Sacred Songs
The devotional songs below are original music and lyrics by Kathleen Karlsen honoring the Judeo Christian tradition. This includes angels and the concept of the Holy Spirit as well as expressions of mercy and compassion. Information is provided about the symbolism of the five elements, the breath, angels and archangels.
May I Sing of Thee?
After leading an evening of singing at a sacred music event a few years back, I was accused of cultural appropriation by one of the attendees. The kirtan (a Sanskrit word for singing mantras in a group) had included Hindu, Buddhist and Christian traditions. I was told that I needed permission and initiation from a guru or monk to be qualified to sing in an Eastern tradition.
I took the concern seriously. However, after pondering the situation in the subsequent months, I was inspired by the idea that I could ask God directly for permission to sing His praises. This is the origin of my musical response to the cultural appropriation accusation and the birth of the song, “May I Sing of Thee?”
Watch over 150 videos on Kathleen Karlsen’s YouTube channel.
Breathe Through Me
Breath, fire & water… music for universal spirituality. Lyrics and vocals by Kathleen Karlsen. Arrangement and production by Jake Fleming. Plus Jake’s sweet sax throughout. Lyrics below.
Holy Spirit
Breathe through me
Send your light
through my soul
Holy Spirit
Breathe through me
Sacred Fire
Burn through me
Send your light
through my soul
Sacred Fire
Burn through me
Living Water
Flow through me
Send your light
through my soul
Living Water
Flow through me
Watch over 150 videos on Kathleen Karlsen’s YouTube channel.
All I Know
A simple devotional song to the Source of all beauty and life itself. An expression of gratitude inspired by the warmth of the sun and the feeling of the breeze. The lyrics of this song include a recognition that everything within and around us comes from that which we call God and an acknowledgement of the way nature reminds us of the Divine.
Video includes a peaceful glide over a beautiful river surrounded by incredible lush trees. This video is part of the “Minute Mantras” series, a song or chant in one minute or less, perfect for any time you don’t have an extended period for meditation or sacred music!
Watch over 150 videos on Kathleen Karlsen’s YouTube channel.
Angel of Tranquility
This is a devotional song to Archangel Uriel. Archangel Uriel exemplifies service, peace, tranquility and wisdom. His colors are purple and gold. Uriel is associated with Thursday as his day of the week. His counterpart is the Archaea Aurora.
Uriel is well-known in the Russian Orthodox tradition. Uriel is sometimes identified as an angel of repentance. The apocryphal Book of Enoch mentions Uriel several times.
Depictions of angels having wings vary widely. Some view the wings as emanations of light. Others see the wings as indicating that angels can travel quickly or suddenly appear and disappear.
Watch over 150 videos on Kathleen Karlsen’s YouTube channel.
Beyond the Clouds
This devotional song has two main inspirations. First, the Hindu concept of space or ether as one of the five fundamentals elements or forces in life. Many mantras are classified as being aligned with one of the five elements: earth, water, fire, wind and space. The concept of the space element is a bit difficult to personify as a deity but works well as a part of nature. Secondly, I was inspired by the well-known Buddhist mantra “Gate gate paragate, parasum gate bodhi svaha.” This is generally translated as “Gone, gone; gone wholly beyond.” Moving beyond the clouds was the closest metaphor I could come up with to have a sense of moving beyond the troubles or dualities of earthly life.
Watch over 150 videos on Kathleen Karlsen’s YouTube channel.
Blessing for the Road
This is a simple prayer and devotional song inspired by a traditional Irish blessing. The song was written for a friend who was traveling extensively.
May you find what you seek
May your heart be at peace
May your dreams never end
May the road be your friend
May you love, may you love….
May the stars all align
May the sun always shine
May your soul be your guide
May God walk by your side
May you love, may you love….
Watch over 150 videos on Kathleen Karlsen’s YouTube channel.
Breathe Through Me
God is associated with the breath, fire and the wind in many traditions. The Holy Spirit in Christianity is an undifferentiated power of God. The Holy Spirit is the focus of many devotional songs in the Western or Judeo Christian tradition.
The Western Holy Spirit is akin to Shiva, third person of the Hindu Trinity. The idea that God breathes life into animate form is also a common theme in many traditions. The Holy Spirit is also known as the Holy Ghost. There are seven gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord. Video includes a beautiful slide show of sunflowers and dahlias.
Watch over 150 videos on Kathleen Karlsen’s YouTube channel.
Kyrie Eleison
The phrase “Kyrie Eleison” (a Latin transliteration of the original Greek) is a pre-Christian expression meaning “Lord, have mercy.” This phrase was used for the worship of emperors or deities in ancient times. This acclamation was originally used in both civic and religious ceremonies.
Once adopted into the church, the phrase has often been used as a responsorial: a devotional song that is sung or said by a priest and repeated by the congregation. The melodies used for Kyrie Eleison have varied regionally. This is an original interpretation composed by Kathleen Karlsen.
Watch over 150 videos on Kathleen Karlsen’s YouTube channel.
Song to the Archangels
An angel can be viewed as a form of the deity meaning an “angle of God.” Angels are messengers, protectors, healers and comforters. There are numerous angels and archangels in sacred texts around the world.
Seven archangels are more commonly known. They are Archangel Michael, Archangel Jophiel, Archangel Chamuel, Archangel Gabriel, Archangel Raphael, Archangel Uriel and Archangel Zadkiel.
The archangels are sometimes associated with days of the week, specific virtues, colors and archaea. This devotional song includes all seven archangels. Read more about the Archangels of the Seven Rays.
Author Kathleen Karlsen
Kathleen Karlsen is a musician, artist, writer and speaker. She is the author of two books (Flower Symbols and Vocal Medicine) and over 200 articles. Kathleen, her husband Andrew and their five children live in Bozeman, Montana. More about Kathleen Karlsen.
WEESTERN SACRED SONGS ARTICLE SUMMARY
The devotional songs in this article feature original music and lyrics by Kathleen Karlsen honoring the Judeo Christian tradition. This includes angels, the Holy Spirit and the concepts of mercy and compassion. Information is provided about the symbolism of the breath, angels and archangels.