I have been entranced by her music since the mid nineties, when her “Fumbling Towards Ecstasy” album was released. Her music is so powerful, so deep, comforting and thought provoking. Listening to her music got me through some of the most difficult transitions in my life. Eventually, I had to push most of her selections to the back of my cd case, as listening to them began to make me relive some of those painful moments that I’d prefer to keep buried in my subconscious.

Over the weekend, I pulled those cds out, dusted them off and popped them in for a listen. I was almost afraid to do it, what if that sugar sweet voice that I so adore caused my subconscious mind to begin to play scenes from life that are reminiscent of some old horror flick? To my surprise, hearing her music did the exact opposite. Not only was I at peace, but I had the best torch session of my life.

One of my favorite songs by her is “Prayer of Saint Francis”. The words are based on a prayer known as “The Prayer for Peace.” I think it’s incredibly beautiful. I was surprised when I first heard it because she’s not a gospel singer. I believe that regardless of one’s religious beliefs, (or lack of), this prayer sends a powerful message. It reminds us of how important it is to give without expectation of receiving. It reminds us how important it is to love, even if that love is not returned. It reminds us of how vital it is to forgive. It reminds us that we MUST be tolerant of other people’s beliefs and opinions. If we all do those things, we will be at peace with ourselves because the negative fog of yesterday will not be present in our tomorrow.

Prayer Of Saint Francis lyrics

Lord make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
And where there is sadness, joy.

O divine master grant that I may
not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love
For it is in giving that we receive-
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned.
And it’s in dying that we are born to eternal life.