9. What are you listening for? (with Dr. Ann van der Merwe)

Our host, Adam Ormord, discusses the spiritual practice of listening with Dr. Ann van der Merwe. Utilizing technological resources to curate musical experiences has never been easier than it is today. Is there value in considering the role of music in our own formation? How might we intentionally cooperate with God by allowing music and art to speak a better word to our souls? Is it possible God is present, beckoning us to be more present in and through the curated soundscape of our lives? If so, is listening a practice we might engage with more curiosity and attention? 

Ann van der Merwe currently works as an Adjunct Instructor of Humanities at Southern New Hampshire University. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from the University of Illinois and an MA and PhD in Musicology from The Ohio State University. She has two published books on music, both focusing on American popular music in the early twentieth century. She is also a lifelong follower of Jesus who has shared her love of music, writing, and the divine gift of human creativity in a variety of other ways, both in ministry and in life.

Two curated playlists for your practice of listening (from Ann):

Rest: I curated this playlist as an invitation to rest - to Sabbath, to being rather than doing, to relaxing both physically and spiritually, to trusting in and asking for God’s provision. The word “rest” appears throughout, and the sonic palette is intentionally restful as well. The songs collectively also reflect on and refer to a variety of Scripture passages inviting us to rest.

Rest - Andrew Osenga
I Am - Jill Phillips
Come Away - Jason Polley
Come To Me (Acoustic) - Jadon Lavik
Rest Easy - Andrew Peterson
Take Five - The Dave Brubeck Quartet
Fill My Cup - Andrew Ripp
Give It A Rest - The Arcadian Wild
Rest - The Gray Havens
Lilies & Sparrows - Jess Ray
Rest (Postlude) - Jess Ray

How Long?: I curated this playlist as a musical lament - a way to share grief, pain, impatience, frustration, and longing for the Kingdom. The words “How Long” appear frequently, and even when they are absent, the sentiment remains. Musical style varies more widely here, which intentionally reflects the range of emotions that accompany lament as well as our unique human expressions of lament.

Sunday Bloody Sunday - U2 (Songs of Surrender Version)
How Long? - Bifrost Arts
The Reckoning (How Long) - Andrew Peterson
My Soul Waits - Bethany Barnard
Come Back Soon - Andrew Peterson
O God, Will You Restore Us? - Bifrost Arts
The Year of the Locust - Andrew Osenga
The Dark Before the Dawn - Andrew Peterson
Waiting – Andrew Osenga
“40” - U2 (Songs of Surrender Version)

The Being Formed Podcast is a soul care ministry of LifePoint Resources.