The Clark Sisters, A Praying Spirit | Music Lifts 🎶 🏋

In the 47^th edition of Music Lifts (2023), we’re uplifted by iconic gospel collective The Clark Sisters performing, “A Praying Spirit.”

Welcome to Music Lifts 🎶 🏋, a column that seeks to highlight songs that encourage, inspire, and uplift the spirit; songs that exude fortitude, positivity, and resolve, even in the face of adversity.  Featured songs aren’t genre-specific; songs may or may not be faith-based. The goal is for these songs to make you feel better – be LIFTED to new heights!  So, for the 47^th edition of Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 (2023), we highlight 🎵 “A Praying Spirit” as performed by 🎙 The Clark Sisters.

“Lord give me a praying spirit / A praying spirit / Lord help me to say yes (Yes Lord).” Ah, 🎼 ✍ Ebernita Clark, better known as Twinkie Clark, composed a sensational gem for the iconic gospel collective, 🎙 The Clark Sisters.  🎵 “A Praying Spirit” finds the Detroit collective at their best, being true innovators in the gospel realm.  Originally, “A Praying Spirit” appeared on their album, 💿 Count It All Joy.  That album, and a second LP by the sisters, is now issued as 💿 Count It All Joy / He Gave Me Nothing To Lose.  Anyways, thematically and lyrically, what The Clark Sisters minister musically isn’t complex. They encourage petitioning – conversing and praying to God – consistently.

“A praying spirit throughout the day / A praying spirit in every way,” the sole verse of “A Praying Spirit” goes, continuing, “A praying spirit that I might stay / A praying spirit lest I faint, oh Lord.” It’s all about the importance and power of prayer, truly leaning into and building that relationship with The Most High.  Beyond the centerpiece, the chorus, and that thoughtful verse, “A Praying Spirit” features a rousing bridge, which emphasizes – wait for it – PRAYER.  Furthermore, the outro provides more fuel to the fire of – again, wait for it – PRAYER.  As the scripture says, “Prayer is the key of heaven,” and The Clark Sisters ensure you understand, embrace, and don’t neglect it.  Additionally, besides the emphasis on talking to God, 🎵 “A Praying Spirit” features utterly sublime vocal harmonies, and an ear catching harmonic progression.  So, you get the lift 🏋️ and the music theory 🤓!

🎙 The Clark Sisters • 💿 Count It All Joy / He Gave Me Nothing To Lose • 🏷 Sound of Gospel • 📅 2002

The Clark Sisters, A Praying Spirit  : Music Lifts 🎶 🏋 No. 47 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sound of Gospel; cottonbro studio, Itzel Sandoval, Neeraj Nagdeve via Pexels]