Ruach Breath of Life

Back in 1979 Ros and I were part of a lovely small community in Oxford set up by the Anglican church I was working for. We will always remember Martin Charlesworth writing this song and singing it to us for the first time. Megan kindly sang it for us at one of our recording events; it is as lovely as ever more than forty years later.

Since so many of have received rejections in one form or another, and been wounded by them, it can be really helpful to ask a friend, pastor or counsellor to minister lovingly into the depths of these hurts hurt. Perhaps you can send this tender prayer to someone you know who is in need of a deeper touch from the Lord. Or why not pray it for each other, and then continue on where these words leave...

If you have been in any kind of ministry, then you will almost certainly know what it is to have felt rejected and gossiped about. Some churches ought to have a notice posted on the door: ‘Here be dragons!’ How we need to guard our heart and be careful what we say and think, Lord! You know that our thoughts control our life, and that they lead to many consequences. (Prov. 4:23) Align our hearts wi...

Pantete Chairete - Rejoice always (1 Thess. 5:16) I had long wanted to record this gloriously dynamic movement from Bach’s magnificent 4th Brandenburg concerto, and was so grateful when the chance came along to do so. Massive thanks to the heroic musicians who played this challenging piece so beautifully for us - Julia and Thomas Herzog, (recorders), Susanne Herzog, Shirley Richards and Helen Rees...

We are here because the Father asked You to press on with Your mercy mission, no matter what came against You. We are here because multitudes upon multitudes of Your spokesmen and women refused to give up in the face of the repeated threats and losses that each and every one of them faced. Jesus, help us to press on through the darkness and indifference and opposition to bring You, Jesus Christ, t...

With so many alarming and ugly matters dominating world news and pressing in on every side, godly music can play such an important part in keeping our spirits pure and focused on the Lord. This truly inspirational piece from Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 is just such an example! When I researched the origins of the Vespers, I was intrigued to discover that the piece was used to accompany intercessi...

Contemplación - en el silencio del corazón: Le Silence du Coeur In the Lord’s deep presence (i) More and more the Lord is calling us to appreciate the value of holding silence in His presence, whether we are on on our own or in company with others, or in fellowship groups. I wrote this piece to be an encouragement for us to seek that deep place in the Lord. May the words and music alike wash over...

Contemplación - En el silencio del corazón – Envers le silence du Coeur In the Lord’s deep silence (ii) Many years ago, when we were deep in the Lord’s presence in one of our prayer and worship conferences, Richard Williamson played this beautiful improvisation, which we have transcribed and recorded here. Julian Chan plays it for us here supported by James Horsfall on keyboard, and Julia Herzog,...

There are few pangs more painful than rejection, few things that knock our confidence so hard and batter our trust, especially when these things come from the hands of believers. Whether or not you are active in ministry, it is highly likely that you will know what it is to have a loved one turn their backs on you, perhaps walk out on you or even betray you. If you are one who has suffered the sha...

It’s so helpful to remember how You helped David in his many times of distress, Lord, even though at first sight it must have appeared as though You were doing nothing of the kind. After King Saul’s hatred and jealousy had driven David from the land and forced him to take refuge in the courts of the Philistine king, David experienced one of his most grievous trials. He had set off to take part in...

Lord Jesus, every single time we reach out to someone, we risk having our words being misunderstood and our efforts rejected. It was no different for You, and You warned us that those who love darkness would hate us on account of You. You even said that we are blessed when this is so! (Mark 13:13, Luke 6:22) But it doesn’t always feel that way, Lord God, any more than it could have done for You wh...

May you be rested, blessed and empowered as you feast on this short meditation which is part of a series that explores the word ‘nuach’ – the deep, settled and empowering rest that the Lord sends. Father, Paul called You the ‘God of all comfort:’ elohei khol-nechamah in the language of his people. You had trained him deeply in the Hebrew scriptures, and he came to know and experience Your nuach (2...

May you be rested, blessed and empowered as you feast on this short meditation which is part of a series that explores the word ‘nuach’ – the deep, settled and empowering rest that the Lord sends. Some time ago the Lord had warned me that we would be ‘shuffling about’ for some time to come – and sure enough we spent several years moving from one place to another. Twice within Devon, once to Kent,...

May you be rested, blessed and empowered as you feast on this short meditation which is part of a series that explores the word ‘nuach’ – the deep, settled and empowering rest that the Lord sends.

May you be rested, blessed and empowered as you feast on this short meditation which is part of a series that explores the word ‘nuach’ – the deep, settled and empowering rest that the Lord sends.

May you be rested, blessed and empowered as you feast on this short meditation which is part of a series that explores the word ‘nuach’ – the deep, settled and empowering rest that the Lord sends.

May you be rested, blessed and empowered as you feast on this short meditation which is part of a series that explores the word ‘nuach’ – the deep, settled and empowering rest that the Lord sends. Why not listen to the piece right through first, and then try hitting the pause button for a while to let different people and situations come to mind to pray for. Somewhere about 34 seconds might be a g...

May you be rested, blessed and empowered as you feast on this meditation, which is thesecond track in a series that explores the rich concept of ‘nuach’ – the deep, settled and empowering rest that the Lord sends, that paves the way for us to be closer to God’s heart. The beautiful music that accompanies this are improvisations by Nicola Gerard and Christiane von Albrecht, followed by a beautiful...

Celtic Fantasia by Ruach Breath of Life

In the midst of the global pandemic, it has been remarkable that it was possible for the Tokyo Olympic Games to have gone ahead. By and large they have been outstandingly successful, and conducted in a good spirit amongst the nations, with all the inevitable highs and lows, personal triumphs and heartbreaks. We recorded this exuberant dance by Rameau some years ago, and, as it was written to celeb...

Olympian efforts: Pressing on to win the prize I happened to take a break from my labours this morning in time to see Adam Peaty retain his Olympic 100 metres breast stroke gold medal. It reminded me afresh of the rewards for perseverance. Every day serious swimmers, long distance runners, divers, ice skaters and so athletes and artists get up early and train, pummelling their bodies and foregoing...

This is the first of a series of reflections and invitations from the Lord calling us to enter the Lord's rest inspired by the Hebrew word 'Nuach'. As this opening piece draws to a conclusion, it leads in to Huw Humphries lovely song 'Father, lead us on into Your heart.'

Into Your hands: Praying for Souls in Distress A passionate prayer for believers going through various different mills, set to equally passionate music. This is an invitation to join in spirit in praying for and on behalf of people who are in great distress, whether in body, mind or spirit. Some years ago, I heard an intriguing musical theme in my spirit. I jotted the notes down and wrote it up as...

As I was sitting beside a village duckpond not far from Malvern the other day, enjoying the warmth of the sunshine and the fresh green of the new leaves, I was struck afresh by the tenderness of God toward us. This meditation springs from that time, and is accompanied by two exquisite pieces of music for oboe, that seem to breathe with the soft and clear life-giving ruach of the Lord. The first, p...

As the harp sounds her opening chords, this immersive and reflective piece invites you to spend time savouring the tender favour of the Lord. How has He shown His compassion toward you? What concerns might you bring to Him now? Sing with Mary how He has helped His servant Israel, remembering to be merciful, for His loving devotion toward us is abundant! (Lk. 1:54; Ps. 106:45) The presentation incl...