This year, we thought it would be fun to share with you some of our Into the Harvest favorite things. This month we thought we’d share some of the music we’re currently into! Hope you enjoy. Afterall, if there was ever a season that needed a little musical interlude, this is it…
When I sent out a text to Andrew to send me his current favorite music the response was lackluster at best. This reminded me that not everyone finds music an important part of their worship, or even their everyday lives! But some of us do. Some of us find it really helpful in cutting through the clutter of our minds, or helpful in finding Truth when it’s just out of reach, lifting the spirit when we’re down, or just as the soundtrack to our days and for letting off much needed steam! So for those of us who find music to be important, this article is for you:
Abigail’s playlist for a worshipful time…
I’ve always found music to be really instrumental (pardon the pun) in helping to keep my mind focused and centered in prayer, or even just to help keep anxiety at bay. In fact, a few years ago, I was struggling with one of the hardest seasons of anxiety I’ve ever had and one of my favorite Christian artists “just so happened” put out an album that, this isn’t an exaggeration, was totally anointed by the Lord to help with anxiety!
The album, Lullabies for the Beloved, by Christy Nockels, is just that, a lullaby album. But it’s definitely not just for kids! If you are fighting stress, or having trouble getting your thoughts off the things of this world and back where they need to be, turn on this album. If your kids are fighting and you’re yelling and no one can seem to snap out of it, put on this album. If you have something huge hanging over you that brings fear that you just can’t break: Turn. On. This. Album. It’s not surprising that during this red-letter year of 2020, I’ve recommended this album to no less than 4 people already. Now you can all benefit from it!
Another great album that is wonderful to turn on as you’re heading into a time of prayer is Audrey Assad’s album “Inheritance” I love that it includes a new take on some old hymns that I grew up listening to in our very conservative traditional church. I love that it is not overly “intrusive” and can easily be tuned-out as I begin to pray, and tuned back in as I’m waiting on the Holy Spirit to speak.
Lakeith’s playlist for a drive in the car…
But I know I use music in very unique ways, so I wanted to check in with some others as well. I’ve seen quite a few instagram videos of Lakeith jamming out in the car with his kids to some hardcore Christian rock. Here’s what he had to say when I asked him what we should be listening to:
He texted me back and said that if anyone is looking for a great Christian rapper, look no further than Whatuprg, a young latino rapper with some really inspiring and great lyrics who’s got some “dope stuff” out right now. I love that we are getting more and more great artists who are also Christian, sharing their gifts with the rest of us!
Another artist Keith suggested was Josh Garrels. Who I had not heard of so I immediately turned it on and realized that it very much reminded me of some of the music my husband Brett listens to- very singer/songwriter vibes but with a very cool unique voice. Which brings me to Brett…
Brett’s playlist for a day at work…
Brett listens to music while he works in a large office, to keep his mind in the right place all day in a very secular environment. Not sure what he’ll think about me outing him- but he loathes Contemporary Christian radio ( “It all sounds the same!”-Brett) so I figured we’d let him tell us what he’s been listening to as well, in case you are need of an alternative soundtrack to your own workday:
“Beautiful Eulogy is an experimental hip hop group (their words, not mine) that only has one album currently out, (‘Worthy’), but what an album! If you haven’t ever worshiped while listening to hip hop, then I dare you listen to their album and just try to keep your heart from bursting in adoring praise to our priceless savior, the One who is “Worthy.”
“‘Citizens & Saints’ (formerly known as ‘Citizens’), as well as The Modern Post, and Ghost Ship are all rock/indie/alternative bands that can write incredible scripture-laden original music, and also take hymns that have stood the test of time and play them in a way that simultaneously rocks and yet maintains the beauty of original compositions.”
“I also heartily endorse Josh Garrels as a Christian folk artist that has an incredible tone and is an excellent writer that covers the gamut of the Christian experience. And bonus, occasionally he crosses over into hip hop.”
Your playlist..
I had a lot of fun listening to the guys artist suggestions and it has reminded me how far modern “Christian” music has come. As we continue out into the Harvest places we hope we’ll hear of even more great music that’s sharing the gospel in accessible ways! Which reminds me…
Now that you know what we’re all listening to these days, we’d love to hear what’s on your playlists too! Leave us a comment!
