Since it’s introduction I have been amazed and humbled at the response I have had to the song, “Awaken our Hearts.”  I wrote it at a Jr. High Big House work camp, and have used it when leading worship for church camps, retreats and worship services for many years.

It was written because, like a lot of my songs,  I needed to hear the words. It was also written because I felt that it was something the church needed to hear. It is really just a simple prayer.. a request and a confession…

“Awaken the hearts of your people, send a revival into this place

Stir up the depths of our longing, we come before you seeking your face”

For we have forgotten the taste of your glory, forgotten your voice

Your beauty is hidden, our eyes cannot see you, ears cannot hear through the noise

Awaken our hearts”

The confession is that we have sometimes forgotten, with all the other noises and signs and lights, what God’s voice sounds like, and what his beauty looks like. It’s not intentional, we didn’t mean to forget, but I have to admit at least for myself that there are times when I get so caught up in everything around me that I forget to stop and listen, and remember.

The prayer is that God will awaken our hearts, remind us what his voice sounds like, and continue to show us His beauty, even when we are too busy to see. That maybe, just maybe we will slow down, close our eyes to distractions, take the earbuds out of our ears and just be still. Then we will be reminded of His voice, learn to listen to it and follow it once more.

That’s why I wrote this song. It’s a reminder to me and to those who hear it.

That’s also why I want you to use it in your church, or with your youth group, or for your own worship times. You can use it for whatever live worship setting you like. I would love to hear how it is received and how it goes. If you have any questions about the song, how I play it or need help in any way, just contact me.

Here are two different charts.

The Bb chart is in the original key on all of the recordings.

The G chart is what I use to play the song. Capo up 3 frets and it will sound in Bb.

Don’t forget to go vote for “Awaken Our Hearts” on the Indie Heaven 2011 Indiesong contest. Each vote helps me get closer to a chance to professionally record “Awaken our Hearts” and win $500 and other prizes. Just go to www.indieheaven.com/indiesong

Related posts:

1. Vote For “Awaken Our Hearts”
2. Vote “Awaken our Hearts” as Indie Song 2011
3. Free Song: Awaken Our Hearts

I was reading through various friends facebook updates when this one by Chuck Harris caught my attention:

“The church does not prize originality, but rather cloning, it does not prize freedom, but control.” Leonard Sweet.

It got me to thinking about how we approach worship music in the church. Do we foster an atmosphere of  creativity and unleash our members to use their talent in unique and creative ways, or do we throttle creativity by insisting on playing a piece just as it was recorded by the latest worship band? I admit it is much easier to do the second. I also think that we are encouraged to do so by artists and publishing companies because they make it so easy. You can find now an extensive library of resources where the worship tunes have been charted out to mimic their recording. It is easier to learn the music when CD’s can be listened to and are available for easy reference. I wonder though if it has not just made us a praise and worship cover band. Although it is easier, is it best?

I had been thinking on this topic even before I read  the quote above. One of our band members, who had been thinking along the same lines, asked if we could try an experiment. He said that we should pass out a chord chart to a song, and let us come up with the arrangement before listening to it on the CD.

I really want to get your thoughts.

What are the benefits of using CDs and pre-written charts?

What are the benefits of doing your own thing?

Which do you use more often? Why?

What are other ways you can foster creativity with your band?

Related posts:

1. Youth Worship: Worshipping Without a Band
2. Youth Band: Three Things to Check Before Beginning After Summer Break
3. Appreciating Your Worship Team: Social Media