Lent is a fresh invitation to His Living Waters, says worship leader Matt Dean. Matt has chosen five songs which highlight the kindness and mercy of Jesus and help us on our journey of purification this Lent. Picture: Matt Dean
1. Daily Bread – Pat Barrett, Kari Jobe
“Waking up to manna, coming to my senses/ You meet me in my grumbling, You give me my portion You are our daily bread, You are our daily bread/And we will seek Your face before we seek Your hand”
Lyrically the song opens with reference to Exodus 16 and God’s people in the desert. The miracle of bread descending from heaven to daily sustain His people foreshadows Jesus, the Bread of Life (John 6). The words in the chorus remind us to seek God first, to seek His Face and not just the satisfaction of our grumblings and supplications. The closer we come to the Face of God, the more we see our lower hopes and desires burned away. These are two of my favourite Christian artists right now, so it’s great to see them working together on this song.
2. Kyrie – Matt Dean
“When you’ve hurt the ones you love, become a stranger to yourself – Kyrie/
Teach me to follow and to trust in the desert and the dust – Kyrie”
I wrote this song in response to a prompt from my family. I was falling short as a father and a husband. It’s an uncomfortable place to be in when you are met with your own shortcomings and failings. When we reach the end of our resources, there is only one place to turn and that is to God, the source of all creation. We often think of Jesus waiting for us at the end of the road taken when we repent and do good. Jesus actually meets us first in our sinful state, he meets us in the “desert and the dust” of our lives – the gospel reading for the 1st Sunday of Lent (Luke 4:1-13) describes Jesus' testing in the desert. He knows our weaknesses and our fallen human nature. He is ready to lead us on a journey of purification this Lent.
3.Overflow – Ryan Ellis
“Lead me to Your waters/ My soul is thirsty, Father/ ′Cause only You satisfy/ Your well, it won't run dry"
In John 5, we see Jesus encounter with the woman at the well. He offers water that will become in us “a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” Lent is not simply a punitive exercise to be endured, but a fresh invitation to His Living Waters. It’s an exile from reliance on earthly things and a turning to the real source of Life. This is a great song for Lent reflection events. It’s got some great repeated refrains and it’s an easy song to pick up for any congregation – I’ve used it myself in my home church.
4. Dry Bones – Rónán Johnston and Emmaus
“We will walk with the fire in us/We will walk knowing you'll walk beside us/Walk, put your Spirit inside us/ Walk, raise us out of the darkness/Dry bones, dry bones, hear the word of the Lord”
The 5th week of Lent features a reading from Ezekiel 37 where God promises to revive His people and return them to Israel. The promise of new life in Christ is the hope and light of Lent. A classic song from a powerhouse of Christian songwriting – Rónán Johnston and Emmaus. It vividly captures the essence of yearning and anticipation for renewal. This is another song which I have found works well with parish congregations, even those unfamiliar with more modern hymns. I particularly like the contrast of tone at the end of the song: “I don't know / as I walk down this valley Lord / which way your wind might blow, Lord / Which Way You might go, Lord”. It is indeed good to see God’s glory, but following Him comes at a cost. We have to submit our will to His and be ready, like St Paul, to count “all as loss for the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ.”
5. Psalm 51-Fr Stan Fortuna
“Have mercy on me God in your kindness, in your compassion blot out my offence”
I’ve found great comfort listening to this song over the years, mostly on headphones as I’m out and about. Its simple, meditative execution allows for prayerful engagement. A solemn reminder to repent and turn back to the Lord this Lent. It’s also a great introduction for young people to this particular Psalm – I always think of this song when I’m reading it in the Bible. It’s a classic from the archive and an enduring one at that.
Comments