Customer Reviews

Prayers of a Ragamuffin

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

It never ceases to amaze me how critical people can be about anything that gives praise and thanks to God, but there are those (who exactly I'm referring to shall remain nameless) who have somehow found a way to knock "Prayers of a Ragamuffin," this group's second release, making the unfair assertion that The Ragamuffins will never be able to live up to the legacy of their late friend Rich Mullins. The Ragamuffins themselves will be the first to tell you that they have no intention of trying to fill Rich's shoes, since he rarely wore shoes and the plain simple fact of the matter is that they are as much in awe of Rich as the rest of us and they seek only to carry on his work, not overshadow it. At any rate, on to the music. If "The Jesus Record" wasn't enough to convince you of The Ragamuffins' talent, this album should be proof positive that this group has arrived as a major player on the Christian music scene. Although Rich Mullins' influence is still very evident (the last song on the track, "We'll Always Be Together" by Jimmy Abegg, was written in Rich's memory), this album was almost entirely written by the band's members, and is a very heartfelt and humble look at the importance of persevering in prayer even when it doesn't seem like our prayers are being answered. The album begins with Rick Elias' "Make Me An Instrument," which borrows heavily from the prayers of St. Francis and St. Patrick. It sets the tone for the rest of the album and reminds us that prayer isn't about helping us get what we want, but to help us fulfill God's will here on earth. "Brother Sun Sister Moon," written by lead guitarist Jimmy Abegg, takes its title from the 70s movie of the same name on the life of St. Francis of Assisi, whose influence is prevalent in everything done by Rich Mullins and those who carry on his legacy and work. And Mark Robertson's "Nothing You Don't Know" is a reminder that our prayers are addressed to a God who knows everything we say and do, so there's no sense in holding back when we pray. Other memorable songs off the album include "Faith Hope Love," an upbeat look at the three cardinal virtues; "Shout," the only song on the album written by drummer Aaron Smith, which is another upbeat ballad that suggests that we need to shout "until we get it right"; and "God Grant Me Tears," which reminds us that it is through our brokenness that we find strength in our relationship with God. Of course I don't want you to just take my word for it; this is an album you have to listen to for yourselves. This group rocks, and I look forward to their future releases. Happy listening, and God bless!

When Rich Mullins requested that his beloved band record an album on their own, his band didn't know that he would soon pass away after these words. After the remarakble success of 1998's "The Jesus Record" the Ragamuffin's have made one of the most complete and best efforts I have ever heard. I can't think of another album that's focus is on prayer. Every song is gripping and dripping with depth. Check out "My Heart Already Knows" co-written by Rich himself!

The Ragamuffins have done it again. If you want glitzy, pop, feel good, fuzzy Christian platitude music, then don't buy this record.

But if you struggle, if you ache for the Lord, and long to hear His voice...then you'll identify with this record. The lyrics are honest and real, a refreshing break from what most of Nashville is turning out.

This is a wonderful album lyrically and musically. It seamlessly flows from "The Jesus Record". While the "Jesus Record" focused on the person of Christ, this record discusses our relationship with Him and the struggles we face in our day to day lives.

Few albums and artists are so honest. It's great.

PS. Check out any book by Brennan Manning (ie The Ragamuffin Gospel, The Signature of Jesus, Abba's Child)

I love "Make me an Instrument." The Ragamuffins' use of the words of St. Patrick and St. Francis of Assisi is great. The song's real passion is moving. The first time I heard the CD, I fell in love with "Brother Sun, Sister Moon" and "Faith, Hope, and Love." "Faith, Hope, and Love" is about relying on God, not on the world. "Bouncing off the Ceiling" is an upbeat song about how we sometimes feel that God does not hear our prayers. "Help Thou My Unbelief" is a cry to God. My favorite words in the song are "yet as Thomas, no, Judas, it's You i denied / still You loved me." In this album, the Ragamuffins carry on in the wonderful legacy of Rich Mullins.

I was shocked when I first listened to this CD. Before this album came out I was really not a Ragamuffin fan. However as soon as I listened to the CD I loved it! All it took was the track "Make me an instrument" to convert me to a Ragamuffin fan! What a prayer! It isn't cute, nor is he trying to be funny or even ryme, but the lead singer is praying from his heart, a prayer I myself have many times uttered, though never in so elegant of a form. Definately 5 stars, if you aren't moved by it than your heart must be a rock.

You'd think that, after the untimely passing of beloved Christian music legend Rich Mullins, no one could capture the sheer beauty of God's love in song. Well, we were wrong. The Ragamuffins provide us here with a solid and heartfelt take on prayer. "Make Me an Instrument" captures the beautiful and noble concept of being used totally by God, thus leaving no room for the things of this earth.
"Faith,Hope,Love" reminds us of all we really need to get ahead in life.
"Help Thou My Unbelief" is a reminder of our humanity and our constant struggling along this rugged walk of faith.
Perhaps the best song on this album is "God Grant Me Tears". Brennan Manning once said "To be alive is to be broken. And to be broken is to stand in need of grace." As we admit our brokeness to God, He gives us new purpose and meaning.
This album is one not to be missed.

Prayers of a Ragamuffin is a searching, honest album. The style is different from Rich Mullins, but his example of simplicity and directness is clearly seen in the friends he left behind. Rick Elias doesn't try to copy Rich either, but is freed up to sing in his own God-given style. I heard this album at a time when I was in a spiritual desert, searching for God's grace (though already a Christian). "Help Thou My Unbelief" was the song that God used to pick me back up and help me to start hoping in Him again--and almost all the album's songs are similarly deep and encouraging. No pretenses, no searching for fame, the Ragamuffins continue Rich's legacy of an honest relationship with God.

I'm so glad the Ragamuffins are still together. This album is filled with unforgettable songs including "Nothing you don't know", "Faith, Hope, Love", and my two favorites, "Help Thou My Unbelief" by Rick Elias and "My Heart Already Knows" by Rick, Mark and Rich Mullins. I was stunned by some of the lyrics in these songs. The music is refreshing. Most of all, the Ragamuffins are challenging us to take an honest look at our faith and where we are in our walk with Jesus. I hope the Ragamuffins will carry on....

The Song titled Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace is great song of worship. Paraphrasing from the Prayer of Fransis of Assisi, the lyrics become a plea to think about others and to behave unselfishly in building God's Kingdom. Using the Breastplate of Saint Patrick (which I never of heard of before hearing this song), the lyrics focus on putting Jesus Christ first in your life and to never depart from Him. Only through the Holy Spirit can one hope to abide in the hope of this prayer. The whole song is a petition to serve God.
. Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul; and ye shall bind them for a sign upon your hand, and they shall be for frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them to your children, talking of them, when thou sittest in thy house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the door-posts of thy house, and upon thy gates; that your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land hich Jehovah sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of the heavens above the earth. (Deuteronomy 11:18-21 ASV)

The plea is to keep God first in your life and to teach your family likewise. This is not a new revelation.But I do find the song as a great way to worship Jesus and remind me what the Christian walk should be about. It has nothing to do with my abilities or potential, but what the Holy Spirit can do through me.

I really wasn't sure what to expect when I bought this CD. I knew the Ragamuffins were Rich Mullin's band, but what would they do without their famous front man? They'd record a great project of course.

The album opens with a musical version of St. Francis's prayer. I was not familiar with it before, but not too long after getting the CD saw it in several places. Other songs deal with faith and praising God. All the lyrics are solid, challenging, and/or encouraging.

If you buy this CD expecting Rich Mullins, you will be disappointed. There is only one Rich, and the Ragamuffins aren't him. Nor do they pretend to be. They simply continue recording under their band's name; as well they should, since there is some great stuff here fans of Christian music will enjoy.