Glória Patri et Fílio et Spirítui Sancto. Sicut erat in princípio, et nunc et semper et in sæ´cula sæculórum. Amen.

Listening to sacred choral music – from Handel, Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and Faure to brilliant modern day composers like Karl Jenkins (as shared yesterday) – transports us to an inspiring place of worship, quiet reverence, beauty and magnificent expression.

Modern musician Paul Schwartz kicks magnificent expression up a notch in his modern interpretation of the Latin Glory Be prayer – Gloria Patri.

As a long-time groupie of this crossover classical composer, I so enjoyed his first State of Grace compilation that includes a lovely upbeat rendition of the Shaker Lord of the Dance hymn. After finding his sequel Turning to Peace CD that adapts and blends the traditional choral Magnificat with the Stabat Mater, I popped it in the car player on the way home some years ago – and almost ran off the road when the Gloria Patri came on.

Most of this CD is poignantly expressive, especially the songs ‘Turning to Peace’ and ‘Fear Not,’ but this Gloria pops with joyful expression. I can imagine lots of joyous dancing and spinning in the presence of God (somehow I don’t think sitting on our tushis will happen much there!)

So, on this Laetare Sunday when we’re meant to rejoice in the midst of Lent, give this song a listen (via this YouTube video) and see if you don’t get up lifted off your feet in glorious praise!

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.

grace, peace & Gloria(s)

Virginia : )

p.s. As long-time readers know, Virginia also loves Gospel music that lifts us up off our feet in worship (she sang in an African American Gospel Choir for years in Washington, D.C. – the only red head.) Gospel grooves draw us closer to God, too!