Evangelicals Now
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House of Worship

Beating Time

HOUSE OF WORSHIP CD
By Twila Paris
Ariose Music Mountain Spring Music

I have a lot of respect for Twila Paris. I like the fact that she has previously admitted coming up with choruses of praise whilst doing the washing-up, which somehow makes her music more approachable. This new CD contains 12 tracks, two of which are re-workings of songs she wrote and re-corded in the 1980s.

The strength of Twila Paris's writing is often the simplicity of the memorable melodies coupled with repeated refrains, allowing the songs to get into the listener's head and under their skin (no bad thing as she sings to remind us of scriptural truths!). In performing them, she doesn't feel the need for vocal acrobatics - it would detract from the powerful messages - but allows a voice which is pure, pleasant and effortless, to sell her songs.

'Glory and Honor' is an upbeat, joyful song declaring that the Lord is worthy to be praised. With a feel somewhere between rock and gospel, this is one highlight of the recording. This collection seems also to be influenced by Celtic melodies, and in 'You Are God' the violin solo lends a Celtic air to a longing for a fuller understanding of the greatness of God. 'Not My Own' stands out as a heartfelt adaptation of Paul's words ('I am bought with a price.../ Take this false desire / Burn it in your righteous fire'). It is a gentle but powerful piece of music reminding us that our ultimate fulfilment is not to be found on this earth. 'Fill My Heart' is an earnest prayer for each new morning, focusing thoughts on Christ as the day begins, so that others might see him in us ('Fill my heart with love that cannot be explained / Fill another earthen vessel until grace is overflowing / And this barren earth is covered by your rain').

This new collection - all written by Twila Paris - does not disappoint; as an aid to prayer and a tool for worship it is effective in developing our sense of the awesomeness of God. There are surely songs here to contend with the popularity that her chorus 'He Is Exalted' has attained.

Julie Skelton, Guildford