I’ve hit a reflective point in AOV NG. The first of two consecutive Trisha Watts songs is “Desert Place” at No 37, this one written with Monica O’Brien. This has a rich instrumental section and a lovely tune. It has no liturgical function that I can spot, but does demonstrate the wonderful difference of feminist spirituality. No man could get away with lyrics like that, I don’t think I could even sing it with a clear conscience, but they use valid metaphors to illustrate drawing life and creativity out of solitude and reflection. It just can’t be sung by males.
Verse 1
Holy God of wonder, how this night is new.
Solitude and stillness draw me home to you.
Chorus
I will lure you into a desert place, there I’ll speak unto your heart.
There you’ll learn the the treasures of abandonment,
There you’ll know I am your God.
Verse 2
Holy God of wisdom, hear this wanderer’s prayer.
Moments bathed in quiet shield me from life’s blinding glare.
Refrain
Instrumental
Verse 3
Holy God, creator, plant your seed in me.
Penetrate the desert and call forth your dream.
Chorus
© Trisha Watts and Monica O’Brien 1987, 2009.