“Born of the Spirit” draws inspiration from John 3, where Jesus reveals the mystery of being “born again.” Through poetic language and a moving refrain, the hymn traces the soul’s journey from darkness into light — from questioning to belief. It’s a song of renewal, faith, and awakening, reminding every listener that the Spirit who once stirred Nicodemus still breathes new life into hearts today.

Hip Hop lyrics by Alex were made into a Hip Hop song and a Folk-Country song. See how we did it! Richard has recorded two audio demos. See the Comments section for the progression of lyrics and the two different song approaches.

Love 101
Original Hip Hop lyrics by Alex:

1st Verse:
The cold weather followed me around town
But I never sold my soul even though I was mostly down...
Then I got to know the lord
That's when I knew it was time to put down my sword
That frown turned upside down and I started to adore...

Sometimes I fall to my knees and pray, come Jesus come
Let today be the day, some - times I feel like I'm gonna break
But I hold on to you and you won't  let  me go
So many poor and broken souls
Bring them to me – I'll make them whole

REFRAIN
Come Jesus come, we've been waiting so long
For the day You return to heal ev'ry hurt and right ev'ry wrong

Psalm for Nov 9 Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
 

Responsorial Psalm 45(46):2-3,5-6,8-9 for the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica - WORDS + CHORDS

                               D                 C               G                   D             G                                     A               Dsus4   D

Response - The waters of a river give joy to God’s city, the holy place where the Most High dwells.

  A              C       G                    D
God is for us a refuge and strength,
      G                        A                          Bm
a helper close at hand, in time of distress,
       A                   C                          G                     D
so we shall not fear though the earth should rock,
                         G                                    Em                  Asus4  A
though the mountains fall into the depths of the sea.

                               D                 C               G                   D             G                                     A               Dsus4   D
Response - The waters of a river give joy to God’s city, the holy place where the Most High dwells.

YouTube video: https://youtu.be/NZBXBIWSqvk

Salmo responsorial para Fiesta de la Dedicación de la Basílica de Letrán - Salmo 45 - Un río alegra a la ciudad de Dios. / Responsorial psalm in Spanish for the Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica in Rome. Free download of sheet music at the following link. All the psalm verses are available.

https://insong.org/product/fiesta-de-la-dedicacion-de-la-basilica-de-letran-salmo-45-un-rio-alegra-a-la-ciudad-de-dios/

From https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archbasilica_of_Saint_John_Lateran

The Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran (officially the Major Papal, Patriarchal and Roman Archbasilica, Metropolitan and Primatial Cathedral of the Most Holy Savior and Saints John the Baptist and the Evangelist in Lateran, Mother and Head of All Churches in Rome and in the World), commonly known as…

"Make Us A Voice Of Peace" is a heartfelt prayer set to music—a call for unity, healing, and grace in a world longing for hope. With poetic lyrics and a meditative tone, this song invites us to become instruments of peace wherever we are. Perfect for worship, reflection, or any setting that seeks to inspire compassion and justice through music. Let love be what we speak, and justice be our song.

A Marian lament for our times. "Bethlehem Is Burning" is a haunting solo that speaks from the heart of Mary, remembering the birth of peace in Bethlehem—and mourning how far we’ve strayed. For churches, concerts, and all who still believe mercy has the final word.

This reflective song, “As I Have Loved You,” gives voice to Christ’s final prayer for His disciples—a plea for love, peace, and faith even in the face of sorrow. This piece blends Scripture and poetry to create a sacred space for the listener. It speaks to the heart of Holy Week, moments of farewell, and the ever-present promise: “I will never leave you alone.” Suitable for Holy Thursday, funerals, prayer services, and meditative worship.

St. Blandine (162-177) was a fifteen-year-old slave who was arrested by Roman authorities for following Christ. When she refused to give up her faith, she was sentenced to death in an arena. When lions refused to attack her, the soldiers inflicted burns on her then allowed her to be trampled to death by bulls. Blandine’s place of martyrdom, the Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, still stands in Lyon, France – the spot where she died is marked by a simple pillar. Her feast day is June 2.

Instrumentation: Voice, accordion, mandolin
Duration: 2’30”


(NOW)

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A meditative congregational hymn inspired by the timeless call to unity in Christ. “In the One, We Are One” reflects the heart of Christian community—diverse in origin, yet united in love, faith, and purpose through the Son of God. This gentle, lyrical anthem invites all to remember that we belong to one another because we belong to Him. Perfect for Communion, ecumenical gatherings, prayer services, or any worship setting centered on peace and unity.

This meditative song, “Teach Me to Love,” is a heartfelt prayer for transformation. Drawing inspiration from Micah 6:8, it asks the Lord not only for knowledge, but for the grace to live with mercy, justice, and humility. This piece speaks to those longing to be more than just hearers of the Word. A powerful choice for personal reflection, liturgy, or sacred concerts. Suitable for Lent, ordinations, service-themed Sundays, or quiet meditations

“Lead Us Home Again” is a sacred song of return—a quiet cry for God’s mercy, hope, and presence when we feel lost or far away. This meditative piece invites the listener to find shelter in God’s love, even amid doubt, fear, or spiritual blindness. With poetic verses and a refrain drawn from the Psalms, it is well-suited for moments of prayer, healing, or personal reflection. Ideal for Lent, Communion, prayer services, or healing liturgies

Tender setting that incorporates the words from Luke 15:18 ("I will rise and go to my father.") and Psalm 51. Scored for a variety of arrangements. Accessible and appropriate for any church setting. Can be used for many times throughout the liturgical year but especially during the season of Lent and the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C).

YouTube video: https://youtu.be/9GSh6oxUWNc

David Gawron writes: This one lyric line (the favorite I've ever written) sums the song up:

"The broken shackles of humanity cannot compare at all to what lies ahead."

The song stems from the phrase in the rosary, which prompted me to think, "Hmm... what IS it like at the moment we die?" So the lyrics explore that theme, and all the potential emotions attached to that.

The verses were written rather easily, but I couldn't come up with a chorus, opposite of how I usually write. My housemate at the time (I was in graduate school at the Franciscan University of Steubenville), Jim Moran, had a little tune he'd wander around humming sometimes. He didn't have words for it or or verse ideas, but it was a great tune. It is now the At The Hour chorus, and it works fantastically as a complement to the verses.

The verses are very pensive and melancholy, as we say goodbye to the corporal life we've known. The chorus is supposed to be the angels greeting us as we pass into eternity with our Lord Jesus. An artist created two watercolor paintings to illustrate the lyrics:

At the Hour of Our Death
Words and Music by David Gawron

Click here to listen: soundclick.com/song/4948369

Time stands still from where I lay
I feel my life slippin’ away
The Holy Spirit breathes into me, O Lord
My bruised and battered soul is set free...