Reviewed by Tom Lennie

This contemplative collection comes care of Forerunner Music, a division of Kansas City's IHOP (International House Of Prayer), led by Mike Bickle. Inspired by Diana Chandler's book Deep Unto Deep, this is a diverse batch of newly-composed and mainly instrumental tracks, intended to inspire the heart and to aid in prayer. Numerous musicians of obvious talent participate, giving the recording a real sense of diversity and interest throughout. Ruth Fazal airs a couple of pieces on her emotive violin; Gregg Stone plays delicate piano on another couple; cello and panpipe effects appear on "He Is A Bridegroom" (programming is a prominent feature throughout); while elsewhere Julie Meyer gently arouses the emotions with her warm vocals. In the sleevenotes each of the main musicians shares what the tunes signify to them - these make for inspiring and thought provoking reading in themselves - potent expressions of spiritual intimacy. This spiritual depth and mystique can be gleaned from the track titles alone - "Face To Face With Love", "Communion With The Beloved", "Consumed With Love's Fire", etc. There are many instrumental/meditational albums on the Christian market - this one undoubtedly ranks among the very best.

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