my irish prophets

i have been a U2 fan for a long time. in a household where the only music that could be played was from christian music labels like Sparrow and Word, there was this anomaly. a band of Jesus-followers (3/4 of them anyway) on Island Records, which was I was sure was not a Christian label, or even a very good one. they sang songs which should have found their way into christian bookstores and CCM TV, but they did not, because Bono, the Edge, Larry, and Adam also cussed smoked and drank, and rarely wore suits, or went to church services. but they were my prophets. i have never been to a U2 concert, so i have always doubted my credibility as a true fan. thursday night, October 1st that will change. i will see these dubliners live at scott stadium on the campus of the university of virginia with some friends. everyone has prophets. i have some that go by the name of Jack and wrote "wonder-full" books for children and adults, and one who was a weird midwestern troubadour who took Franciscan vows (poverty, chastity, and obedience) even though he was never a catholic. and then i have these other four guys who swear, drink, smoke and have tattoos, but are God's mouthpiece for me, reminding me of God's overwhelming love and grace in the world and my need to participate in that love and grace actively and intentionally. in honor of my upcoming "true fan credibility" i leave you with "magnificient" from their newest album. i encourage you turn up the volume or turn the pages on your modern day prophet.

Magnificent lyricsSongwriters: Clayton, Adam; Eno, Brian; Evans, David; Hewson, Paul; Lanois, Daniel Roland; Mullen, Laurence;
MagnificentOh, oh, magnificentI was born, I was bornTo be with you in this space and timeAfter that and ever afterI haven't had a clue only to break rhymeThis foolishness can leave a heart black and blue, oh, ohOnly love, only love can leave such a markBut only love, only love can heal such a scarI was born, I was born to sing for youI didn't have a choice but to lift you upAnd sing whatever song you wanted me toI give you back my voice from the wombMy first cry, it was a joyful noise, oh, ohOnly love, only love can leave such a markBut only love, only love can heal such a scarJustified, till we die you and I will magnify, oh, ohMagnificent, magnificent, oh, ohOnly love, only love can leave such a markBut only love, only love unites our heartsJustified, till we die you and I will magnify, oh, ohMagnificent, magnificent, magnificent© POLYGRAM INT. MUSIC PUBL. B.V.; UNIVERSAL MUSIC CORP.;