Psalm 90:1-2 from "To Meditate in His Temple" (Range: C4 to A6) Piano, Vocal - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.1629346

For many reasons, To Meditate in His Temple is very close to my heart. I’d already composed songs for friends when Taylor J. White contacted me, however, this cycle was the first one commissioned by someone I’d never met. Moreover, since I composed To Meditate in His Temple during the COVID-19 pandemic, the calming, inspiring Biblical texts Taylor had selected were especially meaningful.




After hearing Taylor sing in two very different styles, I decided to write something that would allow her to explore the full range of her vocal and expressive talents. “Psalm 90:1-2,” is a jubilant opening; “Psalm 27:1-4” has hints of contemporary gospel; “Romans 8:28-31” evokes more traditional gospel music, complete with riffs; “Romans 8:16-18” was inspired by both Baroque arias and jazz. While each song felt Divinely inspired, the final piece, “Philippians 4:6-7,” is perhaps my favorite. The text urges us to “be anxious for nothing,” which led me to a gently rippling accompaniment and long, legato phrases in the vocal line, in stark contrast to the vocal fireworks in some of the other sections. I chose to end the cycle this way because I wanted to leave the listener with at least a taste of the “peace of God, which passes all understanding.”




I’m extremely grateful that Taylor trusted me to set some her favorite Scriptures to music. I hope that you will feel as blessed by these songs as I was by the process of creating them.