Thursday was the National Day of Prayer, something first recognized by Harry Truman and later used by George W. Bush to suck up to the religious right. Barack Obama has managed to piss off both sides of the debate by issuing a proclamation recognizing the day (thus annoying the atheists) and by not holding an event where religious leaders can preen next to the President (thus annoying James Dobson). Good job of playing it down the middle, Mister President.

I know I’m a little late to the party, but let’s get into that ecumenical frame of mind with these songs about God.

Sarah McLachlan “Dear God” (XTC)
What better way to start our observance of the National Day of Prayer than with a bitter denunciation of God for his indifference to humanity? Not exactly the most subtle song ever written. It’s pretty amazing how Sarah McLachlan shifts so quickly from weary sadness to righteous indignation. I like this one better than the original.

Artists In Resonance “Missionary Man” (Eurythmics)
Wouldn’t this be a great song for recruiting missionaries for the Mormon church?

Jackass “Plastic Jesus” (The Goldcoast Singers)
A few years ago my good friend Cletus gave me a plastic Jesus for my car. It’s the Buddy Jesus from Kevin Smith’s movie Dogma. I never did put it on my dashboard because I didn’t want to explain it to my very curious daughter. She’s older now so it might be easier to explain it to her. Perhaps playing this song for her would help. I’ve got to check out my plastic Jesus and see if the head comes off so I can use it as a flask.

Jazzistic Feat. Karen Souza “Personal Jesus” (Depeche Mode)
The Johnny Cash cover is very nice, but most people have heard it. This one you probably haven’t. There’s something about the breathy chick singer on this one that makes the song both seductive and a little creepy. And I can just never get enough vibe solos.

Etta James “God’s Song (That’s Why I Love Mankind)” (Randy Newman)
How I miss the old cynical Randy Newman. I’m sure that if you talk with him today he’s still cynical. Probably even more so now since he makes his living these days writing sappy music for Disney movies. But he’s got a fat bank account and an Oscar so who am I to judge?

This song is a great examination of God, humanity, faith, and their relationship with each other. And Etta James does a great job of belting it out.