During these Sundays of Lent leading up to Easter I'll be featuring a different song focused on the death and resurrection of Christ. "Above All" by Michael W. Smith, released on Worship (2001), new lyrics by Joshua Huff The new lyrics I added as a second verse to this song are also found in a modified version on the song I wrote called Justified , available on my album Enriched Affections . Why I recommend this song for worship- The reason we celebrate Easter is because of what happened on Good Friday. Without the cross and its incredible spiritual significance, Easter is just another Sunday. This song places a great emphasis on the cross and Christ's exalted place above all things. It mirrors the "emptying" passage in Philippians 2 which speaks of Christ place next to the throne of God and points us there from the cross. The melody supports these truths wonderfully and it is very singable. However, I think the song on its own doesn't go f
"You Are God Alone (Not a God)" by Philips, Craig, and Dean, released on Let the Worshippers Arise (2004) Why I recommend this song for worship- As we come before the Lord in worship, it is important to remember Who we are worshiping. We aren't coming before a famous singer or venerated politician. We aren't about to see our favorite sports team play. This is God we are addressing. This song reminds us of who God is and why He is worthy of our worship. It takes the focus off us and fixes our eyes on the Father. The melody honors the lyrics and lets us build on different themes emotionally and musically. This song has always been a great reminder to me of God's sovereignty and leaves me standing in awe that He could love someone like me. Changes I've Made- I haven't adjusted too much with this one. They keys posted below are both pretty singable, but I would recommend doing it in A (or G with capo 2 for guitar). Any lower and the verses get ha
"Your Grace Still Amazes Me" by Shawn Craig & Connie Harrington, released by Phillips, Craig and Dean on Let My Words Be Few (2001) I was first introduced to this song in college. Many artists have covered it, including Phillips, Craig and Dean (linked above) as well as Steve Green. There is also a choral arrangement available which sounds pretty sweet. Why I recommend this song for worship- Our church is working it's way through the book of Romans. One of the common themes of this book is reflecting on God's grace and how that grace should motivate us towards obedience. In chapter six, where we were this morning, the argument is brought up that we could perhaps sin more since that will make God's grace towards us increase. This is a backwards way of looking at grace. If we stand amazed as what God has done in His patience towards us, we should be motivated to obey and please God. That is where this song is helpful. It encourages us emotionally to s
Comments
Post a Comment