Prior to Rich Mullins's death, I was told by one of the Ragamuffins that Mullins had encouraged the band to make a record on their own, and now they have done just that. It seems Mullins had a keen sense of his friends' talents, and he encouraged them to develop those talents to the fullest. He appears to have been a man who didn't feel threatened by the success of his friends but longed to share in the joy of their successes. Apparently, Mullins was a gifted teacher and an encourager. He left a lasting impression on many, always pointing those he touched toward Christ. This album testifies to the influence Mullins had on the men of A Ragamuffin Band.
When hearing or reading the lyrics to the songs on Prayers of a Ragamuffin, I believe they will hit home with each of us at one time or another in our lives. Like Mullins's lyrics, that and the Scripture references are what make the messages in these songs so powerful. Prayer is a key element to an intimate love relationship with the Father, and for Christians that relationship should be our top priority.
Prayers is musically diverse enough to keep listeners interested. The CD liner contains neat artwork along with photography by Ben Pearson. Elias does a fine job at the helm as producer. Being one who was skeptical as to if this Ragamuffin Band could actually release an album worth listening to without its founder, the late Rich Mullins, well, they've convinced me they can. From this ragamuffin's perspective, these guys get two thumbs up on this project. Check it out, and let this music inspire you to get alone and completely honest with the One who loves you most.
Note: This is a prayer inspired by listening to this album.
Father God, I humbly enter Your presence and kneel at the Throne of Grace. I know that I can't tell you nothing you don't already know. Please forgive me for all the times I doubt your presence and for thinking that my prayers, even when shouting, are just bouncing off the ceiling and never get to You. Help me to find wonder in the smallest gains and to always trust You with childlike innocence. Make my heart captive to Your glory. Through the granting of tears, please get my heart and head on the same page. Grant me Your peace that surpasses all understanding. For loved ones who have already crossed the Jordan into the Promised Land, thank You for the promise that those who die in Christ, the separation is only temporary, and that one day we'll be together again. And above all else, Abba, may Christ be seen in and through me; please make me Your instrument. In the precious name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
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Other coverage for this album
The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Steve StockmanWhen in 1993 Rich Mullins, having read Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning, decided to put together a band, he looked for Ragamuffins. Manning's introduction to his book told us who he was thinking of as a ragamuffin: "The burdened, the wobbly and weak-kneed, the inconsistent, unsteady disciples, the poor, weak, sinful, the bent and the bruised, the earthen vessels who shuffle along on feet of…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by James StewartRich Mullins always wanted the band of ragamuffins he'd drawn together to record an album in their own right and after the success of The Jesus Record, a large body of fans called for the same. The arrangements are busier and more layered than I'd expected -- it would be nice to hear these guys exploring rootsier territory--but with musicians of this caliber, you have to leave them room to…Similar sounding releases
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