A few years ago, while at a Youth Specialties conference, I participated in a time of contemplative worship led by Stephen Iverson. I cannot say that I was deeply moved during that time, but over the years, his music has come to mind, and I have been forced into a time of worship. Today, while in a coffee shop reading about Reformed worship, his Jesus Prayer would not leave me alone. So, I came home and downloaded a few songs. Though his voice is still not my favorite, it is good, worshipful, and reflective. Three I recommend from his Prayer album: Jesus Prayer, Surely God, and Peace, Be Still.
To whom do you listen when you need to find a center in Christ?
Also, along with his voice, when I have worshiped with him I kept getting creeped out by his lips. I've never seen someone overemphasize lip movement like he does.
But just like you, the song lyrics haunt me in such a good way.
Posted by: Michael | January 24, 2006 at 11:35 PM
When I need to find a center in Christ, I tend to listen to music from the Taize Community, and I also listen to the "Sanctus" movement from the Faure Requiem...I fist heard that piece of music in Jerry Sittser's History of Christianity class...that piece of music brought him comfort during some of the hardest times of his adult life. I have it on my i Tunes player; when you get a moment you should check it out.
Posted by: Joshua M | January 24, 2006 at 11:38 PM
bach, especially his motet "singet dem herrn" (sing to the Lord), and caedmon's call, especially the song "faith my eyes."
Posted by: melissa | January 25, 2006 at 08:59 AM
Michael, I had forgotten (blocked out?) the memory of the lips. Ha. Lip overemphasis in general is bothersome, so it is not necessarily Stephen's fault alone.
Posted by: Josh | January 25, 2006 at 11:05 PM
I still like him though. If he were ever to stumble across ths great blog of yours, I do hope no feelings are hurt.
(p.s. get the witty Mr. Colbert's autograph for me... thanks)
Posted by: Michael | January 26, 2006 at 01:48 AM
Shawn McDonald always centers me on Christ. You can visit him at http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=8657136
Hope you enjoy as much as I do.
In Christ,
cja
Posted by: Christina | January 31, 2006 at 12:16 AM