Artist Statement: The title for this piece is taken from a practice of the famous music composer Johann Sebastian Bach, who signed his works with his initials and with SDG for soli Deo gloria—Latin for “God’s glory alone.” More telling though is what he would write at the top of EVERY composition paper before he started. He would write the initials "J.J.” which stood for "Jesu Juva" in Latin. Jesu Juva translated is "Jesus Help Me." Imagine, one of the greatest composers of all-time felt that he needed God’s help to write music. Whether he was writing something for the court, for his friends, or for the church, he would begin his work by petitioning Christ to help him. . It is Bach's opening prayer to God before he begins to compose. Bach knew and lived the words of John 15…”Apart from Me you can do nothing”. And when he was done, he would add the initials SDG, for all of his work was done for the glory of God.
What an incredible practice for any artist or composer….and yet it is an incredible practice for ALL of us. How often before you sit down to your work, do you prayerfully ask for Jesus's help? And, when finished, do you offer that work up for the glory of God? Try it, you might find that your work turns out differently.