Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

A really curious recording. Whilst presenting my Rimmerama programme one night, an American listener asked whether I'd heard this album. When I confessed my ignorance and thought that IHOP stood for International House Of Pancakes, she took pity on me and sent a copy. When I told Tony Cummings about it, he got excited. The concept is pretty amazing. Put together a series of ambient chilled out worship tracks and interweave children's vocals and prayers and create a unique worship experience. I've heard enough naff children's praise albums to be quite scared about slotting this into my CD player but the results are moving and inspiring. There are some real spine-tingling moments. "Before The World Began" features children praying for God to bring stunning revelation and comfort to children in other parts of the planet while there is a great groovy version of Kevin Prosch's "Banqueting Table". On the downside, a few tracks sound like any other children's praise record. Generally though, 'Prayer: The Gladheart Series' is imaginative, prophetic and powerful and a million miles away from the cheesy junior modern worship travesties that befall most children's worship these days.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.