I sing in the choir at our provincial center. At practice, our director will say, “Tonight we’re going to learn a new song for Mass.” She plays the piece on the piano while we silently read the words and notes. I am always amazed by a new piece, and I wonder: How can composers keep writing beautiful religious songs using the same eight-note scale with words drawn from the same Scriptures? You’d think by now they would have run out of melodies and words!
But today’s psalm tells us why we will never exhaust the field of religious music: For God has done wondrous deeds! All those words, notes, rhythms and refrains reflect the inexhaustible font of God’s great love for us.
Today listen to or sing one of your favorite religious songs, whether the song is ancient or brand new. Why do you like this particular song?
- Sr. Melannie Svoboda, S.N.D.
Speaking of "new songs," I think we need my "Prayer of St. Dominic": 1. Make me a channel of your truth, Where there is falsehood let me bring your light. Where there are lying tongues your honesty, And where there’re clouds, transparency. 2. Make me a channel of your truth, Where there’s conspiracy, show me the way. Where there’s deceitfulness, only fact, And where there’s fake news, righteousness. 3. O Master, grant that I may never seek So much to be acclaimed as to acclaim your Truth; To be knowing all, as to be sincere, To be right, as to be forthright in all I say. 4. Make me a channel of your truth, it is in clarity that we are wholesome, In opening ourselves to Truth in love We reveal the truth that God wants all to hear.
I love this version. Thanks Jeanne.
I cannot pick a favourite! Hymns are one of my favourite ways to express what is in my soul! ———— Prayer to St. Jude for Physical Healing St. Jude, you witnessed the healing power of our Lord Jesus. You saw His compassion for the sick and dying. You yourself touched the sick, shared the sorrows of the mournful, and encouraged the despairing. You received this authority and healing power to work wonders, to cure the incurable, to make people whole. We ask you to intercede with our brother, Jesus, to send His saving grace to heal the sickness and suffering of __________________, to uplift his/her despondent spirit, and to instill hope in his/her heart. Amen.
https://youtu.be/xt3DEuw0wjM?feature=shared
Fantastic devotion, Sr. Melanie! I loved reading the comments about everyone's favorite hymns and found myself singing. :-)
I have enjoyed a multitude of Christian songs throughout my life, but Pam I must tell you that my brother introduced me to “I Can Only Imagine” by Mercy Me when my Mom passed away 2 years ago. We were planning her funeral and ended up having it sung at her Mass. It is truly one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard and it gave me such solace knowing that my Mom was with the Lord as I was listening. Music is definitely one of the Lord’s greatest treasures and I believe can provide immense healing to all who are willing to open their hearts enough to listen. I hope the entire LFF enjoys a blessed Thanksgiving!
Legion of Mary at St. Pete/All Hallow Parish in Sacramento.
Good Beautiful Wednesday morning my LLF, the Sun ???? is shining here in Sacramento, California, I Praise God. Thank you for the Shout out Jane, You are an Amazing writer. All on here are doing our Lord's work. I have been a member of Legion for 12 years. And I love being a Part of this. Thank you Jesus. My love & prayers to All on here.
One of my favorite songs is, "Because He Lives", I can face tomorrow!
I was blessed to be able to attend 47 consecutive 4-day silent men's Jesuits retreats at "Demontreville " in North St. Paul, MN (starting in 1973). In all those years the first song played in the chapel on Friday morning before breakfast was "Lord Teach us to Pray" by Joe Wise. He wrote it in 1969. This 8 min song never failed to bring tears to my eyes and always got our retreats off to a good start. Listen to it if you can. It's readily available on YouTube and elsewhere. Wishing everyone a joyful Thanksgiving, full of good food and great companionship!
One of my all time favorites is Pescador de Hombres. It always brings me to tears. With the jyrics: Sonrindo has dicho me nombre, I can see his face smiling into mine. It entirely melts my heart!
I LOVE Pescador de hombres, and yes gets me emotional! Blessings!
My favorite hymns are On Eagles Wings & Let All Things Now Living. The only place I sings out loud is in church as being in tune is not high priority for God! All of the hymns mentioned today are Spiritual Riches!
I recently was introduced to a new song. It is 10,000 Years. I like the version by The Carolina Boys on Youtube. It is a song of gratitude and hope.
Ah Sr. Melannie what a great reflection!!! All those wonderful responses of songs to listen to. I am going to try to listen all the ones that I don't know. What an inspiration. The best part is that you reminded me of a song, Have You Seen Jesus My Lord, that I heard as a child in camp. I fall back on it when feeling lost and down (but couldn't remember all the words.) It brings good memories. Today reminded me to look on youtube duh! I FOUND IT....finally. I can now listen to it whenever I want (and I mean listen, you don't want to hear me sing LOL) I read comments from yesterday and Steve thank you for the reminder that God is the constant and is there for us. Ken I like that prayer and Jane I added the St. Jude devotional to my prayer list. Blessings to all the LFF. May each and everyone of you find your happy Thanksgiving for tomorrow and peace for all of life. May God hold those with extra needs in his hands and may our love of God shine through all the world everyday.
One of my favorite songs and performances of it, available via the internet, is "Holy is His Name" by Melissa Maricich. I encourage you to give it a try to bring some peace to your day. Thank you to Sr. Melannie Svoboda for today's reflection.
Sr. Melannie, the responses here are like an early Thanksgiving!!! What a joy to read and how amazing that I can feel the joy in people’s answers. They that sing definitely pray twice! Wishing all the very happiest of Thanksgivings and lifting Vicky and Garrett, Jane and her mum, Debbie and her daughter Anna, Dennis and Shelly, Christine and her mom Stephanie Juan and Susan, Peggy, Irene, Pam, Anne, Ken, the Bills, Vincent, Patrick, a Working Mom, Denise, Sunshine, Analiese, Julian and Cooper and all of our children who are trying to find their way, plus all those people who are alone, alienated or struggling during the holidays. Amen.
One of my favorite hymns is Hail Mary,Gentle Woman
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, as well as those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen
Sr. Melannie...you have sparked such wonderful responses! It has been years since I first heard a song that stopped me in my tracks, it was being played on a BOB FM radio station, mostly rock, and the words went straight to my heart. I even had chills on my arms and up my neck..."I Can Only Imagine" by Mercy Me. There hasn't been a moment when I heard it, that I didn't stop and let the words and melody sink into my soul, even had it played for my Mom's Funeral (along with "How Great Thou Art" and "Is It Me, Lord"). Music has always been a catalyst in my life to a better mood or healing heart.
Overview Lyrics Other recordings Listen When peace like a river attended my way When sorrows like sea billows roll Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say It is well, it is well, with my soul It is well (it is well) With my soul (with my soul) It is well, it is well with my soul My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought My sin, not in part but the whole Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, oh, my soul It is well (it is well) With my soul (with my soul) It is well, it is well with my soul And Lord haste the day when my faith shall be sight The clouds be rolled back as a scroll The trumpet shall sound and the Lord shall descend Even so, it is well with my soul It is well (it is well) With my soul (with my soul) Oh it is well, it is well with my soul It is well with my soul.
Melanie what a terrific response!! I am enjoying them Please pray for Debbie and her daughter Anna Dennis and Shelly Christine and her mom Stephanie and all th I se people who are alone or struggling during the holidays. Jane the link worked for me but needed to identify motorcycle and stoplight Ken Ken
La Guadalupana Amen!
Shout out to Juan Diegito!!!!!
Make me a channel of your peace and eagles wings are my 2 favorite religious songs. They are beautiful to sing and listen to and celebrate the way life should be.
My song comment for today: 1- Holy Holy Holy Gives all my love to God. 2. The Servant Song It gives all my love to my neighbor. My heart bursts with so much love when I sing these beautiful hymns.
Be Not Afraid
Peggy, lifting you today. Hope you have a great Thanksgiving!
They will know we are Christians by our love, Jars of Clay's version!
Sr. Melannie your comment and question has brought many beautiful responses and I love them all. Every morning as my husband and I sit at the kitchen table and say our prayers and read our individual commentaries we listen to instrumental Christian music from Pandora on our little portable speaker that plays in the background. On different days and different seasons my favorite songs change but lately I find myself quietly singing two during the day: Give Me Jesus and How Great Thou Art. God speaks so powerfully through music .
Anne! I just love How Great Thou Art. Believe it or not, Elvis sings a beautiful version of it. That is my top 3!
There are so many beautiful religious songs but the first one that popped in my head is “ You Are Mine” Do not be afraid I am with you, I have called you each by name. Come and follow me, I will bring you home. I love you and you are mine. Comforting words.
Lord Jesus Christ, by your atoning death on the cross you have redeemed the world. Fill me with joyful hope, courage, and boldness to witness the truth of your love for sinners and your victory over the powers of sin, Satan, and death."
One of my favorite songs is by CeCe Winans Believe for it. Gospel music helps us through the good and bad times, always encouraging. I'm so thankful for the LFF for all the prayers, encouragement and sharing your struggles and triumphs everyday. May everyone have a blessed Thanksgiving filled with love and joy. Have a blessed day!
My favorite hymn is “Here I Am Lord”. Take from the story of Samual and his hearing the Lord calling him in the night.
Beautiful one!
Kay that's my favorite also I Will try to send link. Here I am Lord https://youtu.be/EcxOkht8w7c?si=ZV7Ho7oHqoESpGgm Please Continue to pray for Sal his surgery is Friday. Ken
Sister Melannie, clearly by all of the comments, you struck a chord :) Thank you
Hallelujah Praise, CeCe Winans
Yahweh,I Know You Are Near, Be Not Afraid and On Eagle’s Wings to name a few. I listened to all 3 this morning and as usual I started to cry. Beauty comes from the heaven. It emanates from God. Those songs bring scripture to life in a way only music can deliver. God bless Dan Schutte who writes Catholic music. God bless choirs and musicians who pierce our souls with music from heaven. Thank you for using your gifts to bring us closer to our Lord!
"What Wondrous Love is This". i especially like the third stanza...."and when from death i'm free, i'll sing on"!
Yes, there are very many glorious hymns, however my favorite is Hosea (Come back to me). How inspiring and promising!
One of my top 5!
Two songs I listen to every morning are “You Make Everything Beautiful” and “Then I Will”. Beautiful songs reminding us the love God our Father has for us all ????????????✝️
Be Not Afraid
I love this one, too!
My God is Awesome.
I co-wrote this hymn “Holy Innocents” . It was sung at a Pro-Life Mass in front of over 1000 people. The crazy thing is that I know absolutely nothing about music. God’s hands were all over it . You can hear a demo of it here. I now need God to let me know what He wants to do with it. http://lawrencewardmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Holy-Innocents-Demo.mp3
Maryann, this is just amazing. God will let you know. True Thanksgiving for allowing the spirit to work through you! Amen.
My favorite is On Eagles Wings. For me it’s the emotional /personal experience I get when I hear this hymn and I can’t ever sing it without tears. Thankful for the LFF.
We Remember We Celebrate We Believe (close 2nd favorite) This was our church 100 celebration.
One of my favorite songs is LORD I NEED YOU by Matt Maher. It says so much of our dependency on Christ.
In Christ Alone
The Servant Song
Ode to Joy, and On Eagles Wings.
Sister Melannie Svoboda I am commenting on your comment on why I like a particular comment in a song. The the name of the song is Glory and Praise to Our Lord and I love it as every word in it to me is and INSPIRATION!!!! I heard it thr first time that I remember at the First Communion of my Grand Daughtet as I am her Godfather. I will pray for you and all the souls that input to make Living Faith what it is!
Taste and See
Gift of Finest Wheat
Seems I break out in song whenever I read the Responsorial Psalm and it's a familiar hymn. Cookin' and bakin' today. Getting ready for the 20+ getting together tomorrow. We are blessed with good food, family and friends. Praying for you all to have a similar feast. Praying also for those marginalized that are not as fortunate. Include them in your blessing before the meal.
Bill…I’m baking and cooking today, too. Trying some new recipes and loving my time in the kitchen. So great to be with my family. Feeling a profound sense of gratitude for my God, my family and my health. Also Bill, He that sings prays twice! Amen.
*** My favorite…Famous For (I Believe)/Do It Again by Tauren Wells https://youtu.be/hLCYTUaoqDM?si=6BU14QNOwNawRrfc *** What’s new? Lamentations 3:22-23, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!” *** What’s new? Ephesians 4:22-24, “You were taught not to live the way you used to. You must get rid of your old way of life. That’s because it has been made impure by the desire for things that lead you astray. You were taught to be made new in your thinking. You were taught to start living a new life. It is created to be truly good and holy, just as God is!” ******* 2 Corinthians 5:17-19, “When anyone lives in Christ, the new creation has come. The old is gone! The new is here! All this is from God. He brought us back to Himself through Christ’s death on the cross. And He has given us the task of bringing others back to Him through Christ. God was bringing the world back to Himself through Christ. He did not hold people’s sins against them. God has trusted us with the message that people may be brought back to Him!” Amen ✝️
I love The Will Be Done and Oceans
I too am a chorister and have been singing sacred music in choirs ever since I was 19 (I am 77 now and still do!). I thank the good Lord for this. I have sung in many parishes all over Malta (and abroad) and every time I remind myself that I’m doing so for God’s glory. (Bach used to write the letters SDG at the end of each opus, meaning Soli Deo Gloria - To God Alone Be Glory). Singing in churches is always a wonderful experience - one I cannot express in words. My favourite hymn at the moment is the ‘Ave Verum’ by Karl Jenkins. God has been good to me and I hope I’m putting the talent He gave me to good use and doing it for His glory. God bless you all.
Yvonne, I listen to Classic FM out of London which is digitally cast by Global Player. They frequently play Karl Jenkins. Just beautiful! Thank you for sharing this. Amen to song.
I joined the music ministry in my parish when I was a freshman in college and I am still involved today in my mid 50s. There have been many times when singing that the words of a hymns will minister to me.
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In response to Sr. Melannie's song choice: Broken Vessels - the Worship Initiative.