The Lord’s Prayer
Sometimes we need or want to add some vibrancy to the way we connect to God. Who doesn’t like a bit of refreshing every now and then. Consider a couple of tangible examples. Ladies, it could be wearing a different shade of lipstick that enhances your beauty. Men, it could be wearing a new jacket that fits well and makes your posture appear straighter. God has used me as an instrument to musically refresh “The Lord’s Prayer”, it literally landed in my head while driving. The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6: 9-13) is a staple in a Christian’s prayer life. I think that it can also be a prayer for different faiths. You were probably taught it as a child and can say it as fast, and as accurately as some of the most famous nursery rhymes, while half asleep at midnight. In fact, saying it may have become a bit robotic. That’s the way it can be for me at times – it is like I’m reciting the words without thought, then rushing off to do the next thing. Can you relate? If so, I’d love to hear from you. If you are Christian or non-Christian and would like to get to know the Lord’s Prayer, I hope this clip of a refreshed musical version helps. You can hear the full version live at one of my monthly concerts listed on the events page. It will also be available on Soundcloud or Spotify in early 2025.
email: info@shurenebishopsimon.com
Instagram: shurenemusic
Cast out your fear
Warning! There is a chance that you’ll remember a past or current problem. Read me if you’re open to an alternative and better way of approaching your current or future problems.
I wrote Cast Out Fear when I was faced with a very difficult decision about how to deal with a problem. I’m sure everyone can relate, because if you are breathing, you will continue to have problems and crises. I wanted to make a decision that I would be confident about, so I spent more time than usual in meditation and prayer. The answer that my intuition (which I call God) offered was a difficult one to follow through. I was fearful; 1) of changing the status quo and rocking the boat, 2) of being disruptive, 3) of conflict, and 4) of judgement. Many fears were holding me back. Can you relate directly? Or perhaps you have observed someone in your circle in a similar situation. In my case, I came to the realisation that the opposite of choosing to succumb to fear was choosing to embrace faith. This is the step that my loving intuition offered. I wrote this song as an encouragement/counsel to myself to cast away all fear and carry out the right course of action, in faith, regardless of the disruption that would ensue. I had to choose to believe that taking the right, yet difficult steps would eventually reveal the silver lining within the cloud, or the rainbow on the other side of the cloud. I offer this song to my fellow men faced with a tough decision; and find fear standing in the way of making the hard but right choice. Consider leaning into faith that in the end all will be fine. You will see the rainbow later. Lean into intuition.
You can hear the full version of “Cast Out Fear” at one of my monthly concerts listed on the events page. It will also be available on Soundcloud or Spotify in early 2025.
email: info@shurenebishopsimon.com
Instagram: shurenemusic
In your image
If you believe in a higher power/supreme being beyond yourself, what do you imagine are their qualities? You may consider; kind, patient, loving, joyful, just, and peaceful, to name a few. I came to the realisation that there is much more. Imagine there is a purpose you feel called to fulfil, but something is holding you back from moving towards it. Imagine you love to paint or write poetry, but you doubt your work would be appreciated, so you simply don’t take steps towards expressing it. However, what if you were to shift your thoughts towards the supreme. Consider that you are made in their image and have the power to embody their many qualities which will be of benefit to you and your circle (such as the ones I listed earlier). Add to these, the talent to create your painting and poetry. The supreme being (who I call God) is creative, we are made in their image, so we too are creative. If you are wrestling with the desire to start a project, artistic or otherwise, you don’t need to look any further than the character of God. If it is within God’s character, then it is within you to pursue because you are made in God’s image.
email: info@shurenebishopsimon.com
Instagram: shurenemusic