lenten journal: traveling companions

Here are some of the songs that speak to my heart in these days. I offer them to you as traveling companions.

As a part of our Ash Wednesday service, I sang Emmylou Harris’ “Prayer in Open D” (which, parenthetically, makes me think someone needs to do an Emmyloucharist, much as they did a U2charist). The song is a lament that moves my soul any time I sing or hear it.

there's a valley of sorrow in my soul where every night I hear the thunder roll like the sound of a distant gun over all the damage I have done

and the shadows filling up this land are the ones I built with my own hand there is no comfort from the cold of this valley of sorrow in my soul

I found this clip of Sara Bereilles singing her song, “Someone Who Loves Me,” accompanied by the Milk Carton Kids.

surrender's just a word ’til you try it out and see how hard it is to hurt with someone else around I'm the worst I've ever been afraid of almost everything the skies are clear but storms are always comin' your gift to me is just to be bracing for the winds I always summon my home, my heart thank God you are someone who loves me

My friend Darren sang this song at his church for Ash Wednesday. Cindy Morgan and Phil Madeira bring a great gospel groove to “Leaning on You.

Lord, I'm prone to wander too far from the water I've done too many things that I can't undo I keep meaning to be leaning on you

Josh Radin is a new name for me, but his song, “What Would You Do? (Refugee Song)” asks an enduring question.

what would you do if you saw I was torn, from the love of my mother's hands? what would you do if the clothes I had worn, were ripped from me where I stand? what would you do?

what would you do if I washed to your shore, in need someplace to land? what would you do, would you promise me more, and say that you understand? what would you do?

would you let me come home? would you let me come home?

Gretchen Peters paints poignant pictures in “Say Grace” and invites us all to find ourselves in them.

we are gathered here together to praise his holy name in a shelter by the Greyhound station down on 5th and Main and as to who we're praying to there run two schools of thought a benevolent provider or an unforgiving god

say grace say grace forgive yourself for all of your mistakes you might find salvation in your neighbor's face come inside and set yourself a place and say grace

Carry on . . .

Peace,
Milton