Ignatian
Spirituality In Music
The Songs
All of the songs on this site are listed below. You can browse through the short descriptions to get an idea of the lyrical content of each work, as well as its overall feeling, e.g. prayerful, upbeat, or joyous.
Click a song name to access 1) sheet music you can print and listen to online; 2) an outtake from the lyrics; 3) quotes for your consideration; and 4) Scripture passages for meditation.
Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam
A joyful song of praise that builds in volume and power as parts are added. Middle voices repeat the Ignatian motto while high and low voices add spirited, counterpoint alleluias. Two verses, the motto in English and Latin. SMATB
Jesus Peace
All the sin and sorrow of the world are brought to the redeeming love of the cross. Gentle, easy-to-learn melody with simple verses that change only the title of the One who brings peace. (Lamb of God, Son of God, Savior, etc.) SMATB
All That We Seek
A prayerful petition to realize our desires and see the day, the world, through the eyes of God. Four flowing verses highlight quieting down; recognizing emotions and God's messages; and praising as we resolve to do better. SMATB
The Jesus Prayer
The congregation anchors The Jesus Prayer by repeating a simple, four-measure melody. Choir and cantor parts add depth and solemnity to the congregation’s voice. Gradually remove parts and return to silence, or build to a dramatic climax in parallel harmony. SMAT
Anima Christi
A gentle, musical prayer based on David L. Fleming's translation of this medieval poem of trust and surrender. Four easy-to-learn verses remind us that with Jesus “enough has been given.” SMATB
The Reign of God
Loved sinners are called to be an active part of God's plan for the universe, to live “the kingdom come”: justice, peace, mercy, love and gratitude. Three verses with a powerful refrain. SMATB
Blessed Are You, Lord God
Based on the “take and receive” prayer of St. Ignatius. It is God's labor of love to bless us and bring us to freedom. In return we offer our understanding, memory, liberty and will—the gift of our lives. Five verses. SMATB
Take Us To The Mountain
A gracious God knows, loves, and has redeemed the dependent creatures of earth. Our joyful response (the refrain): We will follow in trust wherever God leads. Three verses. SMATB
Breathe On Your People
Four verses ask for the breath of the Holy Spirit to fill a place of deliberation—the upper room of the human heart. Themes of faith, love, hope and joyful witness. Confident, upbeat song based on a traditional melody. SMATB
This Is Jesus
Jesus embraces our humanity, the very needs, hurts and limits our weary souls would flee. He graces our poverty with life, strength and the desire to heal others. Three gentle verses. SMATB
Come, We Seek Your Face
Creation is a sign of our own re-creation, our innate call to fulfill a holy purpose, and our longing to return to the one who loved us first. Four verses with simple, flowing refrain. Especially appropriate for Advent. SMATB
The Walk Of Freedom
A confident, celebrative blessing for individuals or the whole congregation. Heaven and earth ask for the grace to walk in freedom, hear the cry for justice, and dance the dance of living in love. Three joyful verses. SMATB
From-Here-To-There Glory
Faith is afoot on the Promised Land. A traveling people greets each new horizon with a heritage of memories, joy in God’s daily presence and longing for the kingdom yet to come. Three verses with a lively, “Israeli” feel. SMATB & Flute
Whose Banner Is Flying?
Four pompous verses envision a castle of fortune, authority, power and fame. Lively, interesting refrain with interwoven voices asking, “Whose banner is flying?” and answering, “Riches, honor, and pride.” SMTB
Holy People, Holy City
The people of God, the living walls and stone of a temple, bring their spirituality to the marketplace. A holy people and a holy city in the making. Five easy-to-learn verses with a lively African melody. SMATB
Wounded Hands
A powerful, bittersweet reflection on the wounds of Christ. A call to reverence Christ’s passion in people we abandon today: the desperately hungry, the homeless, the despised outcast, and the dying who have no hope. Four verses. SMATB
In Your Holy Presence
A gentle, prayerful description of every-day life in a world imbued with God. Holy Presence is experienced in sunrise, colleagues, prayer, Eucharist, dancing, stories, and loneliness. Six verses. SMATB
You Have Everything You Need
Gentle, rhythmic song with inspirational refrain. We are invited to be at peace and recognize God’s reassuring message in water, forest leaves and clouds: You already have what you need. Three verses. SMATB & Flute