Sal Oliveri - Piano Prayers: Peace for Stress & Anxiety (2018)

When my daughter was a toddler, she kept waking up each night feeling afraid and restless. My wife and I tried everything to assure her that she was safe and loved, yet her fear and bad dreams persisted. One night, I was in my studio and began praying for her while I was playing the piano. I recorded my instrumental, "Piano Prayers" for her and the next night put the CD on repeat in her room. She slept soundly all through the night and the fear and nightmares immediately ceased.
My purpose in composing and performing these ten songs is to help ease the weight on your mind, body and soul. You'll find that there is a progression from the first song to the last; a journey of sorts.
1. "Watershed" is where you begin... and where your story starts to change. It's a turning point and you're heading in a new, more positive and healthy, direction.
2. "One Step at a Time": Living in the past leads to depression. Living in the future leads to anxiety. Living in the present, finding something to be thankful for and taking one step at a time leads to progress and a better place.
3. "Don't Give Up": Feelings can lie and tell you that you're stuck and nothing will ever change. You must persevere and know that you will see a reward from your efforts.
4. "Hope": You can't shield yourself from pain or loss; it's inevitable. Things will get better. Promises will be fulfilled. Hope will sustain you. This song was written after my mother passed away when I was 20 years old. My sorrow was so deep and the thought of living the rest of my life without her was too much to bear. My hope comes from knowing I will see her again one day in Heaven.
5. "Light": My prayer is that you will always find yourself surrounded by Light; that your path will be well lit and you'll feel the warmth of God's love surrounding you.
6. "Silver Lining" reminds you that in every difficult situation there's something to glean. Even the most challenging days or experiences can teach you to grow, become stronger and have more compassion for others.
7. "Turn Your Eyes" is based on one of my favorite old hymns. It reminds us to lift our eyes off from our current circumstances and onto God... where " the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace".
8. "Overcomer": One of the greatest lessons I've learned through difficult times is how to overcome adversity. When you are struck with fear or anxiety, the reaction is called, "fight or flight". Too often we retreat into "flight" mode... but why not "fight" mode? Don't allow anything or anyone to rob you of your peace and joy. It's worth "fighting" for and with God's help you are an overcomer.
9. "Rest": Remember to rest between victories. Taking care of yourself is important. Don't feel guilty. You'll be a better you and everyone around you will benefit.
10. "Rise": This is both your destination and launch point. All your hard work, efforts, tears and prayers have brought you to a good place. Now, you must rise and take your Light into the world.

~ Sal Oliveri