I have been pursuing God in more passive ways over the past few years. I don’t know if it is “right” - but it has been the path I have been on. By “passive” I mean - less about things I do and more about being available or receptive to what God is doing. I call this a “passive-spirituality.” Again to re-iterate not because it is spirituality for the lazy or laissez-faire - but a spirituality where we receive and God acts (as opposed to many of the disciplines we are familiar with fasting, studying, verbal prayer, corporate worship, etc.).

I find that I need help to “wind-down” and to enter into a receptive/passive mode in my relationships. To be present to others and God. It takes time - and a peaceful environment to bring your whole self before God and just - be. It then takes faith to trust that just being with God is really happening and that over time this transforms us (but I think most of the time I believe it!?).

Some music really assists me in this way (not all - like I wouldn’t recommend AC/DC - Back In Black for this purpose). If you want to explore this whole passive-spirituality I would encourage some music that calms, moves you to an awareness of yourself and to an awareness of the presence of God. As we bring down the RPM of our inner life - we can be more present to the now and more present to God’s presence.

Some musical recommendations to help us be… and prepare us to be with God:

Benediction by Jeff Johnson

A great mix of vocal and instrumental music with some celtic influence. Very nice stuff - a great help in regaining a focus and moving one from the temporal stresses to the “big picture” perspective. Also a great introduction to the music of Taize - Jeff does some great renditions of some classic Taize tunes (Jesus, Remember Me, Bless the Lord, etc.) making them a bit more accessible.

Beyond These Shores by Iona

A journey piece that all at once connects us to our roots of this earth and the beauty of heaven. A very emotive and atmospheric piece that never fails to slow my pulse a bit and simultaneously provides perspective (this is not escapist music). Great musicians and great art - definitely celtic in flavor (as the name implies)!

Empty Canvas by John Michael Talbot

Instrumental guitar in the “Windham Hill/new age” tradition. Great stuff. J. M. Talbot creates so much on the “empty canvas.” I find this disc is a great one for finding rest and yet keeping me from slipping away into sleep or day dreaming. It has an ability to keep me in a peaceful alertness. Great music for preparing one for practicing a “passive-spirituality.”

Veni Sancte Spiritus (Come, Holy Spirit) by Taize

This may stretch some (either in the ears or in the attention-span), but for me I must mention this release; it is often spun when I need to “wind down.” Like most Taize recordings the lyrics are sung in a variety of languages (primarily English and Latin - but others show up). This repetitive and simple lyrical and musical approach is written for the very purpose of practicing a more “passive spirituality.” It is worth a try if you have never tried. The focus of this particular release is an invitation for the Spirit to visit us; sharing the fruit and gifts that accompanies the Spirit’s presence.

Passion by Peter Gabriel

This particular recording strikes a very “primitive” place in me. It definitely helps me find my place in “the world.” I absolutely love the music and also find it helps me connect to the world and to God in a very unique way. Although this is the soundtrack to a rather controversial film - Gabriel, nevertheless, has produced a masterpiece that transcends the film. On more than one occasion this offering has served to help me enter into the now - where God becomes more present and I am more present to myself.

Share any questions, thoughts or suggestions in the comments below that you might have as it relates to music, meditation, passive-spirituality (or AC/DC for that matter?!)…

in one peace.