Here’s a few songs that would work for Palm Sunday:
|
Jesus, Name Above All Names |
Naida Hearn |
|
Hosanna (Praise is Rising) |
Baloche, Brenton Brown |
|
We Bow Down |
Twila Paris |
|
He is Exalted |
Twila Paris |
|
Hosanna |
Carl Tuttle |
Archive for March, 2009
Palm Sunday Contemporary Music
Contemporary Lenten Music
This is a little late for Lent 2009, but I read through the lyrics in John Kehls’ EXCEL database of contemporary songs which is available for download at this BLOG, and pulled out the ones that I liked for Lent. Here’s the list:
|
A Debtor to Mercy Alone |
Bob Kauflin |
|
Above All |
Baloche, LeBlanc |
|
Across the Great Divide |
Mark Altrogge |
|
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) |
Chris Tomlin |
|
Amazing Love |
Graham kendrick |
|
Amazing Love (You Are My King) |
Billy Foote |
|
At the Cross |
Holland Davis |
|
At the Cross |
Stephen Altrogge |
|
At the Foot of the Cross |
Steve Cook |
|
Beneath the Cross |
Getty, Townend |
|
By Your Blood |
Billy Funk |
|
Cross of Jesus |
Getty, Townend |
|
Depth of Mercy |
Bob Kauflin |
|
Finished Indeed |
the Kingsmen |
|
For All Have Sinned / For God so Loved |
Steve Green |
|
For God so Loved the World |
Don Fancisco |
|
For Me |
Mark Altrogge |
|
For Me For You |
Doug Plank |
|
Forgiven, Forgotten, Forever |
Brian Free |
|
Fullness of Grace |
Staurt Townend |
|
God Will Provide a Lamb |
Michael Card |
|
Greater Love |
Mark Altrogge |
|
Greater Still |
Brian Free |
|
How Deep the Father’s Love for Us |
Getty, Townend |
|
I Come by the Blood |
Steve Cook |
|
I Come to the Cross |
BIll Batstone |
|
I Look Up |
Mark Altrogge |
|
I Love the Cross |
Mark Altrogge |
|
I Will Boast in the Cross of Christ |
Steve Cook |
|
I’m Justified |
Steve Cook |
|
It Should Have Been Me |
Mark Altrogge |
|
Jesus Paid it All |
Elvina Mabel Hall |
|
Jesus, Thank You |
Pat Sczebel |
|
Lamb of Glory |
Greg Nelson |
|
Lamb of God |
Twila Paris |
|
Lead me to the Cross |
Graham Kendrick |
|
Lost in Wonder |
Martyn Layzell |
|
Man of Sorrows |
Greg Nelson |
|
My Savior’s Precious Blood |
Jonathan Baird |
|
Nail My Glory |
Bob Kauflin |
|
Nothing but the Blood |
Robert Lowry |
|
O How He Loves You and Me |
Kurt Kaiser |
|
On My Cross |
Jerome Diebler / FFH |
|
Once Again |
Matt Redman |
|
Only by His Wounds |
Michael Card |
|
Only Your Mercy |
Scott Wesly Brown |
|
Perfect Lamb of God |
Adam Sacks |
|
Ransomed |
Jordan Kauflin |
|
the Coloring Song |
Petra (Dave Eden) |
|
the Glory of the Cross |
Sovereign Grace |
|
the Gospel is True |
Scott Wesley Brown |
|
the Gospel Song |
Bob Kauflin |
|
the Grace Song of Heaven |
Keith Getty |
|
The Power of the Cross |
Getty, Townend |
|
the Precious Blood |
Peter Gagnon |
|
the Wonderful Cross |
Chris Tomlin |
|
the Wounded Healer |
Bennie Triplett |
|
We Sing Your Mercies |
Mark Altrogge |
|
When Love Came Down |
Stuart Townend |
|
You Chose the Cross |
Martyn Layzell |
|
|
|
The Joy of the LORD is Our Strength – Neh 8:10
Here is a responsive reading using several Psalm verses together with Nehemiah 8:10:
P: The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. (Ps 19:8)
All: The Joy of the LORD is our strength.
P: You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. (Ps 16:11)
Men: The Joy of the LORD is our strength.
P: The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. (Ps 28:7)
Women: The Joy of the LORD is our strength.
P: May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. (Ps 67:4)
All: The Joy of the LORD is our strength.
P: Sing for joy to God our strength; shout aloud to the God of Jacob! (Ps 81:1)
Men: The Joy of the LORD is our strength.
P: Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. (Ps 95:1)
Women: The Joy of the LORD is our strength.
P: Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music; (Ps 98:4)
All: The Joy of the LORD is our strength.
P: Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. (Ps 100:1)
Men: The Joy of the LORD is our strength.
P: Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. (Ps 119:111)
Women: The Joy of the LORD is our strength.
P: May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom 15:13)
Finally, here’s Chris Tomlin singing “Holy is the Lord” about this same verse:
Click here if the above link doesn’t work: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAF5CM1pUxg
You can find a free copy of the leadsheet here, but you should report usage to CCLI if you reproduce this:
http://www.helvetia-church.org/pteam/lyrics/Holy%20is%20the%20Lord%20lead%20sheet.pdf
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society
Song Opportunity – “Nothing Without You”…try it on May 10th at your church!
Once again, http://www.greatworshipsongs.com/ has another free song offering if you are a registered member at their site. If you are, check out the latest freebie “Nothing Without You” by Bebo Norman and Mitch Dane. If you’re not registered; consider joining today.
From the site, you can download a free MP3, leadsheet, chord sheet, and a cut capo chart for this song in the “free download area.” If you listen to the MP3, you will notice that the acoustic guitar sounds real full. This is the cut capo. The cut capo arrangement of this song is real sweet, but you can play it without one as well.
I hope to use this song at our church on May 10, because it goes well with the Gospel lesson which is John 15:1 -8. In fact, try singing this song with your praise band during the Offering and step right up to the mic and before singing, recite this verse:
In this morning’s Gospel lesson, Jesus said…“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5
The lyrics in this song go particularly well as an Offering. It is however a band song unless you transpose it to a lower key. Most people in your congregation will not be able to reach the high E notes.
Here’s the song lyrics from http://www.greatworshipsongs.com/:
Nothing Without You
Verse 1
Take these hands and lift them up
For I have not the strength to praise you near enough
See, I have nothing
I have nothing without you
Verse 2
And take my voice and pour it out
Let it sing the songs of mercy I have found
For I have nothing
I have nothing without you
Chorus
And all my soul needs is all your love
To cover me, so all the world will see
That I have nothing without you
Verse 3
Take my body and build it up
May it be broken as an offering of love
For I have nothing
I have nothing without you
Chorus
And all my soul needs is all your love
To cover me so all the world will see
That I have nothing
That I love you, yeah
With all my heart
With all my soul
With all my mind
And all the strength I can find
Verse 4
Take my time here on this earth
And let it glorify all that you are worth
For I am nothing
I am nothing without you
© Copyright 2004 New Spring, a division of Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing; dba GreatWorshipSongs.com / AppStreet Music / Rotten Banana Music (ASCAP) Licensing through Music Services. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society
Psalm 150 – “the Greatest Praise Song Ever Written!”
P: Where shall we praise God?
C: Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. (V1)
P: Why should we praise God?
C: Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. (V2)
P: How shall we praise God?
C: Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. (V3-5)
P: Who should praise God?
C: Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.
Note the instruments of worship mentioned in this Psalm: trumpet, harp, lyre, tambourine, dancing, strings, flute and resounding cymbals. Hardly the instruments of dirge-like music. Actually, it’s quite a cross-section of musical instrumentation. God has opened wide the gates of our worship.
So…
Play your instruments with your God-given skills and abilities
Be grateful for the gifts He has given
Inspire others to use their gifts
Thank God often for the gift of music
Accept thanks and recognition humbly
Boast only in Christ
Pray regularly
Pray for your Pastor and pray for your fellow believers
Put your hope in Christ alone
Grow in your love for, and knowledge of God
Enjoy God and stir a passion for Him
Make more of Him, and less of you
Play your instrument with a servant’s heart
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven
-Matthew 5:11,12
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society
More on Choosing Music
If you are a fan of American Idol, then you know that “song selection” is critical. It is for us Pastors and Worship Leaders as well.
The Contemporary Christian Music EXCEL database file that has been available for download in my “FILE DOWNLOAD AREA” (located in the lower right hand column) has been updated (filename: ccm songs 2.xls). Many of you have downloaded the original version of this file. It contains a listing of hundreds of contemporary songs that John Kehl’s band has either used at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Appleton, WI or has evaluated for use in worship. In addition to song titles, the database includes other useful information such as lyrics, song categorical information and other helpful resources.
One of the things mentioned in the database are some of the criteria that John uses to evaluate contemporary songs for worship. I have excerpted his comments here:
1. Look for lyrics that are scripturally sound with a Christ centered, gospel centered, and grace centered message.
2. Look for music that focuses on God and Christ and what God did and does for us.
3. Lyrics should be clear, not vague or shallow and should have substance.
4. The music should emphasize the message, not the music, or the musician, or the beat.
5. Look for music and style that is worshipful and reverent that fit the lyrics.
6. Look for music that is singable for the congregation.
Here are some other helpful comments:
- Look for biblical language in song lyrics. Words, phrases, and attributes that identify God as the God of the bible and not some generic God.
- Watch out for “decision theology”. These are lyrics that imply that we have “chosen” to accept Jesus as Savior. We are a chosen people. It’s the other way around – God has chosen us!
- Watch out for legalism. These are lyrics that imply that we have to do certain things, above and beyond what the bible says to be saved.
- Look for songs, that when you read through the lyrics, you can immediately point to a section of scripture that it is based upon.
Here is a list of songs that have done just that for me:
Chris Tomlin – “Forever” is based on Ps 136
Chris Tomlin – “Holy is the Lord” uses Neh 8:10
Chris Falson – “I See the Lord” is based on Isaiah 6
Matt Redman – “Better is One Day” is based on Psalm 84
Matt Redman – “Lord Let Your Glory Fall” is based on 2 Chro 5-7
Matt Redman – “You Never Let Go” is based on Ps 23
Amy Grant – “Thy Word” uses a verse from Ps 119 as it’s opening line
Brenton Brown – “Everlasting God” is Isaiah 40:28-31
Paul Baloche – “Open the Eyes of My Heart” is based on Eph 1:18-19
Charlie Hall – “Give Us Clean Hands” is based on Psalm 24:3-6
Matt Maher – “For Your Glory” is from Ecc 3:1-8
Matt Maher – “As It is in Heaven” is from Luke 11:2-4
Matt Maher – “Unwavering” is from Mt 5:3-11
Michael Schroeder (WELS) – “the Greatest Gift” is also from Mt 5:3-11
Telecast – “Psalm 27” is based on Psalm 27
Vicky Beeching – “Yesterday, Today and Forever” is based on Heb 13:8 and Ps 102:26-27
Bob Fitts – “Victory Chant” is based on Rev 5:5
Gary Sadler – “Ancient of Days” is based on Dan 7
Robin Mark – “Days of Elijah” contains Isa 40:3
The Desperation Band – “I Am Free” is based on John 8:36
Big Daddy Weave – “Let it Rise” is based on Isa 60:1
Lincoln Brewster – “Majestic” is based on Ps 8:9
Jennie Riddle – “Revelation Song” is based on Rev 4:8
Delirious? – “Miracle Maker” is based on John 5
“On Eagle’s Wings” is Ps 91
The LORD Reigns
Psalms 93, 97 and 99 all begin with the acclamation ”the LORD reigns.” The following responsive reading draws attention to this Old Testament proclamation of praise.
P: The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved. (PS 93:1)
C: The LORD reigns; you are from all eternity. (93:2)
P: The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. (Ps97:1)
C: The LORD reigns. For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods. (Ps 97:9)
P: The LORD reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake. (Ps 99:1)
C: The LORD reigns. Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his holy mountain, for the LORD our God is holy. (Ps 99:9)
I would follow this up with the singing of one of these worship songs to make a powerful worship moment:
1. “Ancient of Days” by Gary Sadler & Jamie Harvill
2. “Lord, Reign in Me” by Brenton Brown
3. “He Reigns” by the Newsboys
4. “Come Thou Almighty King” by Charles Wesley
5. “We Will Glorify” by Twila Paris
6. “Beautiful Savior” by Stuart Townend
7. “Amazing Grace” (My Chains are Gone) by John Newton & Chris Tomlin
8. “Awesome God” by Richie Mullins
Here’s a video of the Newsboys singing “He Reigns.” I’ve never sung this in worship, it’s a bit too progressive for our tastes, but I’m thinking of using it at a future teen event.
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society
The Installation of Timothy Ehlers
I don’t know who all these Pastors are by name so I will only point out Tim Ehlers; he’s front and center. It was an incredible service with hymn singing so powerful that it felt like the pews were shaking.
The scripture texts were Joshua 1:1-9, 1 Peter 5:1-7, Mt 9:35 – 10:4 and Pastor Russell Schmidt (third from the right and in back) preached on Acts 10:23-25 and 30-33.
Children’s Messages
I’ve been leading children’s messages on a monthly rotation with four other gentlemen in our congregation for almost four years now. These messages are enjoyed by all, not just the children. Why? I’m sure that the Holy Spirit has a lot to do with this, but here’s some pointers based on lessons we’ve learned through the years:
- We do these messages every Sunday, in the middle of worship, and right in the main sanctuary, so everyone can watch and listen.
- The children come up to a reserved row of front pews for the message. Depending on the message, they are sometimes invited to sit on the floor in front of the presenter.
- Don’t always rely on the Pastor for this. Give your children some variety. Get a monthly rotation going with four or five volunteers, one of which is the Pastor.
- Pray for help as you prepare and right before you deliver the message.
- Start off on the right foot. Be positive, smile, say “good morning children” or “how’s everybody doing?” If it’s a small group, you might even want to walk in front of each of them and give each one a “high five.” Have an “ice breaker” moment before getting into God’s word.
- We always base the message on one of the day’s scripture readings.
- Keep the message short; no longer than 5 minutes.
- Use props, signs, pictures, gestures, singing, computer images, anything you can to make an impression and to grab their attention. Once for Transfiguration Sunday, I brought in one of my son’s Transformer toys to help describe the change that Jesus went through.
- Refrain from reading to them. Memorize passages if necessary. Maintain eye contact with them as much as possible. Don’t rely on anything written on paper. Have everything in your head. “Internalize” the story that you are telling.
- Use language and words that they understand. Define big “churchy” words if you have to use them.
- Involve them. Ask questions of them, ask for volunteers when needed to help with a skit, talk to them by name.
- They will get bored quickly if you just talk to them. At least be animated. Let the text drive your spirit; talk slowly or fast, loud or soft, high pitched or low pitched and use facial expressions.
- Act out the story as much as possible. If Elijah is using his cloak to part the Jordan River in your story, then wear your coat, take it off in front of them and slap the ground with it, swinging it way up over your head as you tell the story.
- Involve other people when needed. For example, at Pentecost, I had a volunteer play a wind sound WAV file on our sanctuary PC sound system when the sound of wind was discussed in the Acts 2 account.
- And lastly, here are two WEB resources to give you some ideas for most of the popular lectionary texts:
http://www.childrensermons.com/sermons/lectionary_archive.htm
You Are
One of my favorite songs to strum & sing is ”You Are” by Mark Roach. It does a beautiful job of emphasizing the names and attributes of Jesus. I will often use it as a pre-service piece to draw our attention towards Jesus, or I’ll play it during the Offering to draw attention to the lyric “you (Jesus) are the reason I make this offering.”
We have chosen this song as another pre-service piece for the upcoming Installation service of Pastor Timothy Ehlers at Messiah Lutheran Church (South Windsor, CT) on 3/8/2009.
If you are a guitarist, Mark Roach, has provided some wonderful resources on youtube. I now play this song with a cut capo. If you’ve never used one before, you might want to watch Marks’ instructional video followed by his instructions on how to use the cut capo on “You Are.” Here are the videos:
How to use the cut capo:
How to play “You Are” with the cut capo:
The finished product:
