Stanton Lanier

Scripture inspired piano to refresh your spirit

Solo Piano Grace

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Solo Piano Grace just released and is streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services worldwide. You can also click below to listen as you read the story behind this new piece.

 

The new song Solo Piano Grace expresses the peace, hope, and beauty God’s grace brings to my life. The piano melody themes are simple and beautiful yet deep and powerful, much like God’s grace and forgiveness of  my sin, and the wonder of His love and faithfulness. As the years go by I am learning the amount of grace and forgiveness I give to others is a reflection of the grace and forgiveness I have received from Jesus. I want to keep growing in my understanding of God’s grace and my gratitude to Him for saving me from death to life. He has given me grace by the truckload, and He is teaching me to offer this quantity of grace to all people – family, friends, and strangers. The Lord has offered immeasurable grace to me over and over again. I want the times I have given others only a thimble, teaspoon or cup sized amount of grace to remind me to offer people grace by the truckload, which God has given to me. May His grace encourage you today, that you are seen, known and loved by a heavenly Father who is for you, and with you always.

How does Solo Piano Grace speak to you? 

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV)

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14, NIV)

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV)

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14, NIV)

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Colossians 4:6, NIV)

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. (Revelation 22:21, NIV)

All You Have in Mind

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All You Have in Mind just released and is streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services worldwide. You can also click below to listen as you read the story behind this piece.

 

The new song All You Have in Mind may be my favorite of 2023 so far. It is filled with musical expressions of the peace, hope, wonder, refreshment, energy, and anticipation God wants me to experience to the fullest. This happens when I trust Him one day at a time for all that He has in mind to do in my life story. The inspirational verse is from 1 Samuel 14:7, “‘Do all that you have in mind,’ his (Jonathan’s) armor-bearer said. ‘Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.'” (NIV) Another version reads, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul.” (ESV) Just prior to this Jonathan says, “Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf,” to see him and his armor-bearer through a situation in which the two of them were greatly outnumbered by their enemy. My life application would be for times when I am greatly overwhelmed by a challenging situation, or even an exciting opportunity, as I wonder if God will come through for me. Can I, will I, fully put my trust in Him for the outcome He desires? Is He really with me heart and soul? And am I with Him? Perhaps He will act on my behalf when I have the faith to take action. He wants me to experience all He has in mind to do in my life.

There are several other verses this brought to mind, which are like beautiful threads of a tapestry in my life and faith, just like all the musical parts of this song weaving together to form the composition in its full expression. One of these is Psalm 37:4 which says, “Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (ESV) “Then you will take delight in the Lord, and he will answer your prayers.” (NET) God has a lot in mind to do in my (and your) life, but His plans and purposes happen at His pace as we take steps of faith based on what He has revealed so far. After a faith step He reveals a little bit more to obey. Psalm 37:4 reminds me to speak my heart to God, and to listen to His heart for me as well. I want to be in a two-way conversation with Jesus, sharing with and listening to Him, as I seek to align myself with His desires and delights for me, which then become ours together as one. Down below are more verses I had in front of me as I composed the music. I hope these refresh you and inspire you like they do me.

These Scriptures and thoughts were my meditation as I began to sketch ideas on the piano. The opening notes sing “Do all that you have in mind,” which you can hear two times at the beginning, and again throughout the song. Musically this begins my surrender to God for what He has in mind to do in my life. This process is exciting to me now, even though I was more often afraid or hesitant in the past, earlier in my life. The opening theme leads to a second theme with long notes expressing how big God is. He has me in the palm of His hand and His strength and power are with me as I seek Him. He is very calm and at peace with everything even though my heart may be uncertain, or even racing a little with wonder. This sets up the primary theme which is when God moves in our story. The pace moves from waiting to walking to running with Him by faith (visit Waiting Walking Running which I composed a few months ago to listen and read more on this topic). All You Have in Mind features orchestral strings and alto choir, symbolizing God’s ever presence, and the countless angels in heaven watching over us and cheering us on. The cello and French horn are reassurances of God’s tender care, which is very personal and detailed for each of us. The feather flute is the Holy Spirit, which is woven into every musical theme throughout the piece. I hope the music and the story behind it encourage you to keep running life’s race with desire and delight, and with wonder and adventure. Keep watching for God to do all that He has in mind to do in your life. Perhaps He will do something exceedingly and abundantly beyond what you could have imagined.

How does All You Have in Mind speak into your life story today?

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.” (Psalm 37:23, NIV) 

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)

“A man’s or woman’s mind plans his or her way [as he or she journeys through life], But the Lord directs his or her steps and establishes them.” (Proverbs 16:9, AMP)

“The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?” (Proverbs 20:24, NLT)

Solo Piano Blessings

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The new song Solo Piano Blessings is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services worldwide. You can also click below to listen as you read the inspiration behind this piece.

 

I composed Solo Piano Blessings as a reminder to count life’s blessings in the midst of the ups and downs. There are so many when I begin counting. The melodies are a heart felt expression of being grateful for life’s blessings. James 1:17 reminds us that “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” God is the true source of blessings, and I need to be prepared to notice them, as well as receive them with gratitude, peace, hope, and joy. 

Will you join me in pausing to reflect on your life’s blessings for about five minutes? As you listen begin thinking about what you can be thankful for in this present moment, and for this day. Then gradually expand to your life, faith, work, ministry, people, experiences, memories, and anything you can count as a blessing from God. He is a generous Giver and He is worthy of our thanksgiving and praise.

The piano melody, notes, and chords have plenty of space to help us slow down, and focus on being thankful. There is some tension between the major and minor chords, which is a picture of real life with its ups and downs. There are beautiful slow chords played with plenty of rest between them to help us breathe in God’s blessings, which prepares us to be a blessing to others. The melodies rise and fall, with a downward cascading pattern to symbolize God’s blessings – every good and perfect gift – coming down from heaven.

How does Solo Piano Blessings speak into your heart and story?

If your faith remains strong, even while surrounded by life’s difficulties, you will continue to experience the untold blessings of God! (James 1:12, Passion Bible)

But those who set their gaze deeply into the perfecting law of liberty are fascinated by and respond to the truth they hear and are strengthened by it — they experience God’s blessings in all that they do! (James 1:25, Passion Bible)

Solo Piano Yearning

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The new song Solo Piano Yearning just released, and is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services worldwide. You can also click below to listen as you read the inspiration behind this piece.

 

Solo Piano Yearning is a vulnerable, real life musical expression for times of longing for God. Maybe He is close like James 4:8 “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you,” but I still want to know Him more deeply. Or maybe He seems very distant and my faith feels dry and parched like Psalm 143:6 “…I stretched out my hands to you (God), as thirsty for you as a desert thirsty for rain.”

Wherever you are in your life and faith journey, and whatever the circumstances you are facing, I hope the gentle pace of the solo piano, the “longing” minor harmonies and melodies, and “expectantly hopeful” sprinkling of major chords and notes all work together to help you experience God’s peace as you join me in yearning for Him. The artwork for Solo Piano Yearning features a faded image of the sheet music for my song Peace, which is a favorite of listeners and pianists around the world. The inspiration for Peace came from John 14:27, which is a beautiful answer directly from Jesus fore times when our hearts are longing for and yearning for Him, whether consciously or unconsciously. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

The opening melodies become song verses symbolizing a conversation with God and questions for Him. The long descending chords theme is the chorus answer from Him throughout the song, assuring us of His surrounding love as we trust in Him (Psalm 32:10). An additional fifteen second theme appears three times in the song from 1:42 to 1:57, repeated from 1:58 to 2:13, and finally from 3:25 to 3:40. The notes are literally singing the words and syllables found in Psalm 84:2 below, like a piano prayer from my heart to my Father in heaven. He fulfills all of my yearnings through Jesus, my Savior and Friend. My longing to be fully seen, known, loved, and forgiven is complete. Thank you Jesus for your generous grace, mercy, loving kindness, and patience in my life and faith.

How does “Solo Piano Yearning” speak to your heart?

“I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:27, NIV)

“O God, you are my God. I long for you. My soul thirsts for you, my flesh yearns for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water.” (Psalm 63:1, NET)

“My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (Psalm 84:2, NIV)

“My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.” (Isaiah 26:9, NIV)

Solo Piano Beyond

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The new song Solo Piano Beyond just released today. Stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services worldwide, or click below to listen as you read the inspirational notes.

 

Solo Piano Beyond expresses several of God’s attributes He has been deepening in my heart. They both capture my attention, and at the same time are beyond my full comprehension. God is big. Life is short. God gives me His peace and hope through His presence with me, and His promises in His Word. He fills me with a sense of awe and wonder through His creation, as well as His faithfulness in my life. My faith in Jesus as God’s son, the Savior of the world, and my Friend, continues to grow as He proves Himself true in my journey. He promises we can know for certain we have eternal life when we ask His forgiveness, and put our trust in Him (1 John 5:13).

The musical notes and themes have all these thoughts and more under the surface. The melodies are a spiritual and reflective exploration to see what this may sound like. This gives space and freedom for every listener to experience this piece in a way that is very personal and specific to them. To think on whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable in this life and beyond. My hope is for the music to offer you a deeper sense of peace, hope, beauty, and wonder wherever you may be, and whatever circumstances you are facing. May the Lord lift your spirit as you listen for Him and worship Him through Solo Piano Beyond.

How does Solo Piano Beyond inspire or encourage you?

My purpose in writing is simply this: that you who believe in God’s Son will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life, the reality and not the illusion. (1 John 5:13, MSG)

Now to him who by the power that is working within us is able to do far beyond all that we ask or think. (Ephesians 3:20, NET)

Look around you: Everything you see is God’s—the heavens above and beyond, the Earth, and everything on it. (Deuteronomy 10:14, MSG)

Bring your full tithe to the Temple treasury so there will be ample provisions in my Temple. Test me in this and see if I don’t open up heaven itself to you and pour out blessings beyond your wildest dreams. (Malachi 3:8-11, MSG)

Mighty God! Far beyond our reach! Unsurpassable in power and justice! It’s unthinkable that he’d treat anyone unfairly. So bow to him in deep reverence, one and all! If you’re wise, you’ll most certainly worship him. (Job 37:23-24, MSG)

I tested everything in my search for wisdom. I set out to be wise, but it was beyond me, far beyond me, and deep—oh so deep! Does anyone ever find it? I concentrated with all my might, studying and exploring and seeking wisdom—the meaning of life. (Ecclesiastes 7:23-25, MSG)

Solo Piano Unheard

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Solo Piano Unheard released February 16, 2023. Stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services, or click below to listen as you read why and how I composed it. Wishing you God’s grace and peace today… 

 

Solo Piano Unheard is about taking time to pause…to listen for, look for, notice, and receive hope and beauty in the midst of life’s tension and mystery. The long rings of the piano strings, the gentle melodies, and the carefully selected harmonies interweave my hopeful certainty with my fears and doubts. I wanted the strings to ring long as a representation of life’s “unheard” moments when we are listening for God’s voice, but we wonder if He is hearing us. I have found He is always right there with me and for me, even it doesn’t feel like it. In His time, and in a very personal way, He lets me know He sees me, knows me, and loves me in the midst of whatever I am going through.

There is something about solo piano that can be so breathtaking, so provocative, and so compelling. This song has unique pauses and rhythms creating a back forth conversation between the notes and the silence, between my questioning and God’s answering. The tempo picks up in the middle, but then slows down again, illustrating the pacing and variety each day brings as I seek to live out my faith whether my cup is full, empty, or somewhere in between. The Scripture verse containing the title word “unheard” is found in Isaiah 52, which speaks to Jesus carrying our pains and Him suffering on our behalf, in order that we may be saved by His grace when we listen, hear, and believe.

How does Solo Piano Unheard sing over your life today?

For what was unheard of they’ll see with their own eyes, what was unthinkable they’ll have right before them. > Isaiah 52:15 (MSG)

For what they were not told, they will see, and what they have not heard, they will understand. > Isaiah 52:15 (NIV)

This is why I speak to them in parables: Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing, they do not hear or understand. In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. > Matthew 13:13-14 (NIV)

That’s why I tell stories: to create readiness, to nudge the people toward a welcome awakening. In their present state they can stare till doomsday and not see it, listen till they’re blue in the face and not get it. I don’t want Isaiah’s forecast repeated all over again: Your ears are open but you don’t hear a thing. Your eyes are awake but you don’t see a thing. > Matthew 13:13-14 (MSG)

…faith comes from hearing  the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. > Romans 10:17 (NIV)

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. > Romans 10:17 (NKJV)

Solo Piano Refuge

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Solo Piano Refuge is my first new song release of 2023. Stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services, or click below to listen as you read why and how I composed it. Grace and peace to you… 

 

When I wanted to quit lessons in the 7th grade, I didn’t realize the piano was becoming a refuge in my life. My dream at the time was to be a professional basketball player, and I thought I needed to focus on sports instead of taking music lessons. My parents convinced me to continue piano until the end of the school year, then we would decide over the summer. By the time 8th grade began I had discovered the piano held a special place in my heart and life. At that time I used the word “retreat” to describe the enjoyment of playing, but the word “refuge” is a better term. Refuge also means fortress, haven, hiding place, protection, retreat, sanctuary, shelter, and stronghold. The piano has been all these things and more, since composing my first song at age fourteen, completing twelve years of lessons, and, after many years of growing in surrender, God calling me to found Music to Light the World and become a full-time pianist and composer in 2004.

It’s hard to believe I have been “touching the keys” for over fifty years now. Solo Piano Refuge is rooted in deep places from my life, faith, and music journey. The long, rich chords are symbols of God’s ever presence, His calm strength, and Him being my Refuge, the ultimate Refuge. The delicate melodies in between are gentle expressions of my trusting Him, my dancing with Him, and my knowing His peace, hope, and beauty in my life. There are phrases of piano notes singing “The Lord is my refuge, my refuge, my refuge” many times throughout the piece. I hope this song will help you still your heart and mind, and that it refreshes you as you lean into God being your refuge as well. Please see the five Psalms below which speak to this, and join me in reading them as prayers back to God. I have edited the wording to make them personal and intimate with Him…

Psalm 46:1  >  God, you are my refuge and strength, my ever-present help in trouble.

Psalm 34:8  >  Lord, I taste and see that You are good. I am blessed as one who takes refuge in You.

Psalm 5:11  >  Father, I am glad because I take refuge in You. I sing joy forever. You spread your protection over me. I love Your name and I rejoice in You!

Psalm 73:28  >  Father, it is so good to be near to You. You, my sovereign Lord, are my refuge. I will tell of all Your deeds. 

Psalm 59:16  >  I will sing of Your strength, and I will sing of Your love, for You are my fortress, my refuge at all times.

How does Solo Piano Refuge sing to your heart today?

My Spirit Refreshed

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Today is release day for the new song My Spirit Refreshed, now streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, and all music platforms, or you can click below to listen as you read the inspirational notes underneath.

 
This musical idea began with Proverbs 11:25 which has been special to me for many years. “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” I was also thinking of Johann Sebastian Bach’s famous quote, “The aim and final end of all music should be unto the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” As this verse and quote took root in my heart over the years, I began to encourage people in conversation. If we all seek to glorify God and refresh the souls of others in our life and work, then our light will shine more brightly in the world as we are a blessing to people.
 
For me refreshment includes experiencing peace, rest, hope, beauty, joy, and more as I have time alone or time with others. This can be in day to day life or when I am being intentional to unplug and relax in a beautiful setting, perhaps beside the ocean shore or in the mountains. I am sure you have some favorite places in the world to help you refresh. I love this Scripture passage and Bach quote because, in addition to seeking our own refreshment, the words encourage us to be refreshed by refreshing others.
 
Initially I envisioned some rhythm in the music to give it an upbeat feel and express the joy of being refreshed. However, as I searched for the right instruments and emotion, the piece began to take shape as a gentle dance on the piano, accompanied by soft strings and French horn. The meter begins in 4/4 time, then becomes 3/4 time, which is the same as a traditional waltz. The dance continues with 6/8 time, a third time signature which elevates the emotion as we listen. Even though the tempo is slow to medium throughout, it feels like it changes slightly for each time signature, even though the beats per minute are staying very nearly consistent. This musical approach became a new lens for viewing my own refreshment, as well as being refreshed by refreshing others. There is depth and richness in these experiences, with layers of beauty and meaning for ourselves and the lives we touch. The composing was exciting as I began to see how the time signatures could represent life’s gentle rhythms instead of using percussion instruments in the piece.
 
I pray the music and these thoughts are refreshing to you, and that your life and work continue to multiply refreshment in the lives of people you serve regularly, people you encounter periodically, and even people you may see only once in a lifetime.
 
How does My Spirit Refreshed speak into your story?
 
Proverbs 11:25 from a few Bible versions…
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (NIV)
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” (ESV)
“The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.” (MSG)
“A generous person will be enriched, and the one who provides water for others will himself be satisfied.” (NET)

Seeing Everything Beautiful

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The new track Seeing Everything Beautiful just released this week. Stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, and all music platforms, or click below for some moments of peace, hope, and beauty. You can also read the song story as you listen…

 
This is my first song to feature a new, state-of-the-art guitar software sample, capturing a world class player and connecting their skill and technique with my fingers on the keyboard. Gentle piano chords in the background keep the rhythm, and soothing orchestral horns and strings provide harmonies underneath.
 
My inspiration began with a different idea for a theme and title, but nothing magical happened for a couple of days. In searching and investigating some other familiar Bible verses, the Scripture from Ecclesiastes 3:11 caught my eye and heart which says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” This verse inspired the song Eternity back in 2005, on my 4th album The Voice. However, this time the “everything beautiful” stood out for me. I have to be intentional to slow down, pause, and take notice of the beauty around me each day, or else I will miss it. 
 
The emotion in this music expresses God’s beauty over our life, our relationships, our circumstances, life’s ups and downs, and many other aspects of life where beauty is there for us to receive if we see it. There is some mystery, wonder, and poetry to the idea we can see God’s beauty in everything, and over everything, if we look more closely. I hope Seeing Everything Beautiful washes over you and brings you a sense of knowing God sees you, loves you, and knows you and your every need in this very moment.
 
How does Seeing Everything Beautiful speak into your story right now?
 
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11, NIV)
 

Prayers for a Lifetime

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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

Here are three version of Psalm 42:8…
By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me—a prayer to the God of my life. (NIV)
By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life. (ESV)
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. (NLT)