We love a playlist here at the Outlook! So for this issue, we asked our readers to tell us what you’re listening to, and why. Here are some of your responses.
“All Things Shall Be Well” By Julian of Norwich and Ken Jacobsen
Why: This is one of many songs given to Ken in response to questions, challenges or grief. Simple, deep, reassuring they cut right to the soul, stengthen my faith and always give me the deep peace and uplift I need. As a pastor, I sing them for comfort and encouragement in rehab or hospice and at the gravesite. They are integrated into our liturgy for deepening the meaning of communion, and joyful celebration of birthdays and other passages. — Ela J. Robertson
“Morning Has Broken” By Eleanor Farjeon and Cat Stevens
Why: I like songs that allow me to dream of a fair and caring world where “justice will roll like the waters and righteousness like a river that never fails,” as the Prophet Amos said. In good and not-so-good days, these songs speak to me in praise, petitions and prayers. One in particular is “Morning Has Broken.” It assures me that the Creator of the universe is still in charge, and reminds me that whether I wake up to a cloudy, rainy or sunny day, it is a new day that God created for me, just as he intended, morning, afternoon and night. — Neiva Rodrigues
“One Day Song” Sung by 3,000 people (Muslim, Christian, Jewish and more from many countries)
Why: We shared it during our online daily devotion this morning at Columbia Presbyterian Church in Decatur, Georgia. — Tom Hagood
“Unseen Song” by Samara Jade
Why: Samara Jade is a contemporary singer-songwriter based in the Appalachians near Asheville, North Carolina, who considers herself a folk troubadour. I first heard “Unseen Song” in an online session of chants led by Simon de Voil, an interfaith Scottish minister and musician who lives in the Green Mountains of Vermont.
Its lyrics speak of “listening to the silence until it was no longer silence, but was filled with birdsong that had been there all along”; of “looking at the sunset until it was no longer sunset, but the sky grew darker and filled up with stars that had been there all along.” She calls this the underlying unseen song. It speaks to me of hope — the beauty of the birdsong and the stars that are there even when we cannot see them. I love listening to the birds, and looking up at the stars at night, and it is hopeful to know that they are there even when not seen or heard. In our difficult times in this world, so many are or feel unseen. To think of each one as a song offers me hope. — Barbara Chaapel
My morning playlist: “What a Wonderful World,” “Imagine,” “Sound of Silence,” “At Last”
Why: The first three keep me grounded in what’s important outside the home. The fourth keeps me grounded in my marriage. — James Cruickshank
Artists: Brian Eno, Hollway, Matisyahu and Bruce Cockburn
Why: I was a 21-year-old tentmaking missionary in Wuhan, China, when the CCP crushed student protests in 1989. Sent home early, I eagerly returned to find the oppressive pall of government crackdown. At home today, masked agents who disappear people into a gulag flanked by armed soldiers feels eerily similar. Every day anxiety rides high.
That’s why I listen to Brian Eno, Hollway, Matisyahu and Bruce Cockburn. These spiritually-minded artists connect with the unease deep in my bones and create uplifting sounds that speak to eternal truths. — Kirk Baker
“Sister Tilly” by Natalie Merchant
Why: The song is a celebration of strong, radical, young women of the ’60s and ’70s, including her mother and friends with a dedication to activist Joan Didion. It honors freedom of thought and spirit and is an inspiration for a reaction to the current political environment. — Susan Sheridan
“Ripple” by The Grateful Dead
Why: Its words – “There is a road, no simple highway, between the dawn and the dark of night” – speak to our fractured time. The call to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God is never simple when division and the hatred of “the other” define so much of our politics. Yet the song holds out a vision of hope: “If I knew the way, I would take you home.” That line reminds me that even when the way forward is unclear, God still calls us to live by kingdom values of compassion, dignity and peace. — Alan Constant
“Light of a Clear Blue Morning” by Dolly Parton, Conspirare, Craig Hella Johnson
Why: When Hurricane Helene severed Western North Carolina from the world, we didn’t know that our friend Elizabeth had been faithfully sending daily songs and hymns, trying to reach us through the silence. Her messages sat waiting in a digital limbo while we struggled without power or connection. The moment we found a signal to the outside world, her texts, like prayer, appeared like a lifeline — and there at the top was Dolly Parton’s “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.” The song became a key, unlocking grief we’d been holding back from witnessing such unanticipated devastation. Elizabeth understood what we needed most — not just comfort, but music’s ability to dawn a remarkable sense of hope. — Anne HK Apple
“Sweet Bunch” by Andy C. Jenkins, featuring Matthew E. White
Why: Several years ago, my husband introduced me to the music of Richmond, Virginia, artist Andy Jenkins. The title track of his 2018 album “Sweet Bunch” is a tribute to his friends, what he’s called an “anthem” for appreciating the people around him. Every time I hear it, I feel buoyed. These days, with so much difficult news and a constant sense of uncertainty, I often feel overwhelmed by how little control I have over the wider world. So I try to focus on what’s close to home, where perhaps I can make a difference. I think about my friends: the women I walk with in the early mornings, the ones I share wine and far too much cheese with at book club, the parents who show up at PTA meetings, and the neighbors who take the time to get involved in our church and neighborhood and city. When I think of them, I think of this song (the whole album, really), and it lifts me.
“My, my, the girls are strong/ They’re strong as the sea/ Strong as the sea flows.” — Elizabeth N.H. Link
“Doxecology” by Resound Worship
Why: While planning during this season of creation, I was introduced to this album of creation hymns. They are not only perfect reminders of whose we are (“God the Maker of the Heavens”) but also a call to action for each of us (“If the Fields are Parched”). I love finding songs that speak directly to my heart and encourage me to keep moving forward in my eco-justice work. — Amy Remaklus
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” and “Sevens” by Brandon Lake
Why: I remember hearing “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake during a time when I was questioning my purpose in my congregation. It really spoke to me about who is most important in the mission of the church and why we gather to worship. So I invested in listening to more of his songs. His new album came out earlier this year, and the songs above have been my mantra to fight any challenges I face with praise and hopeful expectations that my Lord will deliver on his promises. It’s times like these we are living in that we need to be reminded that it’s not always easy to follow Jesus (Luke 14:25-33), but in the end it is worth it. — Briana Mayfield
“On the Way” by Hollow Coves
Why: Last fall, I took a road trip with my sons. Of course, we made a playlist and as we headed West under that great big sky, we cranked up this tune and sang along, “I’ll find my feet on the way.” The world feels messy and discouraging right now, but I am determined to find my feet on the way toward something better. Most of the lyrics really resonate with me: “Set my eyes on the wild and won’t look back. I will follow where my heart reacts.” Maybe this is how we change the world. — Laura Bachmann
“I Love You More Today” and “All of Me” by Spiral Starecase and Willie Nelson
Why: “I Love You More” is a prophetic proclamation about the love of God. And “All of Me” is a line for on-your-knees. — Harry Ogde
“Holly Holy” by Neil Diamond
Why: I’m looking forward to seeing “A Beautiful Noise” when the Broadway show travels to Pittsburgh telling the story of Neil Diamond’s life. The song isn’t specifically religious, but it resonates with my own spiritual journey. Like the steady bass line, spiritual growth often comes slowly, carried by the faithful rhythms of prayer, Scripture study, worship, and silence. There is hope that in the dead of night, we can call the sun — like Neil, and like all those who watch for the morning (Psalm 130:6). — Karie Charlton
“What are we waiting for?” by KING & COUNTRY
I listen to contemporary Christian music which is relative to Scripture and life. One of my favorite songs is KING & COUNTRY — “What Are We Waiting For?”
It not only speaks to service, but why are we waiting to live our lives for Jesus. — Donna Rahmann
“Ordinary” by Alex Warren
Why: From the simple opening guitar to the percussion to the vocals to the building anthem, whether I’m at my desk in my office or top-down motoring in the country, “Ordinary” tugs me heaven-ward. Warren has openingly shared this was written about his love for his wife, but his deeply-rooted faith blurs the lines Song of Songs-style. The longer I am in ministry, the more I hear God calling us to share the holy in the ordinary: the Celtic way of prayer in sweeping and housekeeping, how we witness God in acute presence when we notice a flower petal’s design or light breaking through clouds. Don’t miss it — even the mundane is a masterpiece. — Jess Scholten
“Holding on to You” by Twenty One Pilots
Why: I have been an avid Twenty One Pilots for over a decade now and I was introduced to the band shortly after my full conversion to Christianity. Even though they aren’t a “traditional” Christian band a lot of their music does reflect on faith in God and mental illness in a way that feels extremely genuine to me. I have a 13-year-old daughter who has grown up listening to them, and it has also been a great bonding experience for us listening to their music in the car together. This song has reminded me to always keep pushing through tough experiences while holding on to God for support. — Brent Gaines
“Crooked the Road” and “Heavy Foot” by Mon Rovía
Why: My daughter first introduced me to Mon Rovía. Born in Liberia during the country’s civil war, he lived as a refugee before being adopted by Christian missionaries and growing up in Tennessee. His music combines moving lyrics, warm vocals, and a contagious acoustic blend of indie-folk, Afro-Appalachia, and “shoegaze” pop stylings. “Crooked the Road” gives me hope for the journey we’re on together and “Heavy Foot,” debuted in July on the Grand Ole Opry Stage, issues a call for social justice and peace. If you listen to Mon Rovía, you’ll soon be singing along. — Matt Rich
“If We Could Be Brave” by Matt Black
Why: Matt Black finds beautiful and honest ways to sing stories about community and faith and life. His music reminds me deep in my soul that I’m not alone out here. — Colleen Earp
“Everything is Terrible” and “No One is Ok” by Matt Black
Why: It reminds me that even though the world is hard and total depravity is real, there’s still the possibility of joy and love when we do the work together. My favorite line is “love is real. We can prove it.” — abby mohaupt
“Good Day” by Flamy Grant
Why: Her determination to claim God’s love in the face of so much crowd opposition is inspiring. She gives permission to sit or stand (or dance!) in the front pew, no matter what others say. It’s life-giving and a new family karaoke favorite. — Heather Wenzel Colletto
Artist: Crystal Kay (クリスタル ケイ)
Why: I recently went to her 25th anniversary tour concert with a friend. J-pop has been a musical love since high school. It was what my friend Misono bonded over as fellow Japanese Americans living in Virginia. — Crystal Varner Parker
Doo-ba-Zoo from the Bluey Dance Mode album
Why: Being the parent of two kids means a lot of my time is spent listening to their choice of music. “Doo-ba-Zoo” is from an episode of “Bluey” called Housework, where the family is trying to complete some weekend chore, but the parents are distracted by the antics of their 4- and 7-year-old pups. Whether at home or in the back seat of the car, my kids LOVE acting out this episode. They nail it every time, and it cracks me up. In a world that feels so heavy, the light beats and bounces in this song lift me up; and the joy and laughter that bubbles up in my household from this song is a glimpse of the hope of the Divine in an otherwise “trifficult” time. — Jesy Littlejohn
