Morning Light

A companion to Steve Green's book of morning devotions coauthored by Michael Card and other members of the Christian men's group Fellowship of the Empty Hands, Morning Light: Songs to Awaken the Dawn is what Green might well call vertical music--that is, music to elevate one toward God. Each of the dozen songs serve as first prayers of the day: to rededicate oneself to praise, worship, and renew one's relationship with the Heavenly Father. Arrangements are simple, yet polished, and include a contemporary version of the oft-sung "Doxology," a rendition of Cat Stevens's "Morning Has Broken," a duet featuring Twila Paris and an a capella choral arrangement of marvelous harmonies. Green's centered vocals--strong yet never showy--serve well here to illuminate a life begun each day in faith. --Paige La Grone