No one sings feelings like Bono.
Did you know his favorite book of the Bible is the Psalms?
The last song played at many U2 concerts is “40,” based on Psalm 40.
The song was created in ten minutes after an all-night recording session for their third album, “War.”
“40” offers a clue to one of the biggest mysteries about God.
Bono, Feelings and Psalm 40
The studio manager was about to throw them out with little time left.
Minor Detail, the next band, had arrived early for their session.
So, Bono opens the Bible to Psalm 40 and quickly writes the lyrics for the last song of the 1983 album, “War.” He writes about hope in God.
I waited patiently for the Lord.
He inclined and heard my cry.
He brought me up out of the pit
Out of the miry clay.
I will sing, sing a new song.
I will sing, sing a new song.
How long to sing this song?
How long to sing this song?
How long, how long, how long
How long to sing this song?
You set my feet upon a rock and made my footsteps firm. Many will see, many will see and hear.
Why Bono loves the Psalms
Many folks today, like Bono, find God in the Psalms when they discover God’s feelings and their feelings meeting as one.
God has great feelings, great passion just like us and you see this in the Psalms.
Feelings are a source of energy. Feelings are messages.
In April, 2015, theologian David Taylor set up a meeting and interview with Bono and Eugene Peterson (The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language).
Watching a rock icon and famed biblical scholar join hearts over the hope stirred by reading the Psalms is a treasure.
Less than two years after this interview, Eugene Peterson died.
A new song for the future
In his final days . . .
“it was apparent that he was navigating the thin and sacred space between earth and heaven. We overheard him speaking to people we can only presume were welcoming him into paradise. Among his final words were, ‘Let’s go.’ And his joy: my, oh my; the man remained joyful right up to his blessed end, smiling frequently. In such moments it’s best for all mortal flesh to keep silence. But if you have to say something say this: ‘Holy, Holy, Holy.’” Peterson family
“40” is a new song of hope for me.
How about you?
Good stuff, Steve. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Brad, Bono has quite a story about his journey in faith.
This was lovely! Started my Friday morning with this. Thanks Steve
Cheryl, a little U2 now and then sure lifts the spirit doesn’t it? Great to hear from you.