Album Review
This is more than just a collection of worship songs: it is a journey towards the heart of God. Rarely will you hear such intimate and passionate songs sung with such feeling and reverence. It really is a moving experience and the listener is made to feel like a welcome visitor to a private worship session, where they can join the improvisations and share the moments of intimacy with our Heavenly Father. Ray's voice is reminiscent of the great Keith Green and conveys his passion and adoration incredibly well. And he's not afraid to be recorded singing in tongues and improvising. The musical arrangements are simple and effective, with acoustic piano and guitar, with some added synth pads and the occasional flute solo and female backing vocals. Every note that is played, every word that is sung seems to carry the presence of God, drawing the listener deeper, closer. Ray provides a refreshing example of how wonderfully pure and simple worship can be.
Album Notes
The songs on this cd encourage us to pursue our highest calling, to reach for the heart of God and to be passionate in our love for Him. God is looking for passion because passion comes from the heart. It is from this deep place of affection that God desires our worship. There is a cry in the heart's of God's people for this passion and intimacy. It is my prayer that as you participate in this journey of worship you will be transported to a place in His presence where you are so captivated by His love that you will gladly lay down your brief life in pursuit of the greatest privilege ever offered to man - to be a lover of God.
Passionate Pursuit follows the invitation of the first album to "Seek My Face." This album, like the first in the series, is not just a loose collection of songs but a journey of worship with a theme that develops and grows more prayerful and intimate throughout the journey.
Compared to the first album the instrumentation is more developed and the range and treatment of songs more varied. The orchestrations are rich and interesting but do not interfere with the feeling of an intimate encounter with the Lord as you journey into His Presence.
After a short "call-to-prayer" instrumental introduction, the album opens with some refreshingly transparent, intimate and almost child-like conversations with the Lord, which sets the tone and direction of the album.
There is a middle section which includes several moderate tempo praise songs which gently lifts us out of "meditation mode" and brightens the mood for a season, but the album does not lose its feeling of intimacy or overall direction.
The last 3 songs on the album are "soaking" songs. They have a relaxed tempo and are gentle in nature - quiet, meditative, reflective songs that enable you to sit back and soak in the presence of God. This section alone lasts for over 20 mins and is ideal for a prayer-soaking session.
As an introduction to the secret place or as a follow up to number one, "Passionate Pursuit" is a refreshing experience for anyone hungry for His presence.
Song Notes
More customer reviews ...
I have downloaded Secret Place 2 and I do take a hour to pray while having it on. It has blessed my soul for these last days that are I upon us.I go to another level in God. I have found many people are not ready for this type of music, there has to be a great hunger for more of God to go there. I thank God you go there and I hunger to reach that place Shalom
Virginia Stokes, Florida, USA
I absolutely praise my Great King that he has raised up in his kingdom musicians like yourself that can lead us so gently into His Presence. I Listen to this CD during the day to be mindful of my Lord’s nearness. At night it floods my heart with God’s refreshing and washes away the fruitless thoughts of the day. Thank you so much, you have ministered to my heart in a way I did not know possible. The Lord Richly Bless You.
Tristin Hewett, Mt. Vernon, Washington, USA
Thank you for these most precious and holy love songs to our Bridegroom King! It evokes such passion for Him and brings to the surface the yearning of the heart for the Beloved. I have both Secret Place CDs, and I just love to leave them playing continually. I even play it on my CD player above my bed and fall asleep listening to the songs, and feel such a peace and love flood my heart. I hope you will continue to produce more of this series as I believe the Lord is so pleased and it ministers to His heart in a special way as no other music. In passionate pursuit of Jesus.
Paulette, Ohio, USA
These are great songs that I have downloaded from this site. I have been immensely blessed. I use these for my personal time with the Lord daily and I feel like I am clothed with his presence throughout the day.
Maggie Fernandes, Kuwait
Just love the whole tone of Ray’s albums. Simple lyrics all praising God, very relaxing music. Someone once told me that when you worship with song, it is like praying twice!! I had to purchase your cds once I heard the clips
Andy, Rhode Island, USA
I have listened to your new CD many times, and I really do enjoy it. My ~favorite~ song is “I LOVE YOU WHEN YOU TALK TO ME.” It is so beautiful, so heavenly. Every time I hear it, even in my head, I feel God’s presence. For at least a day, it seemed as if God was singing it back to me, “I love you, I love you, I love you, I do....” Love the flute on this song and on all of them! My next favorite is “PASSIONATE PURSUIT.” Yes, He is our Trophy, our Treasure forever.... Beautiful guitar playing. “LORD I LIFT MY WORSHIP” invites me to harmonize on the chorus! Just draws me in, almost can’t help it. I liked the mixing/mastering work. Your music is holy, and love isn’t gradeable. But I really do enjoy the CD. I really like the romantic chord progressions. Thanks for all of your hard work. And your “angels” sang lovelier than ever.
Sean Shields, Mechanicsville, Virginia, USA
Thank you for such “soul moving” worship !! I love this album !!
Pamelafay Ambrose, Pa, USA
I use these for my personal time with the Lord daily and I feel like I am clothed with his presence throughout the day.
Maggie Fernandes, Kuwait
Deeply quieting and meditative. I have used it with my healing group.
Rev. Jane Wenninger, Texas, USA
It evokes such passion for Him and brings to the surface the yearning of the heart ...
I just love to leave them playing continually. I fall asleep listening to the songs, and feel such a peace and love flood my heart. It ministers to His heart in a special way as no other music.
Paulette, Ohio, USA
This CD has blessed me and our soaking fellowship immensely.
Dianne White, Houston, USA
These cds are the most intimate music an words I have ever heard. ... praise an worship is goin to rise to a deeper level to usher in the glory of our God.
Alison Downey, Northern Ireland
This is such a beautiful, anointed cd. The Holy Spirit ministers powerfully to me through Ray’s music! I highly recommend it!
Stephanie Sunday, USA
