Right now on the shelf in my office sit over 15 songbooks with CDs of wonderful worship songs written by great songwriters and sung by awesome worship bands. For years while leading worship I would use songs like these written by worship leaders across the country, and the world. Songs like Open The Eyes of My Heart, He Reigns, Lord I Lift Your Name on High, and Every Move I Make became staples of my worship leading. Those songs have meaning because of where I heard them or what I was going through when they spoke to me, as they do for many people who sing them every day. But I bet they have more meaning to those who know the story behind the songs. Those for whom the song were written.
I am reminded of the song Heart of Worship and the story behind it. As I think of what that song means to me, I can’t help but think that it meant so much more for that congregation. I am also reminded of the Psalms. Song after song written for the people of God to sing. Songs that convey the thoughts, words and prayers of a people to God.
That is why I should be writing songs for my congregation to sing. I should be trying to capture the thoughts and prayers of our congregation in words and music. I should be trying to find musical and lyrical bridges that help our congregation to connect to God. I should write music that creates an unity and an identity of who we are. I should write songs that express the worries, fears and anxiety that we experience.
Maybe after being sung at our church the song will go on to be used by congregations and people around the world. Maybe we will use it for one Sunday and it will never be heard again. Either way, I should not hold back from writing those songs and putting them out there to be used.
Are you writing songs for your congregation? Why or why not?
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