A Lenten Journey (CD) Bob Hurd & Anawim

A Lenten Journey: (CD) The Stories and Scriptures of Lent in Song (CD) Bob Hurd & Annawim Tracks 1)Now Is The Acceptable Time 2)Lord, Be Merciful 3)Out Into The Wilderness 4)Transfigure Us, O Lord 5)The Water I Shall Give 6)The Good Shepherd 7)Song of the Man Born Blind 8)With The Lord There Is Mercy 9)I Am The Resurrection 10)Turn Our Hearts 11)We Proclaim Christ Crucified 12)When I Am Lifted Up 13)Unless A Grain of Wheat 14)Be With Me, Lord 15)Beside Flowing Waters 16)Whoever Is In Christ 17)Remember Not The Things Of The Past A Lenten Journey, the first new collaboration of Bob Hurd and Anawim (Barbara Bridge, John Gilb, Marie Hodgson and Dominic MacAller) in 13 years provides a comprehensive musical repertoire for the Lenten season, from Ash Wednesday through the Fifth Sunday. It offers songs for general use throughout the season, for gathering, preparation and reconciliation, as well as settings of the seasonal psalms (for Years A, B and C), all of which also appear as assigned psalms on specific Sundays.

A Lenten Journey also contains a Communion (or preparation) song for each Sunday in all three cycles — 12 songs in all — based on the Gospel and other readings. These songs highlight the shared themes and images that emerge across the three readings of each Sunday and help the assembly to a more profound "lectio divina" or prayerful hearing of the Word, even as we are receiving Christ, the Word, in Communion.

These 17 original songs feature traditional and contemporary styling. "The Good Shepherd," one of many highlights, is a rousing gospel number speaking of the One who "lays down his life for the sheep." Instrumentation ranges from simple arrangements for solo voice and piano to grand settings for trumpet, organ and choir. Includes parts for oboe and other winds, guitar, cello and other strings. Includes two songs written by Dominic MacAller and two by Barbara Bridge.

A Lenten Journey is a welcome addition to the repertoire for the holy season of Lent.