Stanton Lanier

Scripture inspired piano to refresh your spirit

Solo Piano Psalm

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Today is release day for Solo Piano Psalm. You can stream 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 new piece.

 

Solo Piano Psalm is a gentle piano journey, expressing life’s moments of peace, hope and beauty amidst the tension of the world’s noise, despair, and distress. It is a simple decision, but not an easy one, to thank God from a full heart, to embrace Him as my sanctuary, and to sing His love and faithfulness each day. I have provided three Psalms below for reflection, but I encourage you to read other Psalms in the Bible that are special to you, or you can just begin with Psalm 1 or Psalm 23.

I composed the first minute of the song as an introduction to establish a sense of peace, calm, and contentment, knowing God is with me by faith and experience. At the same time, there is a hint of tension as I am also seeking and longing for God’s love, wisdom, and provision in every area of my life. Every Psalm in the book of Psalms is genuine and vulnerable whether giving thanks to God or crying out to Him for help.

The main theme for Solo Piano Psalm begins around the one minute mark, and the notes are “singing” and repeating the words “I’m thanking you God, from a full heart.” There are additional musical variations as the journey continues, including a section of long chords reminding me to pause and reflect, to “be still and know that He is God” (Psalm 46:10). Whatever circumstances you are facing in your life, whether a time of victory or struggle, I hope the melodies and notes sing peace, hope, and beauty to your heart, and help you know how much you are seen, known, and loved by our Heavenly Father.

How does Solo Piano Psalm speak to you today?

“I’m thanking you, God, from a full heart, I’m writing the book on your wonders. I’m whistling, laughing, and jumping for joy! I’m singing your song, High God.” (Psalm 9:1-2, MSG)

“God’s a safe-house for the battered, a sanctuary during bad times. The moment you arrive, you relax; you’re never sorry you knocked.” (Psalm 9:9-10, MSG)

“Your love, God, is my song, and I’ll sing it! I’m forever telling everyone how faithful you are. I’ll never quit telling the story of your love.” (Psalm 89:1, MSG)

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)

Waiting Walking Running

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Today is release day for Waiting Walking Running. Stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services worldwide, or click below to listen as you read some of the story behind this new song…

 

As I reflected on this idea, I found a gorgeous sequence of chords played by long orchestra strings, and then a melody was revealed which became the “resting theme” performed by the English horn and flute, with gentle piano chords in the background. Next, the “walking theme” picks up the tempo slightly with some rhythmic cello to represent taking steps of faith as we slowly begin obeying what God wants us to do. Sometimes God is running (moving quickly) and I need to keep up. This is the “running theme” with all instruments playing – piano, orchestra, choir, and percussion. The flute is featured throughout the piece, and represents the Holy Spirit being present with us in times of waiting, walking, and running by faith. The order of the song themes or musical motifs became 1) waiting, 2) walking, 3) running, 4) waiting, 5) running. The more we pursue God and experience His faithfulness, the more we find ourselves in the midst of life events and circumstances only He could have orchestrated, as we wait, walk, and run with Him.

Waiting, walking, and running each unfold in God’s time, and are part of the freedom we experience in Christ when we surrender, listen for His voice, and obey. This is important because I don’t want to walk or run ahead of God by presuming I know the answers or by doing what seems right. The waiting is crucial because in God’s time, He reveals his plans and next steps to me, one at a time. Even as He reveals more I need to keep walking unless and until He is moving fast enough that I need to run. Ultimately, all three – waiting, walking, and running – bring me freedom. By faith I trust God is in control, and I can live life fully with a sense of hunger and urgency. This fills my heart with deep joy. Even as I was majoring in chemistry many years ago, God was preparing me and shaping me in the “waiting” and “walking” of six hour laboratory experiments from 12pm to 6pm. When God takes our life story and leads us to a place of surrender and dependence on Him, He begins to reveal how He works all things together for good to those who love Him, and who have been called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

How does Waiting, Walking, Running speak to you?

Isaiah 40:31 > “but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (ESV)

Psalm 130:5 > “I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.” (NIV)

Psalm 119:45 > “I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” (NIV)

Psalm 119:32 > “I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free!” (NIV)

I Lie Down and Sleep

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The new song I Lie Down and Sleep just released today! Stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services, or click below to listen as you read the inspirational notes below…

 

When I was composing Solo Piano Sleep (released March 30, 2023) I was inspired to create a second version with other instruments accompanying the piano score. The song became I Lie Down and Sleep with piano, orchestral strings, solo cello, solo French horn, and alto choir. My heart’s desire was to really slow down the pace, to pause, to reflect, to pursue a moment of deep peace and rest, and even to help with sleeping. Brahms’ Lullaby is such a world renowned piece of classical music associated with sleeping, I decided to reference it very gently on the piano, in a small way near the beginning and ending. This lullaby has been sung by parents to so many babies, it is likely to be familiar to you as well. Perhaps it even takes you back to childhood, when sleep may have come easier for you. Or, maybe sleep has always come easy for you, even as an adult. A good night’s rest is definitely one of life’s blessings.

After the introductory section, the piano chorus melody is singing the words “I lie down and sleep” over and over, inspired by Psalm 3:5. The cello and French horn join in and sing this phrase as well, sometimes with the chorus melody notes, and sometimes with harmony. The orchestral strings and alto choir add harmony notes and chords throughout. Then a new melody evolves with plenty of space between the piano notes, with soothing rolling left hand chords inviting us into deeper rest. The cello and horn play melody and harmony over the piano, singing the phrase a few more times.  This is followed by a third piano melody singing “I lie down and sleep” in a new way as we hear the cello sing the original chorus melody notes. All of these themes work together to offer listeners God’s peace and rest in a noisy and hurried world. And hopefully this sense of eternal peace from the Lord carries with us into each new day, as we trust Him to sustain us, protect us, and bless us in ways only He can.

How does I Lie Down and Sleep speak to you?

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. (Psalm 3:5)

In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)

In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves. (Psalm 127:2)

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (Proverbs 3:24)

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?

I Saw Three Ships

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Created with JOY for your holiday season, today is release day for my unique arrangement of I Saw Three Ships. You can stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, YouTube, and all platforms, or click below to listen as you read about this song.

 

The 17th century melody I Saw Three Ships is a familiar favorite each holiday season as we give thanks and prepare our hearts for Christmas. This piece came close, but did not make it onto my two Christmas albums December Peace (2009) and December Peace II (2019), even though these projects feature many popular hymns and carols. Christmas 2022 became the time for me to take on the challenge of composing and creating a one-of-a-kind arrangement of I Saw Three Ships. My heart’s desire was to express the Peace, Hope, and Joy we find in Christmas and Jesus our Savior. I hope you enjoy listening and reading the musical inspiration and song lyrics below.

I wanted to create a surprise with the introduction, something unexpected. Perhaps this is symbolic of the King and Creator of the universe being born in a manger. The opening minute features peaceful sonic undertones and alto choir representing God’s presence, with violins and cellos playing beautiful expressions within the key signature scale. The choir swells and brings us to the first playing of the familiar eight measure tune, written over three hundred years ago. The first pass is slow, followed by a second pass with medium tempo. Both are in 4/4 time which is not the traditional time signature. This opening prepares us for the expected meter, which can be in 3/4 or 6/8 time. I chose 6/8 to enhance the musical dance so to speak, and we hear this twice with increasing joy from the piano, strings, and choir. To help us pause and reflect, this is followed by a restful section with original piano, strings, clarinet, and French horn. Then the familiar tune returns and repeats with several joy filled combinations of instruments, before slowing down and returning to the introductory slow tempo, which helps us to reflect on the peace and hope we have in Christ at Christmas time, and for eternity.

Thank you for listening and reading, and I hope this piece “speaks” into your life and faith story! Grace and Peace, Stanton

I SAW THREE SHIPS (17th Century)

I saw three ships come sailing in On Christmas day, on Christmas day; I saw three ships come sailing in On Christmas day in the morning.

And what was in those ships all three, On Christmas day, on Christmas day? And what was in those ships all three, On Christmas day in the morning?

Our Saviour Christ and his lady, On Christmas day, on Christmas day; Our Saviour Christ and his lady, On Christmas day in the morning.

Pray whither sailed those ships all three, On Christmas day, on Christmas day? Pray whither sailed those ships all three, On Christmas day in the morning?

O they sailed into Bethlehem, On Christmas day, on Christmas day; O they sailed into Bethlehem, On Christmas day in the morning.

And all the bells on earth shall ring, On Christmas day, on Christmas day; And all the bells on earth shall ring, On Christmas day in the morning.

And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing, On Christmas day, on Christmas day; And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing, On Christmas day in the morning.

And all the Souls on Earth shall sing, On Christmas day, on Christmas day; And all the Souls on Earth shall sing, On Christmas day in the morning.

Then let us all rejoice amain, On Christmas day, on Christmas day; Then let us all rejoice amain, On Christmas day in the morning.

 

Each Light-Filled Hour

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Today is release day for Each Light-Filled Hour. You can stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, and all services, or click below to listen as you read the story behind this new song. I hope the melodies and rhythms bring you joy and peace.

 

This piece has a happy, uplifting mood, as it celebrates the gift of each new day. As I composed Each Light-Filled Hour I was reflecting on all the things I have to be thankful for, instead of allowing negative thoughts to frustrate me. Even when things are not going my way, if I step back and shift my perspective, I realize there are many blessings to notice when I pause and look for them. Ecclesiastes 11:7-8 reads, “Oh, how sweet the light of day, And how wonderful to live in the sunshine! Even if you live a long time, don’t take a single day for granted. Take delight in each light-filled hour, Remembering that there will also be many dark days And that most of what comes your way is smoke.” (MSG) These words of wisdom help my thinking shift from concerns over the past or future to cherishing the present moment. They help me set my heart on things above instead of earthly things (Colossians 3:2), and remind me to be grateful to God for His faithfulness. He is with me in each hour, each day, each week, each month, and each year, even when it may not feel like it. This is part of living by faith, to have faith even when I have fear and doubt. “…the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him.” (Psalm 32:10, NIV)

Musically, I wanted to challenge myself to have several elements that were the same, symbolizing God’s constant presence, strength, and care for us in each light-filled hour. This happens with the long undertones of low strings, as well as the time signature and chord pattern remaining the same. All of these repeat underneath throughout the song. The melodies and rhythms were born from a second challenge, which was to express joy and wonder, with a sense of happy, child-like faith. My natural tendency is to take things seriously, and to ask “Why?” when a decision requires faith and risk. Each Light-Filled Hour is evidence of God restoring His joy, peace, and hope in my heart, and inspiring me to ask “Why not?” when He is prompting me toward an exciting possibility or opportunity which requires me to depend on Him. The piano, choir, horn, strings, and percussion all work together to create and uplifting, energizing experience.

I hope this piece makes you smile, reminds you to make the most of your life today, and resurrects a memory from the past which filled your heart with joy. God’s blessings to you, and wishing you His grace and peace. – Stanton

How does Each Light-Filled Hour speak to you, and “sing” over you life today?

“Oh, how sweet the light of day, And how wonderful to live in the sunshine! Even if you live a long time, don’t take a single day for granted. Take delight in each light-filled hour…” (Ecclesiastes 11:7-8, MSG)

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)

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)
 

Come and Talk with Me

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Today – May 24, 2022 – is release day for Come and Talk with Me. 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 the inspiration behind this song…

 

Don’t we all have a friend or family member who we want to talk with, or who we want to come and talk with us? The title of this piece speaks to this universal human desire, for another person to “come and talk with me.” Yet the context of these words from Psalm 27:8 is an invitation from God, asking us to come and talk with Him. In Psalm 27:8 the psalmist writes, “My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.'” (NLT) Other versions of this Scripture speak to seeking God, seeking His face, worshiping God, praying to God, and chasing after God. God’s simple invitation to Come and talk with Me is deep and rich with meaning.

Psalm 27 begins with, “The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” Throughout the Bible God promises to be our Savior, Protector, Provider, Comforter, Healer, Guide, and much more. When I put my faith and trust in Him as Father, and seek to obey Him, God is always faithful to be with me. He is filled with love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and patience in response to my sin, and when I fall short of His holiness. Jesus is the only Perfect and Holy One, without sin. He invites each of us to be saved by His grace and forgiveness when we receive this gift by faith. We can come and talk with Jesus and God with the help of the Holy Spirit.

Musically there are two primary themes. The introductory theme has some rhythmic movement to symbolize life’s busyness. Even though coming to talk with God is a simple invitation, it is not so easy most of the time. The main chorus theme which answers is an expression of when we begin to experience God’s voice, and when we purse coming to talk with Him. The beauty and wonder elevate musically to illustrate the blessing of being in fellowship with Him. The “life is busy” theme returns once more, but the “hearing God’s voice” theme becomes what the song is about. This chorus theme is repeated to the end of the song with various solo instruments, orchestra, and choir joining the piano, sometimes in unison, and sometimes with a counter melody or harmony. The music fades slowly to a gentle chord ending, symbolizing walking through life on earth, and into eternity in conversation with God, speaking our heart and listening to Him. I hope this piece is uplifting to your life and faith journey, and offers you peace and encouragement in your current circumstances.

How does “Come and Talk with Me” speak into your story right now?

My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.” — Psalm 27:8 (NLT)