My Personal Prayer
I wrote this song to work with in my meditations, or so I thought.
When I worked at the University of Washington, I commuted on the bus every morning. Depending on traffic, I typically had 30 minutes or more to read, journal or meditate.
One morning as I was meditating, two of my guides appeared in my inner vision with grins on their faces. As they approached one of them spoke, “Hey, we would like to commission you to write a song, if you so choose.”
I said, “Of course! Anytime! Just let me know what you have in mind.”
Song writing is one way that I love to serve life. Generally, when writing music, I ask my inner guides to let me know what needs to be said and how it should be expressed. Then, I listen, pay attention, and go from there.
My meditation ended that morning and I went to work. I didn’t think much more about it, trusting that when the time was right, I would be inspired to write whatever was on order.
Well, it seems like a couple of months went by when I noticed four words constantly echoing within my being, “Make me Thy own.” Now, having words, lyrics and melodies randomly playing inside of me, is usual. Often, I work with these gifts from Spirit in my meditations/ contemplations. A word can sometimes open an inner door to insights. The same is true for a rhythm or melody. So, I thought these words were my own spiritual exercise, or a key, if you will.
As the days and weeks went by, a melody came for that line, and then a couple of other simple lines surfaced. The amount of time that went by escapes me because this happened mostly on the inner, which often feels timeless to me. What I do know is that eventually, I had the simple words and melody for the song, “Thy Own.” I thought it was my personal prayer to Spirit. It opened my heart deeply, and resounded through me for weeks on end, expressing my deep love for the Divine, and my humble desire to be of service to life, all of Creation.
Maybe a couple months went by when someone asked me to provide music at an event for Eckankar. (Eckankar is the “Path of Spiritual Freedom”. The word itself, “Eckankar” means “Co-worker with God.”) I gladly accepted the invitation to share music.
Generally, after I’m invited to be part of something, I contemplate on the event and ask my guides to again please show me what is in the highest good for all concerned. As I put my attention on this particular event and asked which song I should share, I heard very clearly, “Thy Own.”
In response, I almost felt myself blush and nervously giggle thinking, “Uh, that’s a very personal song; my personal prayer.”
When I asked again, I received the same answer, then a pause, and then those two grins again. That’s when it dawned on me that this was the song I was commissioned to write.
Since then, it has been sung many times and in many venues. Because it has three parts, it requires at least three people, so this reverent sing-along has been expressed by many voices.
I am grateful for all the songs given to me, that I then share with you. Each one seems to have wings that take it to heights beyond me, and I’m okay with that. My part is to create them and set them free.
With all that is happening right now on the planet, I was getting the nudge to share this song. When I listen to it on the CD, I often become spacey because it lifts me to new heights too. Thank you to Micaela, Jan, Sheila, Frank and Gary for singing it with me on the recording. (See song credits.)
This world is small. We see from recent events that walls and words cannot divide us. We are all connected to the same Source of Divine Love and to each other. Sometimes it’s the challenging experiences that help us remember what we know in our hearts.
I share “Thy Own” with you, because I obviously wrote it for you, and anyone who resonates with it. Thank you for the opportunity to offer this gift; to share my light with the world. Please remember, that we need your light too. This is the time to step up, be your best self, and let your light shine. We are all in this together.
Until next time, take good care.
Janie
We are all in this together.
Photo by Perry Grone on Unsplash
“Only from the heart, can you touch the sky.” – Rumi
“Make me Thy own. Hold me in Thy heart. Use me as Thy will, for I am Yours.” – Janie
Behind the Scenes
After hearing a holiday choral group sweetly sing, “My Flight for Heaven,” at a university lunch, I wanted to create a song with multiple parts and voices. That piece by Blake Henson is beautiful. The piece I created is beautiful too, in a completely different way.
Many thanks for the beauty you bring,
today was a good day to hear it.
ps – signing up w my new email address
Thanks so much, Colette. =] I appreciate you too.
This is the most amazing thing! I have been working on creative handouts for dreams for someone to use especially when they are confined to being home more, in quarantine, or seeing their financial scene change daily. We always have our inner connection and help from our guides.
That is so cool! I would love to hear the creative solutions you are coming up with. =] Thanks for your response.
My Mom passed away last Saturday at the young age of 96. When I hear Janie’s music, it soothes my troubled soul.
My heart goes out to you, Greg. Blessings to you and your mom. Thanks for your sweet words, and your wonderful way in the world. =]
Janie, the first time I heard you sing this song with your friends at a seminar it brought me to tears. Each time since then, my heart opens because it feels like a prayer. It surrounds me with love. It was your own and now it is our own.
Thank you for listening to your spiritual guides.
With much gratitude and love
Thank you so much for your heartfelt words, Julie. =] I’m so glad that the song speaks to others… and so grateful for the gift to share. How amazing that each of us has the opportunity to support, celebrate and inspire one another!