I enjoy listening to songs I love which I have included on various playlists. Recently, I was lying flat on the loungeroom floor with my feet up on a chair higher than my heart, (this position I am told is ideal for good circulation). I was listening to my ‘easy-listening’ playlist which contains 412 of my favourite songs.
I prefer the songs to play in alphabetical order and I found I was working through songs that start with ‘F’.
If you think it would be only possible to pray when listening to a playlist of religious songs, you would be wrong. I believe you are able to pray while listening to popular songs, because the words can become meaningful when, with a little bit of imagination, they can be heard as a two-way conversation with your God.
Let me give you an example: First up halfway through the ‘F’ List was ‘Fire and Rain’, a James Taylor song.
I’ve seen fire and I’ve seen rain. I’ve seen sunny days I thought would never end.
I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend, but I always thought I would see you again.
Look down upon me Jesus, you gotta help me make a stand, just got to see me through another day.
I can’t make it any other way.
Then came ‘The Flame’ by Cheap Trick:
Wherever you go, I’ll be with you. Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you.
Whenever you need someone to lay your heart and head upon, remember after the fire and all the rain, I will be your flame.
Next up, ‘Fly Like A Bird’ by Boz Scaggs.
Now the years have past and memories come and go. He hears that voice.
There’s peace at the end of the darkest night. Sometimes I cry, sometimes I fly like a bird.
Then comes ‘Follow Me’ by John Denver
Follow me where I go, what I do.
Let a part of you be a part of me.
Follow me up and down, all the way and all around.
Take my hand and say you’ll follow me.
I’ve tried to find a way that will make you understand, the way I feel about you, just how much I need you.
To be there when I can talk to when there is no one else around.
You see I’d like to share my life with you and show you things I’ve seen.
Places where I’m going to, places where I’ve been.
To have you there beside me I’ll never be alone.
Then came ‘For My Lady’ by The Moody Blues.
My boat sails stormy seas, battles all storms ahead. At last, my port’s in view, I’ve arrived, discovered you.
Set sail before the sun. Feel the warmth has just begun.
Share each and every dream, that belongs to everyone.
Then a bit of country with ‘Forever and ever amen’ by Randy Travis
I’m gonna love you forever. Forever and ever amen.
As long as old men sit and talk about the weather,
As long as old women talk about old men.
If you wonder how long I’ll be faithful, I’ll be happy to tell you again.
I’m gonna love you forever and ever, forever and ever Amen.
When it was time to get back up and into action, the blood circulation was recharged as also was my prayer life. Can’t wait to take up this same position again tomorrow as there are still more songs from the ‘F’ group to come, namely Four Strong Winds by Neil Young; ‘Fraction too much Friction from Tim Finn and ‘Bette Midler’s, From a Distance.
I wonder what else awaits as I progress further through the alphabet. My God sure gets me going through my music.
I’m Peter Mack and that’s faith