Show Notes
“The Spiritual Life with Fr. James Martin, S.J.” returns for its third season with what is sure to be a crowd favorite: a conversation with the legendary Catholic musician Matt Maher. A nine-time Grammy Award nominee, Maher has written some of the most widely sung worship songs across many Christian denominations, including “Lord I Need You,” “Your Grace Is Enough,” and his latest, “Gonna Be Alright.” Together with host James Martin, S.J, Matt reflects upon:
The profound conversion experience Matt had in his early 20s that led to his vocation as a praise and worship singer-songwriter.
The evolution of praise and worship music in the last century
The ways that “writing to task” and divine inspiration have shaped Maher’s songwriting
The ministry of being on the road with people and home with family
Timcodes:
0:00 In a didactic age of faith, we need to return to the experience of God
5:10 The conversion experience that led to Matt’s vocation as a Christian musician
12:39 Church music progression: from the St. Louis Jesuits to modern praise and worship
24:35 Writing out of the experience of the Eucharist
26:10 Any great song tells the truth
30:10 The practices that keep Matt spiritually alive
34:13 Discernment and detachment for creatives
38:28 Encountering God in relationships
46:54 Audience Question: I am often moved to tears at mass but don’t understand why?
Maggi Van Dorn’s producer’s notes on this episode
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