This is an odd song by Jennifer Martin with a text based on repetition of words that end in “tion”. The text is here and shows a very weak first verse but better work on the second and third. I don’t know to what use the song can be put as it is intensely personal – perhaps to sing to yourself while queuing for reconciliation. It is the focus of a reflection here.
I can’t find anywhere selling the sheet music online, but you can listen to the rather breathless original here.
Here’s a use – in a prayer service:
My voice is “Breathy” for sure! (2 Corinthians 12:9). My continued thanks to OCP for loving and recording this prayer-song which I wrote in a time I was so physically sick, my body was shutting down and I was beginning to lose amongst other things – the use of my left, then my right hand. I’ll never forget composing “Break My Heart (The Compassion Song)” at my piano realizing my broken (breaking) body was actually a Holy Spirit invitation NOT to look at myself, but to look to a vast sea of others I had previously overlooked. Be careful what you “pray” for. (smile.) That illness and prayer, changed my life, and ushered in years of missions work near and far which still continues. While clearly this song-prayer is not everyone’s cup of tea (and that’s realllllllly ok,) to sing-pray in a breathy or belting way, to love more like Jesus…well, this will never be ‘odd,’ just beautiful. May the peace of Christ be with you, always. -jenna+
Jennifer, I have loved this song since I heard you sing it several years ago at an NPM convention. As a cantor at my church, I recently have found out that I have cancer for the third time, and may have to accept that my singing days are over. Can you please share with me a little more about your story-what illness you had, your recovery, etc. This song has really had an impact on me, and I would like to share it, along with your story, with others. Thank you and God bless.
Jennifer, this song almost carried me through the years when my youngest two children were fighting depression and anxiety, and I was going through cancer. It formed a foundation for centering prayer. It has had a huge “use” to me!
Thanks for the comment, MLG.
I’ve fixed the broken link to hear her version and redirected it to OCP where you can still purchase the MP3, but infuriatingly not the sheet music.
I’m so glad her song was a source of strength in your dark times. I was thinking of liturgical uses, which are only a part of Christian music.
Looking back at my review, I certainly was a grumpy sod back then.
cheers
Geoff