“Great music, gives the spirit repose, awakens profound sentiments and almost naturally invites us to lift up our mind and heart to God in every situation, whether joyous or sad, of human existence. Music can become prayer.”
-Pope Benedict XVI
What a beautiful sentiment! Holy Father articulates so well how we can meet God through the gift of voice and melody. Since I use running not just as a time of physical, but also spiritual renewal, the music aspect can be a challenge. I recently shared some “prayer starters;” intentions I personally focus on while running. Sometimes I prefer to listen to the Lord in silence. Most of the time though, I really do need a little extra musical motivation. Many of the workout jams do not have lyrics that one would consider as particularly… holy. The words that are pumped through headphones can sink in, in a more intimate way, so I have really tried to be deliberate about my song selections. There’s no question the song “Dynamite” (which IS on my playlist) is good for getting the adrenaline going, but I also want to honor God with the music I choose. Songs that are uptempo and uplifting can be a bit harder to find, but it’s worth it! I’ve noticed when the right song hits, running can so easily be an expression of worship (even if I DO look a little goofy with my hands raised in the air as I gasp for breath)! I constantly change, add, edit my playlist, but I wanted to share some of my current favorites. I would love to get your feedback and add to the list. These are just a few:
Shake Heaven-Montell Jordan
Good Morning-Mandisa
Rocky Boat-Steven Delopolous
Me Without You (Greg Mack remix)-TobyMac
Break Open the Sky-TobyMac (cool down song)
Rise Up-Matt Maher
Courageous-Casting Crowns
Resurrection(*Piper Radio Edit)-Nicol Sponberg
Here in This Moment-Beckah Shae
Drive All Night-NeedtoBreathe (cool down)
Spoken For-MercyMe (cool down)
We also posted this question on our Fish Facebook page and received some fantastic feedback! Wow! Click here to check out some of the great suggestions and to link up to the Greg Mack remix.
Finally, here is a printable “Runner’s Prayer” for extra inspiration from RunningintheUSA.com and authors Carolyn Erdman and Jay Hodde.
I would add Skillet song Monster. It is the first song on my play list!
Hi Brooke:
Thank you for posting some of your song suggestions. I was one the ladies who asked you about your list (at the orthodontist last week 🙂 ) I will be adding them to my list. I do not run, but do power walk, so I like slower praise songs to start and build to up tempo songs. One other suggestion for a song I have liked lately is "God's Not Dead" by the Newsboys. Blessings!!
Thanks Lisa! I had you in mind as the inspiration to get going on this…thanks for the reminder!:) Good suggestion with "God is Not Dead." I do think many of the songs would be appropriate to power walk to as well, most are mid-tempo. I hope you find some of the suggestions helpful. Great input on the Facebook page too. God bless!
How have I not heard that song yet?! 🙂 Thanks for the tip, I'll be iTunes-ing that now.
Love the first two!!! I keep listening to them at random points in my day 😉
Thanks for your feedback Courtney!
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