When I was planning this album I asked a few people for suggestions of hymns to record. My Dad suggested Teach Me My God and King by George Herbert (1593-1633).
The original 400 year old lyrics were difficult to get my head around, but the core theme of them is about worship being a lifestyle - anything we do (in the right spirit) becomes an act of worship. I took Herbert's lyrics and modernised them (as John Wesley did before me).
lyrics
Verse 1:
Teach me, my God and King,
in all things to see you,
in everything I do today
to do it as for you.
Verse 2:
A servant with this choice
makes drudgery divine.
The smallest thing done for your praise
transforms into something fine.
Chorus 1:
Breath of God, breathe on me.
May my life reflect your light, O Prince of Peace.
Verse 3:
Open my eyes to see
your gracious hand at play,
that I may look beyond this earth,
see heav’n at work today.
Verse 4:
This is my joyous hope,
a wonder to behold,
that when I give you all I have
you turn my dust to gold.
Chorus 2:
Breath of God, breathe on me.
May my life reflect your light, O Prince of Peace
Living Word, speak through me.
Every day a love song of a soul set free.
credits
from Hymnal,
released November 5, 2019
Lead Vocal, Guitars, Hammered Dulcimer & Drum Programming - David Woodman
Bass - Frank Brierley
Keyboards - Andy Green
Vocals - Lisa, Matt & Jessica Woodman, Irene Mayor, Hannah & Ruth Green, Frank & Rosemary Brierley, Emily Ablett, Andrea Beswick & Thom Norman
Recorded at Stillwater Sound Solutions by Frank Brierley
Additional recording at David Woodman Music
Mixed and Mastered by Andy Green at Cornerhouse Productions
supported by 5 fans who also own “Teach Me (Breath of God)”
I suppose I am slightly biased as it is my very talented and lovely Son Andy Green and wonderful friend Dave Woodman who have made this fabulous album together.
However, despite this I love the unique sound of the dulcimer and the beautiful music so divinely put together creating an album that I will play often to soothe and thrill me when I need it most. Thank you . Linda Bond