This is one of my favourite pieces of music.
It's by Henry Purcell, and it's a setting of the first verse of Psalm 102:
It's by Henry Purcell, and it's a setting of the first verse of Psalm 102:
Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let my crying come unto thee.
There are heaps of recordings of it on YouTube, but here's one I found that has hardly any views so far, and which I really like. Have a listen.
Sorry about the cough that happens part way through!
Although I kind of like that, because it makes it seem more real and down-to-earth, which this music is. Sure, I know it's addressed to God, and the eight-part counterpoint is incredible. But it's a very human cry, and one I can relate to.
I've been hearing this piece every night for the past few weeks as the introduction to the Examen prayer I do before I go to sleep (thanks to a handy phone app). I find that it has been very helpful in reminding me that I can come before God as I am, however I'm feeling. Even if my feelings are as dissonant as that harmony in the penultimate bar!
In listening to this piece, and joining with it in spirit, I am able to lay down my whole, true self at the Lord's feet.
Although I kind of like that, because it makes it seem more real and down-to-earth, which this music is. Sure, I know it's addressed to God, and the eight-part counterpoint is incredible. But it's a very human cry, and one I can relate to.
I've been hearing this piece every night for the past few weeks as the introduction to the Examen prayer I do before I go to sleep (thanks to a handy phone app). I find that it has been very helpful in reminding me that I can come before God as I am, however I'm feeling. Even if my feelings are as dissonant as that harmony in the penultimate bar!
In listening to this piece, and joining with it in spirit, I am able to lay down my whole, true self at the Lord's feet.
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