time of Caesar’s reign.
Nothing in our lives would ever be the same.

It was so long ago, but we remember still:
Star upon the snow, straw against the chill.
A planet dancing slow, a tree upon a hill.
Star upon the snow, straw against the chill.

Stumbling in the darkness, it was her time for birth,
Bearing in her womb, the King of all the earth.
Searching for some shelter, by a cruel decree,
They found a kind of glory the mighty never see.

Chorus

There within a stable, the baby drew a breath
There began a life that put an end to death,
And all the frozen stillness, mighty voices heard:
“God is here among you! Human is the Word!”

Chorus

© 1996 Telephone Pole Music Publishing Co.
[ recorded by Bob Franke
on Long Roads Short Visits and by Kathy
Mattea on Joy for Christmas Day
buy
mp3 on iTunes: Franke version Mattea version ]

The Summons – Tune: trad. Scottish; Words: John Bell, Ioan Community

Will you come and follow me if I but call your name?
Will you go where you don’t know and never be the same?
Will you let my love be shown,
Will you let my name be known,
Will you let my life be grown in you and you in me?

Will you leave yourself behind if I but call your name?
Will you care for cruel and kind and never be the same?
Will you risk the hostile stare
Should your life attract or scare?
Will you let me answer prayer in you and you in me?

Will you let the blinded see if I but call your name?
Will you set the prisoners free and never be the same?
Will you kiss the leper clean
And do such as this unseen,
And admit to what I mean in you and you in me?

Will you love the ‘you’ you hide if I but call your name?
Will you quell the fear inside and never be the same?
Will you use the faith you’ve found
To reshape the world around,
Through my sight and touch and sound in you and you in me?

Lord, your summons echoes true when you but call my name.
Let me turn and follow you and never be the same.
In your company I’ll go
Where your love and footsteps show.
Thus I’ll move and live and grow in you and you in me.

Surely the Presence of the Lord is in This Place – Lanny Wolfe

Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place
I can feel His mighty power and his grace
There’s a holy hush around us,

I see glory on each face
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place

1. In the midst of His children the Lord said He would be
It doesn’t take very many, it can be just two or three
And I feel that same sweet spirit that I felt both times before
Surely I can say I’ve been with the Lord

2. There’s a Holy hush around us, as God’s glory fills this place
I’ve touched the hem of his garment, I can almost see His face
And my heart is overflowing with the fullness of His joy
I know without a doubt that I’ve been with the Lord

Surrender – words and music by Michael Gott

I am a child of the Living God
Made in the image of Perfect Love
All that I am
All I’ve been given
To you, my God, I surrender
I surrender

On Michael Gott’s Surrender • buy mp3: Amazon iTunes

Sweep Over My Soul – Harry D. Clarke

Sweep over my soul, sweep over my soul;
Come, gracious Spirit, Sweep over my soul.

Sweep out hate and fear, Sweep out hate and fear;
Come, gracious Spirit, sweep out hate and fear.

Sweep in love and peace, Sweep in love and peace;
Come, gracious Spirit, Sweep in love and peace.

Sweep in grace and joy , Sweep in grace and joy;
Come, gracious Spirit, Sweep in grace and joy.

Swimming to the Other Side
– Pat Humphries

We are living ‘neath the great Big Dipper
We are washed by the very same rain
We are swimming in the stream together
Some in power and some in pain
We can worship this ground we walk on
Cherishing the beings that we live beside
Loving spirits will live forever
We’re all swimming to the other side

I am alone, and I am searching
Hungering for answers in my time
I am balanced at the brink of wisdom
I’m impatient to receive a sign
I move forward with my senses open
Imperfection, it be my crime
In humility I will listen
We’re all swimming to the other side

{Refrain}

On this journey through thoughts and feelings
Binding intuition, my head, my heart
I am gathering the tools together
I’m preparing to do my part
All of those who have come before me
Band together and be my guide
Loving lessons that I will follow
We’re all swimming to the other side

{Refrain}

When we get there we will discover
All of the gifts we’ve been given to share
Have been with us since life’s beginning
And we never noticed they were there
We can balance at the brink of wisdom
Never recognizing that we’ve arrived
Loving spirits will live together
We’re all swimming to the other side

[On Pat Humphries’ Hands,
emma’s revolution’s Roots,
Rock and Revolution,
Elaine Silver’s Faerie
Goddess • Buy
mp3 from iTunes (Pat H. version)]

Take My Life – words and music by Scott Underwood

Holiness, holiness is what I long for
Holiness, holiness is what I need.
Holiness, holiness is what you want from me.

Take my heart and form it.
Take my mind,transform it.
Take my will, conform it to Yours, to Yours, O Lord.

Faithfulness, faithfulness is what I long for
Faithfulness, faithfulness is what I need.
Faithfulness, faithfulness is what you want from me.

[on Take My Life (Vineyard Voices – the Worship Series) • buy mp3: iTunes ]

Take These Chains – Words and Music by Chris Foster

Chorus:
Take these chains that bind me up,
Throw them out and give them up.
Take these chains that hinder me.
Let them loose and set me free. Repeat

I am part of God’s great plan; I understand my call.
Why should I worry? I won’t fall.
If there are some times I worry when I have no need,
It’s time for my worries to receed.
Chorus

I know I am on the right path every single day
I won’t get lost or lose my way.
If there are some times I worry if everything’s OK,
That’s when I open up and say: Chorus

Take These
Hands – Words and music by Patricia McKernon

Take these hands, turn them into light beams;
Take these feet, turn them into your shoes;
Take this life, make it everything it might be;
Give me courage walking in the dark,
Oh help me choose a lighted path.

May my back be the wings of a dove,
May my knees learn to bend,
May my heart know the depth of your love,
And may this love never end.

May my ears take pleasure in silence,
May my mind learn to feel,
May my eyes come to recognize
The shape and the contour of the real.

Tears at a Moment’s Notice – words and music by Mark Shepard

Refrain:
Will we risk tears at a moment’s notice?
Love that dares to show?
Arms that share the aching?
Eyes that always know?

Will we dare to live our lives
Among the wide open spaces?
Will we dare to reach inside
To touch and heal the damaged places?
Will we dare to lose ourselves
In the “dangerous” embraces?

Refrain

And when the empty, righteous ones
Tangle you aside
With dulling exhortations
That always fail to hide
The deeper things around us
That no pat answer can describe,

Refrain

Can you see the possibilities
Of living to the edge
Can you feel the sense of liberty
In what some call “sacrilege”
Did you know that being fully human
Is a God given privilege?

Refrain

Thank You for Sharing Your Love – Words and Music by Penny Nichols

Thank you for your kindness
My heart is in your hands
It’s so good to find someone who understands
It’s not always easy for us to take the time
To really pay attention with an open heart and mind
It’s not always easy to be there for someone else
You’ve got your own life; please take care of yourself

Thank you for sharing your love
Thank you for sharing your love, love

Thank you for your kindness
Your care is in your eyes
It shines through the small talk
It wears a thin disguise
The world can be a hard place
Life can be so cruel
Just know I appreciate the little things you do

It’s not always easy, you know I understand
We all get exhausted; too many demands

Thank you for sharing your love

Thank you for sharing your love, love

You know that I mean it
You know it’s hard to say
But life is short and you never know if you’ve got another day

So, thank you for sharing your love
Thank you for sharing your love
Thank you for sharing your love,
Your love, your love, your love, your love…

Thank
You, My Lord – Beth Nielson Chapman & Hal David

Thank you, my Lord, for a beautiful day
Thank you, my Lord, I’m so happy to say
Thank you, my Lord, for the flowers that grow
There’d be nothing I know, without you

Thank you, my Lord, for the sun in the
sky
Thank you, my Lord, I’m so grateful that I
Thank you, my Lord for the rivers that flow
There’d be nothing I know without you

For the music and the songs that I sing
For the laughter and the joy that you bring
For the mountains that you gave me to climb
Holding my hand all the time

Thank you, my Lord for the birds and the
trees
Thank you, my Lord, I am down on my knees
Thank you, my Lord, for the raindrops that fall
I’d be nothing at all without you.

Prismlight Music (SESAC – USA and
Canada)(PRS – Worldwide excluding USA and Canada)/ Casa David (ASCAP)
[
buy mp3 from iTunes • www.bethnielsenchapman.com
]

Thanksgiving Eve – Words & Music by Bob Franke

It’s so easy to dream of the days gone by
It’s a hard thing to think of the times to come
But the grace to accept ev’ry moment as a gift
Is a gift that is given to some

Chorus:

What can you do with your days but work & hope
Let your dreams bind your work to your play
What can you do with each moment of your life
But love til you’ve loved it away
Love til you’ve loved it away

There are sorrows enough for the whole world’s end
There are no guarantees but the grave
And the life that I live & the time I have spent
Are a treasure too precious to save

As it was so it is, as it is shall it be
And it shall be while lips that kiss have breath
Many waters indeed only nurture Love’s seed
And its flower overshadows the power of death

©1982 Telephone Pole Music Publishing Co. (BMI)
[ on Bob Franke’s The Other Night in Chicago
Also on Sally Rogers’ The Unclaimed Pint • mp3: Amazon ]

There is a Dream – Denean

There is a dream in my heart
A vision I do see
It is you soaring higher
It is me…we are free.

Hearts open wide
It is time to decide
To live in the light
In love to abide.

Sing your song to Great Spirit
The song living in your heart
Don’t be afraid to hear it
This feeling is where it starts.

Hearts open wide
It is time to decide
To live in the light
In love to abide

The healing power of love
Sparkling light of the soul.
Make a stand for the future
Of this earth we walk upon
Sharing love…sharing power
Understanding, we all are one.

Hearts open wide
It is time to decide
To live in the light
In love to abide.

There is a dream in my heart
A vision I do see
It is you soaring higher
It is me…we are free.

[ on Denean’s Fire Prayer • buy mp3 from iTunes ]

There is Only Love – By Michael Gott;
Additional lyrics by Karen Drucker

Verse 1:
In this moment, in this place
I remember who I am
Letting fear and worry fall away from me
I open my eyes and see
There is only love
There is only love
It’s a love that heals
Love that sets us free
There is only, only love

Verse 2:
When I lose myself
When it seems I’ve lost my way
When I go inside and quiet my mind
I can hear Spirit gently say
There is only love
There is only love
It’s a love that heals
Love that sets us free
There is only, only love

There’s a Light – Words and music by Beth Nielsen Chapman

There’s a light, there’s a light in the darkness
And the black of the night cannot harm us
We can trust not to fear
For our comfort is near
There’s a light, there’s a light in the darkness

It will rain, it will rain in the desert
In the cracks of the plain there’s a treasure
Like the thirst of the seed
We await, we believe
It will rain it will rain in the desert

We will fly, we will fly, we will let go
To this world we will die but our hearts know
We’ll see more on that side
When the door opens wide
We will fly, we will fly,
We will fly, we will fly…we will all go

[ on Beth Nielsen Chapman’s Deeper Still • buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

This is the Year – words and music by David Roth

This is the year for making changes
This is the year for moving on
This is the year of overcoming
This is the year for growing strong

This is the year for a new way of thinking
This is the year for making plans
This is the year for reaching out and
This is the year for joining hands

Gone are the lonely nights of yearning
Gone all the dark and cloudy skies
All the unsteady bridges burning
All of the doubt and all the lies

This is the chance to recapture the power
This is the time to abandon the fear
This is the moment, the finest hour
This is the year, this is the year

This is the year that I put into action
All my desires and all of my means
This is the year that I follow my passion
This is the year of my dreams

This is the year I’m letting go of
Trying to change the ones I love
This is the year I turn it over
This is the year I look above

This is the year that I take my intention
Turn it away from distraction and talk
This is the year I take the step and
This is the year I walk the walk

This is the year that I put into action
All my desires and all of my means
This is the year that I follow my passion
This is the year of my dreams

This is the year I make it happen
This is the year I follow through
This is the year I move ahead on
All of the things I want to do

This is the chance to renew my commitment
This is the time to be conscious and clear
This is the moment for living fully
This is the year

This Joy That I Have – Catherine Ivy

This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me, oh no!
This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me, oh no!
This joy that I have, the world didn’t give it to me.
The world didn’t give it, the world can’t take it way!

This Morning
I Am Born Again – words: Woody Guthrie; music: Greg Artzner

This morning I was born again and a light shines on my land
I no longer look for heaven in your deathly distant land
I do not want your pearly gates don’t want your streets of gold
This morning I was born again and a light shines on my soul

This morning I was born again, I was born again complete
I stood up above my troubles and I stand on my two feet
My hand it feels unlimited, my body feels like the sky
I feel at home in the universe where yonder planets fly

This I was born again, my past is dead and gone
This great eternal moment is my great eternal dawn
Each drop of blood within me, each breath of life I breathe
Is united with these mountains and the mountains with the seas

I feel the sun upon me, it’s rays crawl through my skin
I breathe the life of Jesus and all the prophets in
I give myself, my heart, my soul to give some friend a hand
This morning I was born again, I am in the promised land

This morning I was born again and a light shines on my land
I no longer look for heaven in your deathly distant land
I do not want your pearly gates don’t want your streets of gold
And I do not want your mansion for my heart is never cold.

This Pretty Planet – Tom Chapin

This pretty planet, spinning through space,
You’re a garden, you’re a harbor, youre a holy place.
Golden sun going down, gentle blue giant spin us around.
All through the night, safe ’til the morning light.

[on Tom’s This Pretty Planet • buy mp3 from iTunes ]

Thoughts – words: anonymous poem; music: Patricia McKernon

You never can tell what your thoughts can do
In bringing you hate and love,
For thoughts are things and their airy wings
Are swifter than carrier dove.
They follow the law of the universe:
Each kind creates its kind.
They speed o’er the track and they bring you back
Whatever was sent from your mind,
Whatever sent from mind.

[on Patricia’s Midnight Minstrel, available on CD. See Roger for info]

Through My Eyes – words and music by Chris Foster

Through my eyes I see the world is something greater
Greater than we seem to realize
Where there’s peace and a love for one another
The world is something greater through my eyes

Through my eyes I see a world of inner beauty
Where a kind word or a thought’s not compromised
And there’s joy and a place for my acceptance
In a world of inner beauty through my eyes

And it may be the dark night of the soul
Circumstances beyond my control

Through my eyes I see a world of understanding
Where friends are never far away to find
And I rest in a place of solemn comfort
In a world of understanding through my eyes

But through my eyes I see a world without oppression
With a unity and solitary mind
And I choose to love even those who wish to hurt me
Even though it’s very difficult at times
For the world is something greater through my eyes

Through The Gate – Words and Music by Charlie Thweatt

Setting the stage
And holding the space
For what you believe
What you believe now could really take place
To see it, to be it, to feel it in form
Then from our previous roots we are born

When life in its infinite wisdom won’t wait
To usher us fully in joy through the gate

[on Charley’s “Knowing Myself” • Buy mp3: CDBaby ]

Together We Can Change the World – words and music by Mark Shepard

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
I believe it’s not too late
Together we can change the world
Lay the puzzle pieces out
Find out what it’s all about
Together we can change the world

Refrain:
Can’t do it by myself
So I’m asking for your help
Together we can change the world
Sail past where it’s been charted
Roll your sleeves up, let’s get started
Together we can change the world
Together we can change the world

With our hands and with our hearts
We can dare to make a start
Together we can change the world
What if we spoke with one voice,
Knowing that we have a choice?
Together we can change the world

Refrain

Change your mind and change your life
Set aside the fear and strife
Together we can change the world
When we open up our eyes
Then we start to realize
Together we can change the world

Refrain

Trading My Sorrows – Darrell Evans

I’m trading my sorrows, I’m trading my shame;
I’m laying them down for the joy of the Lord.
I’m trading my sickness, I’m trading my pain;
I’m laying them down for the joy of the Lord.

We say yes, Lord, yes, Lord, yes, yes, Lord

Turn the World Around – Words and Music by Bob Freedman and Harry Belafonte

We come from the mountain
Living in the mountain
Go back to the mountain
Turn the world around (repeat)

Oh, oh, so is life!
Oh, oh, so is life!
Oh, oh, so is life!
Oh, oh, so is life!

Do you know who I am?
Do I know who you are?
See we one another clearly?
Do we know who we are?

We come from the fire
Living in the fire
Go back to the fire
Turn the world around

Water make the river
River wash the mountain
Fire make the sunlight
Turn the world around

Heart is of the river
Body is the mountain
Fire is the sunlight
Turn the world around

We are of the spirit,
Truly of the spirit.
Only can the spirit
turn the world around.

[on The Essential Harry Belafonte • Buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

Unity Advent Song – Carolyn Gauthier

Like the star o’er Bethlehem, shining inside of me,
Guiding me from where I am, shining inside of me.
In my heart, in my heart.
There is hope in my heart, in my heart.

As I listen quietly, waiting inside of me,
God brings peace and harmony, waiting inside of me.
In my mind, in my mind.
There is peace in my mind, in my mind.

Deeply flowing from within, moving inside of me,
Love is pouring without end, moving inside of me.
In my soul, in my soul.
There is love in my soul, in my soul.

Filled with wonder and with grace, living inside of me,
Christ is born now in this place, living inside of me.
In my life, in my life.
There is joy in my life.

In my heart, in my heart,
Hope, peace, love and joy are in my heart, in my heart.

Upon the Ocean – words and music by Patricia McKernon

Tell me again, my love,
Tell me the story
Tell me again, my love
Tell and retell, and retell

Upon the ocean of my love
I send your fragile vessel homeward

[ On Patrcia McKernon’s Midnight Minstrel ]

Walk Through Roses – words and music by Mark Shepard

When you walk through roses do you feel the thorns?
Or do you see the blossoms in spite of what you’ve torn?
Can you catch a glimpse of heaven in a drop of dew?
Or your reflection in the people around you?

Chorus:
We get what we focus on so focus in on what you want

Focus in on me focusing my love on you

If you cried a river would it feel much better than
If you laughed the ocean and chose to dive right in?
When you hear a jazz band do you hear the bass or the horns?
And if somebody asked you could you tell them why you were born?

chorus

If I wrapped my arms around you would you feel constrained?
Would you feel connected and choose freely to remain?
If I then released you and then danced away
Would you choose to feel abandoned or would you see it as a chance to play?

chorus

Wake Up – words and music by Mark Shepard

Wake up, wake up, your stone is rolled away
Wake up, wake up, your stone is rolled away
(repeat)
Breathe in, breathe in, the light of this new day
Breathe in, breathe in, the light of this new day
(repeat)
Behold, behold, the old has passed away
Behold, behold, the old has passed away
(repeat)
Wake up, wake up, Love has found a way
Wake up, wake up, Love has found a way
(repeat)
Wake up, wake up, your stone is rolled away
Wake up, wake up, your stone is rolled away
(repeat)
Wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up, wake up…

Wash My Heart – words and music by Mark Shepard

Refrain:
Wash my heart feed my soul
Teach me to love so I can be whole
Break the Bread. Pour the wine
Open up my questioning Mind (or doubting mind)

Step in off the street and have a seat
I will wash away the dust and heat
Leave your troubles at the door my friend
Welcome home you are at journey’s end…

Refrain

Come inside where you are safe and warm
Together we can weather any storm
Love the shadows til they blaze with light
Dance your dreams until you lift in flight

Refrain

“I am that I am,” whispers All That Is
You are just as much a part of this
Each wave is separate yet it’s all the sea
You are you … and yet you’re also Me…

Wave After Wave – words and music: Charley Thweatt

Chorus I
Wave after wave after wave after wave after wave
Is breaking down the walls
Wave after wave after wave after wave after wave
Is breaking down the walls

I’m lost in useless patterns
That seemed so comfortable
And things that used to work
Are now unbearable Chorus I

Your love is like a garden
That you keep offering
You wrap me in that fragrance
And I keep opening

Chorus II
Wave after wave after wave after wave after wave
I’m letting down the walls
Wave after wave after wave after wave after wave
I’m letting down the walls

[On Charley’s Wave After Wave • buy mp3: CD Baby iTunes ]

We Are All That Is – words and music by Mark Shepard

Can you believe in the love I have for you?
Can I believe in your belief?
Can I believe in the love you have for me?
Can you believe in my belief?

Refrain:

What can we all be searching for
When we are All That Is?
What can we still be waiting for
When there is only now…

Wherever I go I take you with me
Wherever I go I sing my song
Whatever I sing I sing about you
Whenever I sing there is no wrong

Refrain:

What of the fear that we keep feeding?
What of the thoughts that weigh us down?
What of the miracles we fail to notice?
What of the hearts left in the lost and found?

Refrain:

Bridge:

Can we be who we’ve been searching for?
Can we accept that we are more
than we thought we could ever be
Are we who we’ve been longing to see?

Repeat first verse and refrain

We Belong Together

– David Roth and the 3rd graders of Hartshorn Elementary School, Short Hills, NJ

Chorus:
We belong together,
We’ll be friends forever
Will we fight? No, never
We belong together.

We belong together,
We’ll be friends forever
We may not live in the same town
But we live in the same world

But the world has some problems:
War, hunger, pollution
Bad guys, hatred, disasters
We have to find a way, because… (chorus)

We have different traditions
We have different religions
We have different opinions
And we have different names, still… (chorus)

We’ll make sandwiches for hungry people
We’ll pick up our garbage and recycle
We’ll send cards to people who need them
We’ll make friends instead of war, because… (chorus)

So I won’t be mean, I’ll be kind
I will leave all that bad stuff behind
I’ll be trustworthy and open up my heart
And that’s where the changes will start, because… (chorus)

[on David’s Practice Makes Progress • www.davidrothmusic.net • Buy mp3 from Empower Music & Arts]

We Have Been Told – David Haas

We have been told, we’ve seen His face
And heard His voice alive in our hearts:
“Live in my love with all your heart.
As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you.”

“I am the vine, you are the branches,
And all who live in me will bear great fruit.”

“No greater love is there than this:
To lay down one’s life for a friend.”

[on the Best of David Haas, Vol. 2 • buy mp3: Amazon ]

We Shall Live In Light – words and music by Mark Shepard

Leader: We shall live in light, God is light, We are light
All: We shall live in light, God is light, We are light
Leader: whoa-ay-ya, ay-ya, ay ya
All: whoa-ay-ya, ay-ya, ay ya

Leader: We shall live in Love, God is Love, We are Love
All: We shall live in Love, God is Love, We are Love
Leader: whoa-ay-ya, ay-ya, ay ya
All: whoa-ay-ya, ay-ya, ay ya

Leader: We shall live in Joy, God is Joy, We are Joy
All: We shall live in Joy, God is Joy, We are Joy
Leader: whoa-ay-ya, ay-ya, ay ya
All: whoa-ay-ya, ay-ya, ay ya

Leader: We shall live in Song, God is Song, We are Song
All: We shall live in Song, God is Song, We are Song
Leader: whoa-ay-ya, ay-ya, ay ya
All: whoa-ay-ya, ay-ya, ay ya

Leader: We shall live in Peace, God is Peace, We are Peace
All: We shall live in Peace, God is Peace, We are Peace
Leader: whoa-ay-ya, ay-ya, ay ya
All: whoa-ay-ya, ay-ya, ay ya

Other options:
Life,
Truth,
Bliss,
Breath

We Will Rise – Debra Burger

Forsaken and alone, I hang upon the cross;
God did not take the cup from me.
I was not spared this agony.
So I look to the hills and hold a wider gaze;
Forgiveness is the way. God’s peace is mine today.

Chorus:
I will rise
Above the fear and sorrow,
To face a new tomorrow,
I will rise
To open heaven’s door,
To live forevermore,
I will rise.

I shrivel in the cold of winter’s hold
No sun to warm my fragile leaves
Bright colors fade in bitter breeze
But the frozen ground holds seeds for April’s blooms
They will sprout in early spring
When the tiny sparrow sings.
Chorus

Forsaken and alone we fear what lies ahead
As war brings tears and pain and grief
Will morning bring us sweet relief?
So we look to the hills and hold a wider gaze
Forgiveness is the way; God’s peace is ours today.

Chorus: We will rise…

Weave – Rosemary Crow

Weave, weave, weave us together,
Weave us together in unity and love.
Weave, weave, weave us together,
Weave us together, together in love.

We are many textures, we are many colours,
Each one different from the other.
But we are entwined in one another in one great tapestry (chorus)

We are different instruments playing our own melodies,
Each one tuning to a different key,
But we are all playing in harmony in one great symphony.

A moment ago still we did not know
Our unity, only diversity.
Now the Christ in me greets the Christ in thee in one great family.

What If We Could Be Real? Words and Music by Mark Shepard

If I were a velveteen rabbit
worn away with love from a child
Would I be grateful?
If I were a rock in a river
tumbling until I was smooth
Would I be grateful?

If were a word on the air
spoken only to disappear
Would I be grateful?
And if there was every reason to cry
And it caused my heart to open up wide
Would I be grateful?

REFRAIN:

What if we could be real?
What if we could love ourselves exactly as we are
And allow the love of others
past the bars of our hearts?
What if love made us real?
Brave enough to feel
so we could finally allow ourselves to heal?

Truly grateful for this moment,
Grateful for this moment,
Grateful for this moment of our lives

If I were a dandelion seed and everybody called me a weed
Would I be grateful?
If I was a hole in the road that everybody cursed as they drove
Would I be grateful?

If I dared to go for my dream
And my world fell apart at the seams
Would I be grateful?
If I was a breath of fresh air
And you breathed me in but didn’t much care
Would I be grateful?

Refrain

What if we weren’t so focused on lack and pain?
What if when we fell down we just got up again?
What if love was like sand on a beach,
Plenty within everyon’e reach
Nothing to steal, nothing to hide, nothing to fear?

When All
Thy Names are One – Bob Zentz

I’ll begin tomorrow, I’ll be on my way
Thy light, Thy will be done.
Bid farewell to sorrow, I will sing and pray
When all Thy names are one.

Refrain:
When all Thy names are one, O Lord,
When all Thy names are one.
Bid farewell to sorrow, I will sing and pray.
When all Thy names are one.

For those who long for the days gone by
Thy light, Thy will be done.
And for those who stare at the starry skies,
When all Thy names are one. (Refrain)

The whole world ‘round they shall praise Thy name…
In a thousand tongues, yet they sound the same… (Refrain)

We all live in one building, though some preach of doom…
Why must all Thy children live in separate rooms?… (Refrain)

We all drink the same water from the same deep well…
Then why must one soul’s heaven be another’s hell?… (Refrain)

When the Best is Seen – Words and music by Debra Burger

I am not your canvas.
Your lens is made of glass.
Don’t paint me with the colors left over from your past
I’m made in holy image
I don’t live in your dream
And I can be the best of me
When the best is seen

In a village deep in Africa
When hateful crimes occur
Offenders are surrounded by the ones they’ve hurt
Then, they’re told of all the happiness
Their lives did sometimes bring
And the best of them returns
To where the best of them is seen

So let me step into your fire
And see what does not burn
I’ll look beyond the mask you wear
And love the truth I learn
For your fragile bud will flower soon
The browns will turn to green
And you will be the best of you
When the best is seen

When Thy Song Flows Through Me Words and Music by Paramahansa Yogananda

Oh life is sweet and death a dream
Oh life is sweet and death a dream
When Thy song flows through me, my Lord.
When Thy song flows through me.

And joy is sweet, sorrow a dream
Joy is sweet, sorrow a dream
When Thy song flows through me, my Lord.
When Thy song flows through me.

And health is sweet, sickness a dream
Health is sweet, sickness a dream
When Thy song flows through me, my Lord.
When Thy song flows through me.

And praise is sweet, blame a dream
Praise is sweet, and blame a dream
When Thy song flows through me, my Lord.
When Thy song flows through me.

When I Am Healed – Michael Stillwater

When I am healed, I am not healed alone
Freedom is real and heven is home
When I am healed, I am not healed alone
Freedom is real and heaven is home.

[On Michael’s Set Your Heartsong Free • buy CD/mp3 at www.innerharmony.com ]

When I Pray – Daniel Nahmod

When I pray I feel my heart go deeper
My heart go deeper into my God
When I pray I feel my heart go deeper
My heart go deeper into my God

Right here, right now,
Right where I am I pray
Right here, right now,
Right where I am I pray

2. When I pray I feel my soul go deeper…

3. When I pray I feel my love go deeper…

[ From the Recording Sacred Love – more
info/purchase – buy mp3: Empower Music & Arts ]

When I Walk – Erin McGaughan

When I walk, I walk in the Spirit
I walk in the Holy Spirit when I walk

When I move…

When I pray…

[ on Erin’s Going Deep• buy mp3 from iTunes ]

Why Worry – words and music by Debra Burger

CHORUS:
WHY WORRY, WHEN YOU COULD PRAY INSTEAD
WHEN LIFE GOES ON FOREVER, WHY BELIEVE YOU COULD BE DEAD
CHOOSE TO WORSHIP FEAR OR BY HOLINESS BE LEAD
WHY WORRY, WHEN YOU COULD PRAY INSTEAD

GOD IS TOO BIG FOR ONE RELIGION
SIMPLY APPLY THE ONE YOU PICK
EVEN A MOSQUITO IS DRAWN INTO THE LIGHT
KEEP THE LIGHT OF LOVE UPON YOUR WICK

LIGHT SHARES THE SPACE WITH THE DARKNESS
DAY SHARES THE SPACE WITH THE NIGHT
KEEP YOUR ARMS WIDE OPEN, EMBRACING ALL THERE IS
TRUST YOUR HEART TO LEAD YOU TO WHAT’S RIGHT

PROOF OF LOVE IS EVERYWHERE AROUND US
IN EVERY SIMPLE EVERY SIMPLE BLESSING WE RECEIVE
WHEN WE FOCUS OUR ATTENTION ON EACH ORDINARY GRACE
WE’LL FEEL THE GIFT IN WHAT WE CAN BELIEVE

Will You Come Home – Words and Music by David Roth

I know where you live, but you’ve never been home.
Everyone in your house has been living alone.
Now something is wrong and you know it’s not fair,
But it’s easier to hide than to show that you care.

Chorus:
Will you come home, will you come home,
Will you come home to your heart?
You’ve kept away from yourself from the start,
But you can come home now, come home to your heart.

You work hard all day, how you strain to stand tall,
Trying to make someone love you—better yet, make them all!
But the doors have been closed, all your secrets concealed,
And you’re living your life so they’re never revealed.

Chorus

Leave the baggage behind, you’ve done more than your part.
Before you fill all your loved ones, you must fill your own heart.
Don’t look to others for directions or deeds;
You’re the very first love that your heart ever needs.

Chorus

You’ve kept away from yourself from the start,
But you can come home now, come home to your heart.

[on David Roth’s Rising in Love • buy mp3: Empower Music & Arts]

Witness – Words and Music by Daniel Nahmod

This day is a witness to my sacred purpose
To all that I’m meant to be
This day is a witness to my sacred purpose
To all that I’m meant to be

Letting it in, letting it flow
Letting it go where it will go
Letting the power of Your presence show the way
Letting it in, letting You know
I’m letting You lead that I might follow
Being a witness to Your presence every day

This soul is a witness to my holy purpose
To all that I’m born to be

This life is a witness to my rightful purpose
To all that I’ve come to be

I will bear witness to Your love
I will bear witness to Your love
I will bear witness to Your love for all my life

The Wonder Deep Within – Words and music by Joe Jencks

My soul knows that I belong to you
Even though my mind cannot conceive
Of the promise in the love you give
If only I could let my heart believe

(chorus)
You are my rock, you are my strength
You are a friend to me
Through the hard and lonely places that I roam
You are the source of my compassion
You are a hope for peace
You are the wonder deep within
You are my home

You have never turned away from me
Though I have often closed my heart to you
But you wait with open arms for my return
Ready to embrace me with your truth

There is a longing from within my soul
For serenity that only you can give
It is up to me to make a sacred place
At the center of my life where you can live

Kyrie eleison, Christe eleison
(Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy)

Words and Music © 2004 Joe Jencks, Turtle Bear Music
[ on Joe Jencks’ The Wonder Deep Within • buy mp3: CDBaby Amazon iTunes ]

A Word of Praise (Hallelujah) – Daniel Nahmod

Hallelujah, a word of praise,
A word of praise to my God
Hallelujah, a word of praise,
A word of praise to my God

CHORUS:
Let every breath I breathe be sacred
Let every word I speak be true
Let every song I sing be holy
And only bring me close to You

Chorus

Hallelujah, a word of thanks,
A word of thanks for my God
Hallelujah, a word of thanks,
A word of thanks for my God.

Chorus

Hallelujah, a blessed day,
A blessed day with my God.
Hallelujah, a blessed day,
A blessed day with my God.

The World Didn’t Give It To Me – trad.

This joy I have,
The world didn’t give it to me.
This joy I have,
The world didn’t give it to me.
This joy I have,
The world didn’t give it to me.
The world didn’t give it
And the world can’t take it away.

This peace… This life… etc.

World of Abundance – Music and lyrics by Ahria

Verse1:
I, I am so grateful for this life I have to live
Oh and I, I am so grateful for all I have to give

Chorus:
For I live in a world of abundance
In a true never ending source from above
Yes I live in a world of abundance
With a life over-flowing and a heart full of love

Verse 2:
I, I am so grateful, for I know my path is blessed
By love so full and graceful, I can trust in every step

Chorus 2x
Instrumental
Chorus 3x

[ on Ahria’s Heaven Guide Me • buy mp3: Amazon iTunes ]

The World You’ve Created – words and music by Mark Shepard

Look around, look around at the world that you’ve created –
It’s the one that you believed in

Wake up and dance!

That thing that just happened that you thought was bad
Just might be the best thing you’ve ever had
happen to you…

I saw you dancing in the rain
I saw you leap despite your pain
I saw you laughing like a flame

Worthy – words and music by Anthony Burbidge

I can hear a song within me
And I know that song is a memory of home
Yes, I hear my spirit singing
As I give the world my soul’s true song

And I sing I’m worthy, I am worthy
I am worthy of my song
Oh, I am worthy, I am worthy
I am worthy of my song

I can feel the life within me
And I know my life was meant to be lived
And as I feel that love come through me
I can see that love is my gift to give

‘Cause I’m worthy, I am worthy
I am worthy of my love
Oh, I am wirthy, I am worthy.
I am worthy of my love

If you don’t open wide,
Let your brightest light shine,
Oh, then no one will know what you might have been

And you are worthy, you are worthy,
You are worthy of your life
Oh, you are worthy, you are worthy,
You are worthy of your life.

I am worthy, I am worthy,
I am worthy of my life
I am worthy, I am worthy,
I am worthy of my life.

I am worthy, I am worthy,
I am worthy of my life.

Yes, I Am – words and music by Daniel Nahmod

Yes I am here to learn
Yes I am here to live
Yes I am here to be the love of God
Yes I am here to learn
Yes I am here to live
Yes I am here to be the love of God, my God

And I know for evermore that I am love
Yes I know for evermore that I am love

Yes I am here to love
Yes I am here to serve
Yes I am here to be the love of God, my God
of God, my God
of God, my God

You Are Like God By Debra Burger (based on Gandhi’s favorite song)

Verse 1
When you share another’s sorrow and feel another’s pain
And your pride does not distort you sight and lead you to disdain

Chorus
You are like God. 3x
God is in your soul

Verse 2
When you see the common thread that ties you to the poor
And you grieve for all the casualties of war

Verse 3
When you speak with deep respect and your tongue cannot taste lies
And you seek only the riches that money never buys

Verse 4
Then you lift your generation to the highest light of all
With every moment spent listening to the spirit’s call

After last chorus:
I am like God 3x
God is in my soul

You Are the Grey Sea – author unknown

You are the grey sea in a dress of broken lace.
You are inside me, and I know your face.

You are the summer, and the winter’s bitter cold.
You are my mother, and I love you so.

You are a white dove when the day dims into blue.
You are my first love, and my love is you.

You are the green corn when it dances in the light.
You are my firstborn with his eyes shut tight.

You are a young tree wearing sun-embroidered gold.
You are my body as it’s growing old.

You are the cool heat of the moon’s reflected light.
You are my heartbeat when I wake in the night.

You are a sparrow in a nest of winter leaves.
You are my widow; it is you she grieves.

You are tomorrow when today is laid to rest.
You are my sorrow and my happiness.

You Can Live in the Light
– Debra Burger

You can walk,
you can walk in the valley,
You can walk in the valley of the shadow of death
But you, but you don’t have to pitch a tent.

And you can visit,
You can visit the Heartbreak Hotel
But you don’t have to pay the rent.

And you can live,
you can live on the mountain,
You can live on the mountain
where the sun shines bright.

And you can live,
you can live in the garden
where there’s peace and plenty.
You can live in the light.

Verse:
There is a presence,
acting as a shepherd
Leading me to where the waters are still
Giving me strength to face those who look like enemies
Restoring my soul and keeping my cup full.

You, God the Good – words and music by Peggy Vogel-Nagengast and Katie Nagengast

There is only one Power, one Presence in my life
And in the universe
That one is you, God the Good, Omnipotence

Thank you for your Presence
Thank you for your Power
Thank you for your help in every single hour

There is only one power, one presence in my life
And in the universe
That one is you, God the Good, Omnipresence

Thank you for your Guidance
Thank you for your Grace
Thank you for your hope in every single place

And I feel loved
And I feel cared for
When I feel your love washin’ over me

Thank you for your Presence
Thank you for your Power
Thank you for your help in every single hour

Thank you for your Guidance
Thank you for your Grace
Thank you for your hope in every single place

And I feel loved
And I feel cared for
When I feel your love washin’ over me

There is only one power, one presence in my life
And in the universe
That one is you, God the Good, Omnipotence
That one is you, God the Good, the Good

You Remind Me – David Roth

Chorus:
You remind me that I’m always forgiven
You remind me that I’m always loved
When I try too hard and feel so empty
You remind me that I’m good enough

When that devil doubt is racing before me
Sprinkling egg shells of distrust and disarray
You are rolling out your carpet of forgiveness
And you give me solid ground to find my way

chorus

And I know that there were times I was distracted
And I know that were things I didn’t do
But the universe is perfect, and I know it,
And the reason that I’m sure of it is you

Did I forget to leave a flower on your pillow?
Did I forget to say how much you mean to me?
This is my bouquet of recognition
For every gift and grace you’ve helped me be

chorus

[on David’s Practice Makes Progress • www.davidrothmusic.net • Buy mp3 from Empower Music & Arts]

Yours for Free – words and music by Mark Shepard

I see you in the distance, my friend
You’re a songbird on the wire
You’re an actor dressed in grace
You’re an early morning flyer
High above the ground
You cannot keep from singing
A brand new tune is found,
It starts the world to ringing

This day is a lovely day
And it is yours for free

Light and darkness contend
And beauty represents the few
And the Sadness in folk’s eyes
Surely need not be explained to you
But even captured and concealed
The song continues rising
‘Til it’s finally revealed
There can be no compromising

This day is a lovely day
And it is yours for free

Vision catches your breath,
Leaves you leaping and alive
Sparkling through a cloud
It’s a new way to survive
And at last the fear is lost
And you stand there unbroken
Giving no more thought to cost
For the truth has finally spoken

This day is a lovely day
And it is yours for free

But even captured and concealed
The song continues rising
‘Til it’s finally revealed
There can be no compromising

This day is a lovely day
And it is yours for free

2 Comments


Linda Smull
Friday, July 5, 2019 at 2:43 pm

Hi. I love Debra Burger’s songs. Do you know where I can hear them?
- Reply
  
  unityalbany
  Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at 10:43 am
  
  Linda, I have passed on your query to Debra.
  Blessings, Roger

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Songs, Hymns & Chants

Lyrics and sources for selected songs used at Unity Church in Albany

7 Wonders of the World

All I Have

All That I Am

All the Good

All the Things God Is I Am

Alleluia Namaste

Alleluia Sky Fire Climbing

Always Here

Amazing Things

Amen

An Opening

Ananda is the Ocean

And All is Well

The Angel Rolled the Stone Away

Blue Sky

Body, Mind and Spirit

Break the Wine Glass

The Breathe of God

By Grace I Live

By Thy Grace

Call Down a Blessing

Can You Imagine Being Loved

Carry Me Home

Chariots

Child of God

Choose Love

Christ Child’s Lullaby

Circle of Peace

Circle of Wisdom

Closer to the Light

Come, Come Whoever You Are

Come Darkness, Come Light

Come Home to Me

Come to Me

Coming Home

Contemplation Chant

Crossing the Water

Do All You Can (Nkosi’s Song)

Don’t Be Afraid of the Light That Shines Within You

Down in My Soul

Dream Variations

EACH RISING SUN

Emmanuel

Even Now

Everybody Goes Home

Expect a Miracle

Expression

The Face of God

Facets of the Jewel

Father Of My Soul

The Field

Fire Before the Flame

Fire In The Eyes

Fishing on the Right Side of the Boat

Flow Through Me

Footprints

The Four Agreements

From the Heart

From Thee I Receive

Garden of Dreams

A Garden of My Own

George Bailey

Get Ready, My Soul

Give Yourself To Love

Go in Beauty

Go in the Wilderness

God Believes in You

God Is

God is a River

Let the River Run

Memorial Day Meditation – words and music by Steve Holmes

2 Comments

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Lyrics and sources for selected songs
used at Unity Church in Albany