The Mystical Prayers: An Interpretation of Psalms 23 by Jai Uttal
Jai Uttal’s newest release is a brilliant, beautiful and mystical interpretation of Psalms 23, aptly titled “Psalm”. Jai Uttal invites us into the heart of the Divine as manifested through the lens of devotion and sacred mantra. “Psalm” is everything you might expect from Jai, a reverent and soulful prayer sung with adoration. Instead of singing in Sanskrit, the traditional language of kirtan, Jai sings in English. In doing so, Jai shifts the traditional yogic paradigm of sacredness and invites us to redefine our assumptions of language, form, and tradition.
For those who grew up in a Judeo-Christian household, Psalms 23 is standard Bible-school memorization. It begins with, “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul…”
Jai’s version pays homage to the original, echoing familiar phrases nuanced with tenderness.
“As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I have no fear. Because I know you’re with me… As I walk through the ruins and the wreckage of life, I have no fear, because I know you’re with me…
The Lord is my Shepherd, my sweet Shepherd. He takes me by the still waters. He restores my soul. Goodness and Mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, because I know I dwell in the house of the Lord now and forever.
The Lord is my Shepherd, my sweet Shepherd. His rod and his staff they comfort me as I cross the ocean of tears.”
Above all, “Psalm” offers mystical prayers devoted to the sacred Spirit that permeates all things. Jai’s rendition of this well-known Judeo-Christian mantra is peaceful and joyful. Perhaps the most powerful gift of “Psalm” is a lens into a life committed to Faith and Trust. Once we immerse ourselves in the Divine, we will thrive even in the presence of doubt and hardship. We have no fear as we walk through the valley of shadow and death. We are safe, comforted, and protected from the ocean of tears.
About Jai Uttal
Jai Uttal is a Grammy-nominated performer who has been sharing sacred mantras for over thirty years.
Join Jai for a Bhakti Weekend in DTLA March 7 & 8 with LaLaLa Jivamukti Yoga Los Angeles.
Jai offers a summer kirtan camp, now in its 18th year. The camp is for anyone who “aspires to lead kirtan, enhance their yoga teaching with chanting, or who simply wishes to immerse themselves in the vast ocean of Bhakti.” The kirtan camp course material is broad, encompassing kirtan, bhakti yoga, mantras, gods and goddesses, Ramayana, saints, vocal training, rhythm, and learning harmonium. Early bird prices are good through April 21st, 2020. For more info, please visit: 18th Annual Summer Kirtan Camp with Jai Uttal 2020.
Aria Morgan is a yoga teacher, doula and music lover who finds inspiration in nature: ariamorgan.com.