Ah, Yes! A song/round that tells a story, with gesture / body prayer / and song: alienation ends with encounter, gratitude, recognition. Accessible to all ages. Small or large groups and as walking meditation. A capella or accompanied (guitar, piano).

All are welcome – An opening song for worship or other congregational events, affirming the worth and dignity of all people. Appropriate for congregational singing, choral ensemble of solo. A capella, guitar, piano and/or percussion accompaniment.

Allison’s lullaby – Lovely melody and chord progression; works well as piano/flute duet or piano/vocal duet. Good for worship services, as meditation or special music.

Ancestors chant – A song for walking meditation or group singing, affirming those who came before us, who we are and who we can be song. Metaphor: life as spiritual path. A capella or with piano, guitar or percussive accompaniment.

Are you ready to sing?– An up-beat ‘zipper’ song for congregational or small group singing. (You ‘zip’ or ‘unzip’ one word or phrase in every verse.) All ages.  A capella, guitar, piano and/or percussion accompaniment.

Begin with love – A song from walking meditation, also appropriate for group singing (worship services, small group circles, etc.). Themes of forgiveness, mindfulness, power, choices. Starting over. A capella or piano accompaniment.

Beyond chaos – A song about changes in relationship: What enables us to face change? Who guides our steps? For group singing or performance (solo or small ensemble). With piano and/or flute accompaniment.

The bird doth fly – This is a 3-part round for worship services, congregational singing or ensemble. A capella.

Black bird strokes – A meditative song affirming that we are part of nature, that the bird and I are one, mirrors of one another, the mind at rest and in flight. A capella, or with accompaniment (piano, guitar, etc.).

Blessed are we, the audacious ones – A spirited benediction, for choir, ensemble or congregational singing, for district or national gatherings, or for social justice assemblies. It comes from a Spanish text from a Unitarian Universalist congregation in Los Angeles. May be sung a capella or with piano/percussion accompaniment.

Blessed is She – A prayer from the Jewish tradition, praising the Nameless One in Her feminine aspect as creative source. Use as a prayer or meditation for worship services or convocations. For choir, small ensemble or solo. Good with piano accompaniment; also good with woodwinds or brass accompaniment.

Blessing – A prayer/affirmation for the congregation. Appropriate for congregational singing, or as a piece for choir, small ensemble or solo. Good with piano or a capella.

Breath – A meditative song from a Native American blessing. Good as a congregational hymn, or as a piece for choir or small ensemble. A capella or with flute or percussion accompaniment.

Breathing here in you – A song celebrating the strength of the hands reaching out to hold you, those who came before and those coming after us. Up-beat, accessible, for large or small group singing or for choirs. A Central American feel to the music. Works well with piano or guitar.

The breath of all – A morning song affirming the connections between the outer world of nature and our inner awareness. For worship services, small groups, or individual singing. A capella or with piano.

By the streams of Babylon – A meditation hymn for congregational singing or as a piece for choir, ensemble or solo. A capella, or with guitar or piano accompaniment.

Call me back – A song to Life/God, asking to be called back into the body; for meditation, individually or in groups. A capella or piano or instrumental accompaniment.

Circle of thanks – An up-beat ‘zipper’ song for congregational singing; good for all ages. Make a circle dance of it. A capella or with piano accompaniment.

Come carry me, night – Lullaby, 4-part round, affirms I/thou relationship with the cradling darkness. For vesper or evening services of any size, small groups, individual singing. Good for all ages and especially for children who have yet to find comfort in the dark. A capella.

Commitment to a vision – Up-beat hymn for congregations of any size, affirming the calling of each person; a separate verse for and affirming the voices of women; rousing chorus. For worship services, ordinations, graduation or Coming of Age services. Strong chorus. Piano.

Come to the water – With text from Isaiah 55, this song for solo, choir or congregational singing, celebrates the sacred covenant of spiritual community: “to live together in safety and in joy.” A capella or with guitar or piano accompaniment.

Coming back to life – Up-beat ‘zipper’ song, about the time between, affirming both the time before and that which approaches. A capella or piano accompaniment. Good for congregational, small group or individual singing.

Create a vision – Song of hymn affirming the need for vision as individuals and the journey together in spiritual communities. For congregational singing, spiritual growth or practice groups, solo, or ensemble. Good song to sing to oneself when you’re cultivating a new direction. Guitar or piano.

The dance of change – An up-beat, bluesy tune affirming our participation and acceptance of life’s on-going dance of change. A capella and/or piano and percussive accompaniment.

The dark – Affirming the darkness as a place/time for healing and gestation. For individual, small group, retreats or congregational use, Especially good for the winter solstice and for difficult spiritual transitions. Strong chorus. Guitar or piano.

The darkness visible – A chant and 4-part round for congregational singing in worship or in small group settings. A capella or with percussion accompaniment.

Dear friend – Acknowledging the challenges and joys of friendship during times of disruption and transformation. Solo or group. Good chorus. Guitar or piano.

Democracy – The text comes from a Langston Hughes poem, affirming the need for freedom now. Appropriate as a vocal solo or as a choral piece, a capella or with piano accompaniment.

Earth meets sky – For meditation, in worship, small groups or walking. Affirming mindfulness with Nature as witness. A capella or piano, drum, guitar accompaniment.

Enjoying the day – Up-beat song with a good beat to celebrate the day in the midst of all life’s ambiguities and changes. A capella or with piano/percussive accompaniment.

Evening lullaby – A lullaby about the spiritual challenge of transition, letting go, and daring to try something new. For small ensemble or solo. Piano accompaniment; good with woodwinds or strings.

Every bone and muscle – 2 part round affirming harmony of body, mind and spirit. Good for all ages, especially for teen-age girls and young women. Hands free. A capella.

Everyday best – Four-part round with words from Ralph Waldo Emerson, affirming the promise in everyday. For congregational or small group singing. A capella or with piano accompaniment.

Flow, Wisdom – With text from Mark Belletini, this hymn for congregational singing celebrates the heritage of Free Religion and on-going revelation of the Spirit Written for the 1993 Convocation of Interweave. Piano accompaniment.

Fly away, Orioles – This is a 4-part round, appropriate for congregational singing, in small groups, good with children. Baseball theology with a good beat: The Orioles were beating my team (the A’s) in the play-offs. What else do we need to release? Add your own verses. Hands free. A capella.

Following the sound –Meditation hymn for congregational singing, assemblies, or convocations. A capella, or guitar or piano accompaniment.

Gentle tree friend – Song for walking or out-door meditation; a dialogue with Nature friends, affirming the connection of the inner and outer worlds. A capella or with guitar or piano accompaniment.

Gift of song – A meditative song affirming love: between us, within the self and with Life/God and community. A capella, piano, guitar or other instruments. (Good for a circle dance.)

Give it up – What’s standing in your way from being all of who you are? This song names the obstacles and affirms giving them away. Appropriate for individual or small group singing. A capella or with guitar or piano accompaniment.

Good morning, flowing stream – A song for morning meditation, for individuals, small groups or congregation. A capella or with guitar/flute/piano.

The grace of Her – Hymn/song celebrating the presence of the divine feminine. For worships services, small groups, choral groups. A capella, percussion, piano.

The great I AM  – What does Life call forth through you? Giving voice as the Great I AM; a song for individual meditation, small groups or congregational singing. A capella or with piano accompaniment.

Guest-at-your-table –  Song for congregational singing or religious education classes to celebrate the Guest-at-your-table program. A capella or guitar or piano accompaniment.

Heal, my little one – This is a 4-part, meditative round; appropriate for individual, small group, or congregational singing. A capella or with instrumental accompaniment.

Hearth– A meditative ballad for individual or group singing; metaphor of preparing a hearth so we may give and receive love, safety, home. For congregational singing, small groups, choir, ensemble. Piano, guitar or a capella.

Heaven is under our feet – An up-beat, 3-part round from words by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Appropriate for small groups to congregational singing. Great for singing in the out-doors!

Help me find my way – Up-beat song, sounds like a spiritual, for singing in times of challenge. It focuses on who we are to each other on the spiritual journey. For individuals on retreat, small groups, congregational singing, choirs. A capella or piano accompaniment. Good for drums and/or clapping.

Her Story – This song/hymn was written to remember the women killed by the death squads in El Salvador; it affirms the memory of all the voices of wise women. For worship services, memorials, women’s groups. Good chorus. Guitar or piano.

Here I am –  Based on the ancient Hebrew prayer response to the still small voice calling in every heart. Verses are to be personalized by the singers. For individual, small group or congregational singing. A capella or with piano accompaniment.

Honey from the rock – The text comes from Psalm 81; appropriate for congregational singing, or as a choir or ensemble piece, or as a mantra for individual spiritual practice. Hands free; used during a bread and honey communion. A capella or with piano, cello, flute accompaniment.

How can I know? – This song/hymn comes as a powerful response from the deepest mystery to the questions of the heart in despair. For solo or small ensemble, in worship services or small group settings. Guitar or piano.

Humu humu nuku nuku – A song for all ages celebrating special creatures (like the Hawaiian fish in the title) and our relationships with them. For small groups, especially children. A capella or with piano or guitar accompaniment.

The hunger of the heart – With text from Howard Thurman, this 4-part round celebrates the heart opening to everything. For congregational, small group or individual spiritual practice as a meditation hymn. A capella or with instrumental accompaniment.

Hush, wait, listen! – A three-part round encouraging us to be still and listen. Appropriate for walking meditation, small group or congregational singing. A capella or with piano accompaniment.

Hymn to Gaia – The song tells a dream of our relationship with Gaia, Earth Goddess, who dances the world alive, and with her in one another. For congregational singing, women’s groups, solo, ensemble. Guitar or piano.

I am a flute –Meditative chant affirming the spaciousness within the heart. Appropriate for individual, small group or congregational singing. A capella or with guitar, flute and/or piano accompaniment.

I am ready – Meditative chant, affirming our readiness to open to Life’s emerging lessons and gifts, with each other’s help. A capella or with piano.

I am strength –A zipper chant. What strengths do you affirm? Reprogramming ourselves to be present with all our gifts. A capella or with piano accompaniment.

I’m gonna learn – This 2-part round challenges and supports us in learning from the most difficult situations in our lives. Good for all ages. A capella or piano, guitar, percussion. Especially good for children. Great for teaching ASL signs.

I find you – Alternating between major and minor modes, this song celebrates finding the One all around. For small group or congregational singing with piano, cello, flute accompaniment.

I know this rose will open – Written for my memorial service, this 2- or 4-part song/hymn/round uses the metaphor of the rose to affirm the natural spiritual unfolding of the soul. For congregations, small groups, or individuals. Hands free. A capella.

I open to the earth – A song for mindful walking, opening to the beauty, wisdom, power, song, and needs of the Earth. Good as a circle dance and for individual, small group or congregational singing Piano or guitar accompaniment (and percussion).

I will listen – A song affirming being present through listening, patience, silence and the willingness to open. For individual, small group, or congregational singing. A capella or with guitar or piano accompaniment.

In the deep – This 2-part round affirms the silent presence of the divine feminine. For worship services, small groups, individuals. Hands free. A capella or piano.

In this refulgent summer – Words from the opening of Emerson’s Harvard Divinity School Address (1838). Set for women’s voices and piano, for worship services or other events.

It’s all right to be a woman – A country-feeling song affirms the need for women to find our voices. Appropriate for worship services on gender justice or for women’s gatherings. Guitar or piano accompaniment.

The journey – Written for a friend en route to Honduras with Witness for Peace, to repatriate Salvadoran refugees, this hymn/song asks, “What is the purpose of your journey? To learn compassion, to bear fair witness. And to affirm a human conscience that works for freedom and justice in every land.” Solo, small group or congregational singing. Piano or guitar.

Learn to fly – Text from an anonymous source, affirming life’s ability (and ours) to learn, transform and transcend. Hands free. May be used for congregational singing as opening, meditative or closing hymn. Appropriate for all ages. A capella or with piano accompaniment.

Love Is like a phoenix – This song names the transformational challenge in relationship: to go to a deeper level of trust, honesty, self-awareness, awareness of one another, or to let go. For use in congregations, small groups. Solo or small group. Guitar or piano.

Love opens – Up-beat song affirming that we are seeds of love, present to one another in joy or grief. For individual, ensemble, small group or congregational singing. A capella or with piano and percussion accompaniment.

Loving kindness song – Based on the Buddhist metta meditation practice (e.g.,  May I be tuned to loving kindness, may I be well, may I be at peace and at ease, may I be happy). Used for individual meditation, or for small groups or congregational singing. A capella or with piano or guitar accompaniment.

Luminous darkness – The text from Howard Thurman affirms darkness as luminous, loving, joyful. For congregational or small group settings. A capella or with instrumental accompaniment.

Made from this earth – With text from Susan Griffin’s, Women and Nature, this hymn is appropriate for congregational singing or as a choral or solo piece. A capella or with piano accompaniment.

Many waters – A short round affirming our interconnectedness and our ability to flow together as we grow through difficulties. Appropriate for water ceremonies, small group or congregational singing. A capella, or with piano.

The martyr moves on – This song tells the woman-as-martyr story, affirming its release and the embrace of the feminist wisdom. For congregation, small group or performance. Solo or small ensemble. Guitar or piano.

May God go with you – A blessing/benediction from Robert Mabry Doss. For solo, choir or congregation, with piano. (Good with additional instruments.)

May we heal – This song focuses on healing from the wound of domestic violence, affirming the power of spiritual community to create sanctuary so the silence may be broken and the cycle of violence ended. Use as a piece for solo, ensemble or for congregational singing. Guitar or piano accompaniment.

Melt this pain away Meditation/affirmation to remove obstacles. For individual or small group singing. A capella or with piano/guitar.

Midwife, mother – A song honoring the women in our lives. Appropriate for women’s gatherings, services honoring women, small groups or congregational singing. A capella or piano accompaniment.

Moon mirror – This 2-part round is a conversation with the moon, affirming its wholeness as it rises in all its phases, affirming our wholeness through all our stages. For congregation or small group. A capella.

Morning choices – For morning meditation, a zipper song affirming how to greet the day. For individual or small group singing. A capella or with percussion, guitar, piano.

Mother spirits, talk to me – A rousing, gospel song, invoking wise, compassionate Mother Spirits and Father Spirits. For small group or congregational singing. A capella or with piano accompaniment.

The next step – Inspired by a comment from Berneice Johnson Reagon (of Sweet Honey). A rousing song for congregational singing, choir or small ensemble. Appropriate for all ages. A capella or piano accompaniment.

Ocean to ocean – This song tells the story of initiation into the work of the divine feminine (for women or men). For congregational, small group or individual use. Guitar or piano.

On seeing the coast of Africa – With text from Howard Thurman, this song imagines how ancestors taken as slaves may have found strength in dreams of our freedom. As a solo or ensemble piece. A capella or with piano accompaniment.

On your path – Song for graduation, affirming the graduate’s vision and bestowing blessing. For small groups or congregations. A capella or with piano, guitar or percussion.

Open up, my heart – This song is a prayer to open the heart, affirming that we are surrounded by love and our responsibility is to open, receive and share it. Appropriate for all ages, as a hymn for worship, for small groups, or in individual spiritual practice. A capella or with piano accompaniment.

Openings – This 2-part round is a prayer without words, for beginning the day with the intention of opening the body/mind/heart to God, compassion, creativity. Good for personal spiritual practice, in small or large groups, or in worship as a meditative hymn. A capella or with piano or instrumental accompaniment.

Ordination Gloria – With text by Mark Belletini, this hymn was written for the ordination of Kelly Flood. Appropriate for congregational singing or as a choral piece for ordinations. Piano or organ accompaniment.

Out of the darkness and into the light – A song/hymn for the spring equinox, celebrating the unfurling of life and awareness at many levels. Good for all ages. For congregational singing, small group or solo. Good for children. Guitar or piano.

Part of it all – This 2-part round celebrates the interdependent web of life and our ability to find ourselves in one another. As a congregational hymn for worship services or small group settings. A capella or with guitar or piano accompaniment.

The path – This 4-part round is an affirmation of the spiritual journey, choosing a path in the present into the unknown, the future; affirming the power of one another’s trust and friendship. For congregations, small groups. Good for children. A capella or piano.

Paths of life – This song focuses on friendship and discerning one’s purpose or calling. For worship services, concerts or small groups. Solo, small ensemble. Good chorus. Guitar or piano.

People – This is a 2-part round and chant, appropriate for worship service or rituals of passage (e.g., graduations, child dedications, leave-taking, dedicating a new building, etc.). A capella or with percussive accompaniment.

Possibility – A morning meditation song. For individual meditation and singing, small groups or congregations. A capella or with piano.

The potter’s wheel – This song/hymn uses pottery as metaphor: we are the unshaped clay, the bowl being ground and shaped; we are the artist and the suffering; ours are the hands shaping the clay. For congregational or small group use. Call and response format. Hands free. Good as a circle dance. Guitar or piano.

The power dance – A simple chant for breaking the silence around domestic violence. Use as a song or to accompany a circle dance. Hands free. A capella or with piano or guitar accompaniment.

Praise the dark – With text from Mark Belletini, this three-part round grieves that which is lost to violence, while affirming life’s endurance. Appropriate as a meditation hymn for congregational singing, or as a choral or ensemble piece. A capella or with piano or flute or string accompaniment.

Red, red earth – Written in Sedona, AZ, this song celebrates the healing power of the earth and relationship with the earth. For individual or group song. A capella or with piano, guitar, percussion. Good for all ages.

Red-tail hawk – Have you ever been companioned by a hawk, knowing you are part of one another’s journey? Song celebrates our connections. Sing it as a round or a song. For all ages. A capella or with piano or guitar.

Return to you – A meditation song about being present with difficult feelings, with the affirmation of returning to big heart/big mind, the source of soul/Life. For congregational singing or small groups. A capella, or with guitar or piano accompaniment.

Rise up and call Her name – This song/hymn celebrates the divine in its feminine aspect, as presented in the Unitarian Universalist curriculum. Appropriate for worship services, group ritual, or for small group singing. Hands free. A capella or with guitar, piano or percussion accompaniment.

The road ahead –  Ballad about keeping the faith while in transition, life as a spiritual journey with lessons at every step. Solo or small ensemble, for special music or small groups. Piano accompaniment.

Roll away the stone – A rousing ‘zipper’ song for Easter; for small group or congregational singing. A capella or with piano accompaniment.

A sacred place – What IS a sacred place? How do you feel there? What does it teach you? Up-beat song for children of all ages. Piano or guitar accompaniment. For small or large groups.

Safe harbor – healing happens when we create safe harbors, the conditions for healing, within ourselves, in our relationships, in our congregations. Using this gentle we sing our gratitude to one another. For small group, choir or congregational singing. A capella or with piano or guitar accompaniment.

Safe passage – A song honoring our many passages; good for closing services; hands free; sounds like a spiritual. For congregational, small group or choir. A capella or with piano accompaniment.

Show me the road – A prayer for guidance during times of fear and numbness, when the heart has become a thirsty land; affirms trust, faith and love in relationship with the source of being. From Psalm 143. For congregation or small group. Good hands free chorus. Piano or guitar.

Sing and rejoice - This 4-part round is appropriate as an opening hymn for worship services, assemblies and convocations, for intergenerational gatherings, children’s classes, or for small group singing. A capella or with percussion accompaniment.

Snow – A 2-part round for calming the mind and body while driving through snow and living with snow underfoot. Appropriate for all ages. A capella.

The song of the planet – This song/hymn asks us to listen to the voice of the planet, calling us to open our heart, mind and hands to the task of reclaiming our sacred relationship with all of life. Good for all ages. For worship services, children’s worship services, small groups. Solo or congregational singing. Guitar or piano.

Song of these hills – This song uses two simple counter melodies to mimic the landscape of hills, affirming communion with nature.  For congregation, small group. Good for children. A capella, guitar or piano.

Speak and listen – This song is a conversation between women and men, naming the wound of sexism and moving beyond it. Appropriate for worship services or small group settings, for congregational singing, choir or small ensemble. A capella, guitar or piano accompaniment. There is also a choral arrangement available.

This spiral keeps on turning – This 4-part round affirms the spiritual journey as home. Appropriate for congregational singing in worship or small group setting. A capella or with piano accompaniment.

Strength returns – Blues song affirming the beginning of a new cycle. For individual meditation, small group singing or performance. A zipper song to personalize. Piano or guitar.

Strong is what we make each other – Inspired by a phrase from Marge Piercy, where we give one another the strength which births new life. For small group or congregational singing, in a call and response format. A capella or with guitar or piano accompaniment.

Tat sat – This is it! – From the Sanskrit, meaning this moment, right here, is all we need for enlightenment, compassion, justice. Zipper song asks you to name what is sacred. For all ages, especially children. For individuals, small or large groups. A capella or with piano or guitar.

Thank you! – A song for all ages, for walking meditation, during a bread and honey communion, or as a grace before meals. A capella or with piano.

The underground stream – This meditative, call and response format hymn is appropriate for congregational singing in worship or small group setting. The imagery affirms that all may access the divine wisdom and presence flowing through us. A capella or piano accompaniment.

Urge for freedom – This is a rousing, hands free hymn for congregational singing in worship or other settings. A ‘zipper song,’ only one word changes per verse. Adapt it to for your own needs. Arranged for 4-part harmony. A capella or with piano accompaniment.

Voices from the path – This 2-part round affirms our role as allies or guides on the spiritual journey and the music of the heart singing us forward. For congregation or small group. A capella or percussion.

Walk humbly with your God – A simple chorus echoing the words from the prophet Micah, in response to the question: What does God require of me? Easy to harmonize. Hands free. May be used during a congregational ritual (passing communion, sharing a blessing, etc.). A capella, piano or guitar.

We have a beautiful mother –A call and response song from the words of Alice Walker, affirming the earth as our mother. Hands free. For small group or congregational singing. A capella or with piano accompaniment.

We have the love – Up-beat celebratory song. What do we need to build just and caring spiritual communities in our inner cities? The lyrics are the response made by the Rev. Dan Aldridge at the 1996 Urban Church Conference: We have the will, the skills, the resources and most importantly, the love. For congregational singing or choir. A capella or with piano, drums, guitar accompaniment.

We have grown, love – This song/hymn celebrates the heart’s ability to love again after loss. Hands free chorus. For congregation or small group setting. As a hymn or solo. Guitar or piano.

We’ve come to our own conclusions – This song celebrates the individual differences and experiences that lead us to reach for one another’s hands. Hands free. Appropriate for all ages, for congregational singing, for small groups, and social justice gatherings. A capella, guitar and/or piano accompaniment.

We’ve got it in our two hands – This song/hymn affirms reproductive choice as a spiritual responsibility. For congregation or small group. Guitar or piano.

We hold this love – This 2-part round and chant with text from Cassandra Sagan is appropriate for wedding services, worship services, or small group ceremonies. Also works well as a circle or spiral dance. A capella or with percussion accompaniment.

We walk together – a chant to honor changes in relationship; also for the end of retreats or services. A capella or with piano or guitar.

What do I want from you? - This song challenges us to enter into relationships based on honesty, vulnerability and trust in the ability of the heart to heal and open. For congregation or small group setting. Solo or small group ensemble.

What gift would I give you, son? – What gifts would we give our children to help them through life’s deepest challenges? Written for my eldest son. For solo or choir. Piano accompaniment.

The wheel of change – Inspired by Marge Piercy’s words, “I do not seek to stop this wheel of change, but to dance in its turning.” Sing as a round or a song. Circle dance. Hands free. For large or small groups. A capella or with piano or guitar.

Where do we go from here? – How do we care for ourselves spiritually, emotionally and physically as social justice activists? Inspired by May Sarton, the answer is love. For solo, choir or congregational singing. Piano accompaniment.

Who will rise up? – Words adapted from Psalm 94. Social justice message. An easy, sing-able chorus. A capella or with piano accompaniment.

Wildness and wet – Two-part round with words from Gerald Manley Hopkins, celebrating nature! A capella, with flute or recorder, in the sanctuary or out of doors!

Wisdom’s call – From Proverbs 8, for special music (for Sunday service, ordinations, rites of passage), as solo or duet, with piano.

Wonderful love – Inspired by Thomas Moore’s Care of the Soul, this song celebrates the power of love guiding our heart’s transformation. For choir or congregational singing. With piano and cello or flute accompaniment.

The work of Christmas – The sing-able chorus comes from Rev. Howard Thurman’s Christmas reading. For choir or congregational singing. Up-beat. With piano accompaniment.

The world has gifts – A chant celebrating life’s blessing to us and life’s needs from us. For individual meditation or singing in small or large groups. For all ages. Hands free. Circle dance. A capella or with piano or guitar.