Prayer Of The Heart (Parts)

Prayer of the Heart was inspired by The Chain of Hope. This charitable organisation raises money for the treatment of heart disorders in children, including Marfan’s Syndrome, of which John Tavener is a sufferer.
Thesinger should sit on a low stool, bowing towards the heart. This facilitates the soul’s concentration, and its unification in ecstasy. The Prayer of the Heart is prayed ceaselessly day and night, awake or sleeping,becauseit has become at one with the beating of the heart... Silence, peace, sweetness of union with God...
The Prayer is not usually sounded with the voice at all it is silent. Therefore the music must be played andsungintensely, quietly, with no physical effort. The Byzantine bell and large Tibetan temple bowl may be played by the singer. Prayer of the Heart should be sung in subdued lighting, perhaps by candlelight. The recording oftheheartbeat should sound very tenderly and quietly throughout.