Today – July 20, 2022 – is release day for Prayers for a Lifetime. You can stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, and all music services, or by clicking below. As you listen, scroll down to read some of the story behind this song…
“Life is short. God is big.” This phrase comes to mind every time I think of Bible verses speaking about how short our time is on earth. For example, Psalm 90:12 “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom,” and Ephesians 5:16 “…making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” For me these are reminders that heaven is our true home, and we are just passing through. Prayers for a Lifetime comes from deep places in my heart and soul. I have experienced great loss and great blessings. I have had times of victory and times of struggle. Life has brought moments of sanctuary which are like a cool, refreshing waterfall, and moments of desert which are like a parched land causing me to ask, “Where are you God? Why is this happening?”
Some of the piano notes in the chorus are “singing” the words “a prayer to the God of my life” from Psalm 42:8. This song takes a long look back on life, from God conceiving me in my mother’s womb and knowing everything about me before I was born, even the numbers of the hairs on my head (Psalm 139, Jeremiah 1:5, Luke 12:7), to a lifetime of memories from childhood until today. By God’s grace and faithfulness, I can look back and look ahead, knowing He is with me in good times and bad. “But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life.”
As I composed the music I reflected not only on prayers for my lifetime, but prayers for other lifetimes — my wife, children, family, relatives, and friends, and prayers for every person around the world who hears my music, and hears this new song. May we all grow in pursuing our heavenly Father, surrendering to Him, longing to hear and obey His voice, and experiencing His grace and goodness in our lives. Thank you Jesus for being the way, and the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and for the gift of eternal life with you forever (John 3:16), far beyond my short lifetime on earth.
Thank you for listening to and reading about Prayers for Lifetime. Wishing you God’s grace and peace, Stanton
Simply beautiful…..thanks for doing what God has put in you. It brings such joy, beauty, and peace to others.
Thank you for listening Jamie, and you’re welcome for the music. So glad it is a blessing! God’s blessings to you, Stanton
This music definitely puts a person into a contemplative mood. It’s beautiful and helps one to relax and enjoy.
Mr. Lanier, your piano music is always enjoyable. Thank you
Thank you Jean, and I am grateful this new song helps you relax and find beauty. Wishing you God’s grace and peace, Stanton
God has done it again!!! He has blessed you with another slice of Heaven to our ears. To be honest, I like this one better than the last three put out because it just has the traditional piano sound playing without the other music. My favorite still to this day is Singing in the Oceans deep with that great piano sound with the horn playing along. Please do not take this as being critical, God made us all with different tastes. You keep em’ coming with all the different sounds for I’m certain you have a large fan base with a love for all your music and it’s certainly not about me! Thanks again and God bless! Tim
Hello Tim and thank you so much for your encouraging words! I am so glad you like this new song, and to know that Singing in the Ocean Deeps is your favorite, which is one of mine too. Yes, since my 2019 Berklee School of Music professional certificate in composing and orchestrating for Film and TV, I have expanded to compose for orchestra or orchestra with piano, and sometimes orchestral music without the piano. However, I always enjoy coming home so to speak to write for solo piano or piano with gentle accompaniment. People have different favorite songs, so this is very subjective, and I just create what God inspires. So I will keep em’ coming as you say. God’s blessings to you too! – Stanton
My thoughts exactly, Timothy Allen! Except I have a few others that are my favorites. 😉
Piano will always be my go-to and this one hits the spot – not just musically but also with the inspiration for the song. Love it!!
Hi Shanda, I’m so glad you love this new song, and am grateful for your encouraging words. God’s blessings to you! – Stanton
Stanton, may you continue your way to heaven composing music as you always have done..This one, as your high starndard has set, continues to transpire beauty and peace.
Dear Luis, thank you so much for listening and for your encouraging words. I am grateful this new piece, and others you enjoy continue to bring you beauty and peace. God’s blessings to you, Stanton
This is so beautiful. My husband and I are having a bit of a traumatic time around decisions about our little old Jack Russell dog, Bruno. I read the words out to my husband then played this. We were lying on the bed with our dog in the middle of us and could feel peace that his life is in God’s hands. It helped to create calm and beauty at a distressing time. I also see this as a beautiful soundtrack to our swirling starlings later in the year so watch this space…😌.
Dear Heather, thank you for sharing this story about you and your husband, and your beloved Bruno. I pray this new piece and its message of hope will continue to bring peace and comfort to you. I still remember the first time I watched your starlings video late last year, which was put to my music. What a breathtaking and beautiful site as thousands of birds in flight make those amazing and fluid shapes. Blessings to you, Stanton
Thank you so much, once again! Prayers for a Lifetime is so moving and contemplative. I would love to have this music for adaptation to the organ as I have done with other pieces, like Peace and The Voice. Your music fills our sanctuary often through warm pipe sounds as it invites all to move into worship. I did not see this sheet music available as yet. When might it become available?
Peace and blessings,
Jane
Hello Jane, and thank you for listening and for your comments. I am so glad you love this new piece and that you would like to play it on your church organ. I do not have sheet music yet for this, with it being a brand new work, and me composing more new pieces. This will take some time if I do decide to create solo piano sheet music, so thank you for your patience. Wishing you God’s grace and peace, Stanton
This is beautiful. I want to share it with a friend of mine who recently lost her son in an accident. Thank you for bringing hope into so many people’s lives.
Fiona
Dear Fiona, thank you for listening and I am so glad this brought some beauty to you. I am sorry to hear about your friend’s loss of their son, and pray God will help you bring some peace, hope, and comfort to them as well. Blessings to you, Stanton
Thank you for all your hard work on your wonderful songs i praise of God. This is Patrick R Ashby, a former piano composition student of your. I have 9 songs inspired by you on Spotify. I love this new melody. God Bless!
Dear Patrick, you are welcome, and thank you for listening and taking time to comment. I am so excited for you, to hear that you have composed nine songs! Wow! I am honored and grateful that you invested in my Piano Workshop and grow in your playing and composing. I will check out your music on Spotify. God bless you too! Stanton
Thank you for sharing the great gift of reflective music that you compose and share! I am so grateful to receive each of your songs.
May God continue to bestow this beautiful gift within you, Stanton..
You’re welcome Pat, and thank you for listening and sharing these encouraging words! Wishing you God’s grace and peace, Stanton