Into the Night
This album is a collection of some of the prayers and songs I have written/arranged to minister to my own heart during some especially dark times over the past few years. It has obviously taken me awhile to get this little set out! But here it is with my hopes and prayers that the music will remind you of the steady hope and light we have in Christ, no matter how dark the nights may seem. Each track has a specific truth or prayer that I have meditated on as I’ve written and recorded the music. I hope you will take some time to read and let your heart be turned to the Giver of life and hope as you listen!
“Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.” -Psalm 139:12
1. Songs of Joy ~ “The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns and evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.” ~Psalm 65:8
2. Moonrise ~ Father of lights, I gaze in awe at the shining brightness of your gifts in the sky tonight, yet I am losing my way in the darkness of my own world. Please light up my darkness with mindfulness of your good and perfect gifts all around me and guide me tonight with the steady light of your hope and love. ~ a prayer from James 1: 17
3. Into the Night ~ God, it feels like you are asking me to do the impossible and I am overcome with fear. As I step out into the darkness of this vast unknown before me, please fill me with your spirit of power and love. Strengthen my mind and give me confidence in the unwavering hope I cannot see. ~ a prayer from 2 Timothy 1:7 and Hebrews 11:1
4. Jehova-Rohi ~ (“The Lord is my shepherd”) Lord, have mercy on me! Tears blur my eyes night and day. My body and soul are withering away. Why am I so discouraged? Your are JEHOVAH-ROHI! You have brought me to this place in your gentle love that I might know your nearness. In this valley of darkness, I will fear no evil because you are my refuge. Let me know your nearness, and let your nearness be my good! ~ a prayer from Psalm 23 and 73
5. A River Flows in You ~ Let the living waters of your Spirit flow from my heart. Let your Spirit be an oasis in me, springing up to eternal life! ~ a prayer from John 7:38 and 4:14
6. Your Love is More ~ I lay awake, covered by the night, smothered by the emptiness and darkness of my mind, threatened by the fear that I might never win this fight. (Chorus) O GOD, YOU ARE MY GOD! Help me to see your face. Your love is more, your love, is more than life to me!
~ song by the Reconciliation Band, based on Psalm 63
7. Evenstar ~ “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.”
~ Psalm 139: 23-24
8. Always Everywhere ~ “Where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I rise on the wings of dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there will your hand guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.”
~Psalm 139: 23-24
Production Notes:
Tom Pryde – (my bro-in-law) for having a vision for my music way long ago and recording the original cello tracks to Moonrise, River Flows, Always Everywhere, and Evenstar. Not to mention the answering of at least 5,000 questions regarding recording gear, sound engineering and production. Sheesh Tom, I sure hope you like the music!
Tommy Pryde – (my nephew!) – for co-writing and recording the song, “Into the Night” with me, for adding synths and sound fx to Into the Night, Always Everywhere and Jehova-Rohi.
Anya and Isabelle Gerber (my girls!)- for their hauntingly beautiful background vocals in “Into the Night”
Mark Mulfinger -(my bro) for the AMAZING sky painting used in the cover image. By the way, if you are interested in buying the original painting, its called “Field and Sky” and its still available at his studio, Mark Mulfinger!
Krista Ruse – for the cover photography that captured the essence of me and Murg on top of Bald Rock. If you need an awesome photographer, its Krista Ruse Photography
Anya-Katarina Gerber – for doing such a beautiful job with the graphics and layouts!
