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Walking Prayer


For: The Institute of Contemporary And Emerging Worship Studies, St. Stephen's University, Essentials Red Online Worship History Course with Dan Wilt

I love some of the prayers of the saints that have gone before us. They carry a rhythm, beauty, maturity, and depth that I often lack. They say what I have inside my heart but sometimes can find no adequate words for. They remind me of truths and needs that I have forgotten or neglected. I have long loved the prayer called St. Patrick's Breastplate but I have always found it difficult to keep all the words straight. So, I decided to put together some of my most favourite prayers of the saints into a rhythmic melody much like a chant, but with a modern twist.

This song is primarily a memory aid for me, and if it is helpful to anyone else's conversation with God, that's a bonus. I meant it as a tool that I could use to keep my mind turning to God as I walk throughout my day. I wrote it in what I hope is a comfortable walking beat, so that the simple act of taking a few steps would trigger the words and the rhythms of these profound prayers that are suitable anytime and anywhere.

The photos are from Montreal (and surrounding areas), Ontario, New York, San Francisco, Cuba, and South Africa. I borrowed the images of the saints and the praying hands from the good old internet, believing them to be in the public domain.

Thanks to Dean for being my sound engineer and percussion expert and encourager.

Thanks to God who never gets tired of my voice. My God and my All!

Click here for a pdf of the song Walking Prayer

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Comments

Unknown said…
breathtaking and speachless!

wow.

beautiful.
7:54 PM
Anonymous said…
What a fabulous idea. I really like the integration of still images, video, and the audio.

Particularly cool in creating something beyond just another song, but actually purpose driven as a tool for everyday connecting in prayer.

Nice job!
12:58 PM
One of Freedom said…
After a bit of time to process this song - I think it is really really cool.
8:08 PM
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