Top Ten Adoration Songs 2008

The songs have been nominated! The votes have been cast. Now it is time to reveal the results.

These songs have been voted to be the Top Ten Adoration Songs for 2008. Please go to Top Catholic Songs for more info and updates.

Drum roll please: rrrrmmmmrrrrmmmmrrrrmmm


1. Broken by Christopher D'Alfonso.
Jesus, broken now to make me wholeJesus, of my heart take controlJesus, all I want is more of youMore of you

2. Spending Time Adoring You by Margo. B. Smith.
This is a song/prayer to our Lord expressing a loving desire to spend time in His presence adoring Him. As I wrote this song I was reflecting on how much I love to visit the perpetual adoration chapel and be in the Lord’s presence in the Blessed Sacrament. In His presence there is peace, healing, joy and love. In the silence, He speaks to us.


3. Holy God, We Praise Your Great Name by Nick Alexander.
A lively, reverent update to the classic hymn.


4. Open Book by Teresa Smith.
The song was inspired actually during my time of adoration - about going to adoration, his real presence, and speaks of Jesus' ability to "read" us well even though we may not be able to put into words something that may be weighing heavy on our hearts.


5. With You by Sean Clive.
"Come away with me for a while to a place set apart…" Sometimes all you need is quiet. If you meet Him daily, you realize that all the other parts of your day are spent walking with the Lord. (Mark 6:31a)


6. Jesus, Teacher by Michael Howard.
Teach me how to live like youShow me how to prayHumble me in all I doI’ll follow you, just lead the way .

7. Quiet Here With You by Lynn Geyer.
The awesome humility we can experience as we sit quietly before the Lord.


8. Holy Are You, Lord by Mark Mallett.
This is my favorite song to sing before the Blessed Sacrament. I recall how my ministry team would gather before the tabernacle, and raise our voices in this song until we were drenched in God's presence.

9. Psalm 123 by Valerie Von Fange
A beautiful praise song based on Psalm 123

10. You Are Enough by Celeste Zepponi.
My producer Joe Hand and I always start our work sessions with prayer. This particular song was written as a result of one of those prayer times. I will never forget Joe sitting across from me, holding my hands and praying. I was in tears that morning, feeling out of place... Joe prayed for a long time. His voice was comforting, as if Jesus was speaking to me through him. I kept hearing the words: I am enough, I am enough, I am enough for you. Do not worry about your ministry,your age, or what it takes to produce this offering of praise. I have given you everything you need to accomplish this work. I am enough for you.The next morning I wrote this song.We never know where God is leading, especially when we feel the weakest. But, if we are in prayer, we can be sure God is listening and He has a plan. God is enough.

GeorgeLower.com is now Live!

I am very happy to announce that GeorgeLower.com is now up and running. I hope that you can stop by and check out my new site. Please let me know what you think.

Campaign Music

Is it just me or has the music of political activism really taken a nose dive since the '60's? I offer these humble snippets for your consideration:






The first one makes me wonder what medication the band is taking. The second one just defies description in its ablilty to say abosolutly nothing of substance. The secular messianism of Obama is astounding to say the least.

At least the music from the '60's was authentic. Is this the best the music commuity has to offer? I guess that is a stupid question.

Of course some of the responsiblity for this has to do with the candidates. It is very difficult to build a fortress out of cotton candy.

Top Catholic Songs Press Release

Here is the Top Catholic Songs official press release for the Top Ten Songs of Lent 2008. Right now there is voting on the next list to be released: The Top Ten Adoration Songs 2008. Nick has made it easier than ever to vote and to join. No more excuses. Go join and let your voice be heard today!

So hang on tight everyone there is going to be a media blizzard of new Catholic music for you to enjoy in the next six weeks. I know that you will be blessed by this music. Keep praying and keep the faith.

Sean Clive Tops Charts Again With #1 Song For Lent!

2-11-08

For Immediate Release

Milford, CT - Top Catholic Songs formally announced today the voting results for the Top Ten Songs for Lent from Catholic Artists. Sean Clive holds on to the #1 spot once again with “Between Here and There” off the album Amazed. Margo B Smith's “Lord Hear My Prayer” and “A Simple Cry” from the band Last Day round out the top three.

George Lower and Gretchen Harris each landed two Top Ten songs. Lower's “Turn My Heart” and “If today” scored the #4 and #6 spots, while Harris earned #5 and #7 for her recordings of the familiar favorites “Take Lord Receive” and “As the Deer Longs”.

Lynn Geyer makes yet another appearance in the Top Ten with her song “I Call To You” coming in at #8. Nick Alexander's “Too Late Have I Loved You” and “See Christ In All Things” from Deacon Chuck Stevens complete the list.

The purpose of this Top Ten list was to honor Catholic artists for their musical and technical achievements in providing Catholics with quality recorded music which is entertaining, edifying, and educational. According to a poll of the Top Catholic Songs online community, these 10 songs represent the best recorded songs by Catholic musicians for the Season of Lent:

1.Between Here and There / Sean Clive
2.Lord, Hear My Prayer / Margo B Smith
3.A Simple Cry / Last Day
4.Turn My Heart / George Lower
5.Take, Lord, Receive / Gretchen Harris
6.If Today / George Lower
7.As the Deer Longs / Gretchen Harris
8.I Call To You / Lynn Geyer
9.Too Late Have I Loved You / Nick Alexander
10.See Christ in All Things / Deacon Chuck Stevens

To hear and download the Top Ten Songs for Lent by Catholic Artists, and other Top Ten lists , go to: http://www.topcatholicsongs.com/ TopCatholicSongs.com is an online community where Catholics can find music from Catholic artists organized in the popular "Top Ten" style. The lists are dynamically connected to iTunes--through which any seeker of Catholic music can listen to and download songs, burn CD's, and discover new artists. Go to TopCatholicSongs. com for more information.

Happy Valentines Day!

Here is a warm wish for a Happy Valentines Day from my good friend, Adriana.

Many Thanks!

I would like to let everyone know how thankful I am for the support that you have given my music. The voting is over for the the Top Catholic Songs of Lent 2008. My nominations finished 4th and 6th. I'm very humbled to be selected from a very tough field of contenders.

Here are the "unofficial" results:

1. Between Here and There/Sean Clive
2. Lord, Hear My Prayer/Margo B Smith
3. A Simple Cry/Last Day
4. Turn My Heart/George Lower
5. Take, Lord, Recieve/Gretchen Harris
6. If Today/George Lower
7. As the Deer Longs/Gretchen Harris
8. I Call to You/Lynn Gyer
9. Too Late Have I Loved You/Nick Alexander
10. See Christ in All Things/Deacon Chuch Stevens

All of these wonderful Catholic artists have music availble on iTunes. Please take the time to support their ministry. Also, be looking for the Top Ten Songs of Lent 2008 advertisement to run in the National Catholic Register on March 1.

Don't forget to visit Top Catholic Songs for more great Lenten music as well as updates on upcoming lists.

Lent is Here!

I was reflecting today on an incident that happened two weeks ago. During our announcement time our pastor was reviewing some upcoming events. He said, "Lent begins Feburary 6. It is very early this year." A lady behind me said enthusiastically, "Yeah!" I was a little taken aback because most people think about Lent as a time of penance and prayer not necessarily something anticipated with joy. Then I had to stop and check my own thoughts. I began to question my assumption. Why do I not look forward to the Lenten season? Why do I think of Lent in terms of sacrifice and things I have to give up?



I do not think that original intent of Lent was to focus on fasting and giving up things. These disciplines are simply means to and end. They are tools in our spiritual tool chest. The practice of fasting brings a spiritual dimension to the ordinary practice of nourishing our bodies. We are to use the time we would normally devote to bodily sustenence to nourish and sustain our spirits. This time honored tradition has been practiced since Biblical times. It provides a time for us to clear our minds of the mundane so that we may focus on the eternal. Likewise the practice of abstaining from certain behaviors, foods or activities is an outward sign of an internal change of heart. Simply giving up something for Lent means little if we do not replace that activity, food or behavior with something that is spiritually edifying. Yet, like all tools these disciplines can be misused.



That is why we hear Jesus speaking today in the Gospel of Matthew, "Be careful not to parade your good deeds before men to attract their notice." Some might interpret Jesus' comments as prohibiting public acts of piety. A careful reading reveals that Jesus is more concerned with the inward attitude of the pious person. Is the act of piety an outward expression of a Godly heart or simply a means to self aggrandizement? Jesus was more concerned about the inward attitudes of the heart rather than the outward acts. It is in the changing of our hearts and attitudes that we can be drawn closer to God.

If we use these spiritual tools properly we can find much happiness, peace and joy during this Lenten season. This fact alone should give us great cause for rejoicing. We as Catholics always celebrate Lent in the full knowledge of the Resurrection. Lent is not a time of mourning; it should be a time to embrace the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. It should be a time of spiritual growth. It should be a time when we can all say, "Yeah! Lent begins today!"

It's Time to Vote!

Yes, it is time to vote this week. Not only will many people be selecting a Presidential candidate, but we will also be selecting the TOP TEN Catholic Songs of Lent (2008). The second reading for Ash Wednesday from the second letter of Paul to the Corinthians says "Now is the favorable time; this is the day of our salvation." Lent is just around the corner and now at this favorable time we can minister to our fellow Catholics who are hungering and thirsting for spiritual nourishment. Cathoic music has much to offer those who are seeking to walk closer with the Lord during this Lenten season.

My friends at Top Catholic Songs have selected 19 songs to be considered for the Top Ten Songs of Lent. All that is left to do is to join the yahoo group (send an email to: topcatholicsongs-subscribe@yahoogroups.com) then VOTE for your favorite songs. Please take the time to join and vote. It will mean alot to the artists who have nominated songs. It will encourage them to keep producing quality music that ministers to your spiritual needs. It will also mean alot to other Catholics many of whom are not even aware of these rich musical resources. It will help to build up the kingdom as we work together to raise the profile and awareness of Catholic Music.

To be upfront and honest, I do have a horse in this race. I have two songs nominated "If Today" and "Turn My Heart." Both of these can be heard here (www.myspace.com/georgelowermusic). I hope that you enjoy my music; but, more importantnly please vote your heart. This is only the beginning of something that is much bigger than my personal successes or failures. May God be with you during this Lenten season.

Top Catholic Songs will be posting the winning songs next week. Voting is open until Friday, February 8, 2008.