What is your favorite worship song?

[Pearly Gator]

Of all the countless hymns, praise and worship songs that were ever penned, what one song moves you the most? Why does it move you? I ask because I'm studying what kind of songs "speak" to us. Please share title and lyric.

PG

[MrMike]

Mine is "Jesus, You Are My Life".

1) You are my life, Oh, precious Christ,
You are to me the pearl of greatest price.
My love for You will never die, Jesus, You are my life.
I come to You, I run to You, there’s no greater joy than knowing You.

2) Oh, holy fire, love’s purest light,
burn all desires till You are my one delight.
My love for You will never die, Jesus, You are my life.
I come to You, I run to You, there’s no greater joy than knowing You.

3) Oh, conquering King conquer my heart,
and make of me a pleasing gift to God.
My love for You will never die, Jesus, You are my life.

For me, the 3rd verse is really the kicker. The idea that Jesus could take this trainwreck that I had made of my life, and make it into something that is worthy of being laid before God as a gift just boggles my mind.

[seagullplayer]

I really like the simple chorus; "Amazing Love" and "Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord".

There are also several songs on Third Days Offerings CD's, that effect me everytime I listen to them.

[kewlpack]

I have way too many favorites... here are a handful.

FFH
"If Not For Christ"
"On My Cross"

Avalon
"Oxygen"

Steven Curtis Chapman
"Remember Your Chains"

Acapella
"Not My Will But Thine"

Find those songs and listen to them. Then sit back and marvel at Jesus Christ.

[Pearly Gator]

No, no, no!! One song only! Your "Desert Island" song.

[kewlpack]

No, no, no!! One song only! Your "Desert Island" song.Um, no can do. If I were forced to choose, I would choose to go without and just take a Bible - then I'd make my own music and use it for the lyrical inspiration. :angel

Honestly, I don't have a single favorite - there are just so many that inspire me and help me draw near.

[reverbbb]

I too have many favorites. But since I must choose only one, I would choose Michael W. Smith - Step By Step. It is actually a hybrid of a Rich Mullins song I MWS alterations.

Because of my musician minded attraction all my life, I am mostly drawn to melodies. Though this song exhibits an important message, but it may not be one of the more deep and meaningful songs lyric-wise.

If it needs lyrics based strength, then I would probably pick a song out of Casting Crowns or Mercy Me libraries.

[Ravindave_3600]

See, from His head, His hands, His feet -
sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Why? 21 years ago I spent a college summer in Israel, and one place I visited was an old convent, built supposedly on the site of Pilate's palace. There is a sub-basement of ancient flagstones, and in those stones are etchings. The tale the nuns tell is that this (supposedy) was the soldiers' quarters, where prisoners were brought to be abused.

As I stood there I looked around, looked at the floor and thought:
So, this is where it happened - for me.
It broke my heart.
And this is the song that kep running through my mind.

We don't sing "When I Survey" very much at my church, because the pastor can rarely get through that verse without breaking down. To me, this is the one song that best portrays what Christ did for us. It's the perfect mixture of sorrow and love, of sacrifice and majesty.

It's the world's greatest poem.

[Wally]

I can't name a single favorite either - Ravindale named one of my favorites, and Amazing Grace and Be Thou My Vision are two more that come to mind immediately, but there are lots more. :lol:

[Pearly Gator]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/pearlygator/giveup.gif Okay, I surrender. So, can you describe what it is about the song(s) that is special? Is it the lyric or melody? So far,it seems like songs that are vertical worship are 'special.'

PG

[kewlpack]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/pearlygator/giveup.gif Okay, I surrender. So, can you describe what it is about the song(s) that is special? Is it the lyric or melody? So far,it seems like songs that are vertical worship are 'special.'

LOL :dance:

:hmmm: Hmmm well the lithmus test for me with one of these types of songs has more to do with lyrics:
Do they take me into the sanctuary (in my mind's eye)?
Does the song help me envision Jesus or God in an emotional way?
Does the song bring Scripture into my heart/mind rather than just entertaining me?

That's why I really love the older traditional types of hymns. They just can't be beat lyrically.

[bvmjethead]

My favorite worship song lately is literally not a "worship song", not in the strict sense of the word anyway.

I've never named an all time favorite song, band or style, as my musical tastes and current listening palette is constantly changing.

I've been on a live Led Zeppelin kick lately, listening to everything I can find of them playing live.

There have been several versions of "The Song Remains The Same" that brought me right into the throne room.

I just am flabbergasted those four guy's were blessed with that much talent and did not acknowledge the source.

The talent that comes out through their music just makes me see God and brings me into an attitude of worship.

That much skill can come from no other but our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

YMMV

Other than that I've been digging on Stryper "Against The Law", Phatfish "Purple Through The Fishtank" and "We Know The Story", Jennifer Knapp "Kansas", Third Day "Worship", Toby Mac "Diverse City" Whiteheart "Powerhouse".........

[SAguitar]

Shucks, this is a hard one. Lemme think on it for awhile... :crazy

[Ravindave_3600]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/pearlygator/giveup.gif Okay, I surrender. So, can you describe what it is about the song(s) that is special? Is it the lyric or melody? So far,it seems like songs that are vertical worship are 'special.'

LOL :dance:

:hmmm: Hmmm well the lithmus test for me with one of these types of songs has more to do with lyrics:
Do they take me into the sanctuary (in my mind's eye)?
Does the song help me envision Jesus or God in an emotional way?
Does the song bring Scripture into my heart/mind rather than just entertaining me?
.

Good answers, Kewl. I'd probably adapt your second point to say "Does the song help me envision Jesus or God with my heart (emotions) and my mind (mental understanding)." I enjoy contemporary worship stuff, but there's not really all that much which engages the mind as well as the heart (for me).

The other thing, a little obvious maybe, is that the melody must support those great lyrics. I mentioned "When I Survey" earlier; the music is stately, almost elegant, and whether you play it with a band, or an orchestra, or just pick out the tune one-fingered on the piano, it still says "These sounds deserve deep words."

Not every great song needs THAT music, but every great song is a combination of great poetry and sound.

[stephen]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v630/pearlygator/giveup.gif Okay, I surrender. So, can you describe what it is about the song(s) that is special? Is it the lyric or melody? So far,it seems like songs that are vertical worship are 'special.'

LOL :dance:

:hmmm: Hmmm well the lithmus test for me with one of these types of songs has more to do with lyrics:
Do they take me into the sanctuary (in my mind's eye)?
Does the song help me envision Jesus or God in an emotional way?
Does the song bring Scripture into my heart/mind rather than just entertaining me?
.

Good answers, Kewl. I'd probably adapt your second point to say "Does the song help me envision Jesus or God with my heart (emotions) and my mind (mental understanding)." I enjoy contemporary worship stuff, but there's not really all that much which engages the mind as well as the heart (for me).

The other thing, a little obvious maybe, is that the melody must support those great lyrics. I mentioned "When I Survey" earlier; the music is stately, almost elegant, and whether you play it with a band, or an orchestra, or just pick out the tune one-fingered on the piano, it still says "These sounds deserve deep words."

Not every great song needs THAT music, but every great song is a combination of great poetry and sound.

Great thread guys! Bvmjethead hit on a good element too, as to how all good things come from our Father in Heaven, and while we can be in awe of such things, the lyrics dont give the Praise, where the Praise is due!

Right now the Praise and Worship song that is my favorite, was written by mt Praise Team leader, called "Forever with You my Lord!" Awesome! Worshipful/Praise packed lyrics, and a great melody! I'm a die-hard blues-rocker at heart, but this jazzy (think mid to late 70's) rock melody just gets me to grinnin, and I envision that even these guys are singing: :angel

I gotta start pushin the Team to get serious about recording, cause I would love to see this song get out and bless people!

[ptrallan01]

Pearly Gator:

One song only

Open my eyes that I may see,
Glimpses of truth thou hast for me
place in my hands the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free

Silently now I wait for thee
ready my God thy will to see
Open my eyes Illumine me
Spirit divine

Open my ears and let me hear
voices of truth thou sendeth clear
and as the wave notes fall on my ear
everything false will disappear

Silently now I wait for thee
ready my God thy will to see
Open my ears illumine me
Spirit Divine

Open my mouth and let me bear
gladly the warm truth everywhere
open my heart and let me prepare
love with thy children thus to share

Silently now I wait for thee
ready my God thy will to see
Opne my heart Illumine me
Spirit Divine

(See Wally I like some of those old ones too!) :-)

Okay the the melody and rhythm of this song are simple so I don't have to think too hard to sing it. Thats important in a worship song too complex and its becomes a study in music theory.

Next the words remind me that unless God shows me the way I will forever remain in darkness.

Third it reminds me to wait on HYMN :oops: (Couldn't help myself)

Fourth I learned it as a child and it is burned into my soul as what I reach for in times of trouble.

Peter

[stephen]

If it needs lyrics based strength, then I would probably pick a song out of Casting Crowns or Mercy Me libraries.

Yeah! Their lyrics are powerful. I cant be drivin, and really listening to em: I have to pull over and just be with Him for a bit.

I can only imagine, is so simple, yet so unfathomably deep:

Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?

Will I dance for You Jesus, or in Awe of You, be still?

Will I stand in Your Presence, or to my knees will I fall?

Will I sing Halelujah!, or will I be able to speak at all?

I can only imagine.

yeah.

I can only imagine.

[sflem1039]

For me the answer is easy...


Shout to the Lord !!

Always has been my favorite. Especially the key change.

[wishus]

All time favorite: probably "Amazing Grace." I don't know why. I usually don't connect with hymns.

Of the modern stuff, I like "God of Wonders" which I can never remember the name of. It took me 2 minutes to think of it just now. I always call it "God of the Universe," probably because it talks about galaxies (http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap050304.html). When I look at pictures (http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap050301.html) of galaxies (http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap050213.html) and nebulae (http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap050206.html) I am filled with a sense of awe and wonder at the creator of it all. My mind shuts down trying to comprehend how much stuff (http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap050204.html) is out there (http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap050125.html), how small I am, and why he would care about me.

[Pearly Gator]

Great stuff! Keep it coming!

PG

[tom grossheider]

If only one, then this one for me. I will forever bow in awe and wonder before Him, whom I long to meet face to face.

Holy, Holy, Holy
By: Reginald Heber

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy, All the saints adore thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before thee;
Which wert and art and evermore shalt be.

Holy, holy, holy, Though the darkness hide thee,
Thought the eye made blind by sin thy glory may not see,
Only thou art holy; there is none beside thee,
Perfect n power, in love and purity.

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty!
All thy works shall praise thy name in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty!
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity!

[lockingnut]

Top of my list is "Salt & Light" by Jaime ?????? <her name's slipped my mind> ..
then "He Reigns", Newsboys. Then lately they're playing "Run" by Kutless on Way radio, that's a good one. Guess I have a bunch of favorites.

[beatlenut]

At the moment it is "How Great is our God" by Chris Tomlin. Modern and ancient sounding at the same time.

Great for a "blended" service. In other words, it wont scare the traditionalists :innocent

[stephen]

New one I gotta add to the list:

"It Is Done" A new P/W song written by one of our lady's on the P/W Team. Meredith did an outstanding writing job on this one! Awseome!

[awmiller]

What is the most meaningful P&W song to me and why? Well I gave this some indepth thought and I'm not going to be one of those people that say "there's so many". Yeah just as there are so many candy bars out there, you do have your favorite right? So how's that for a segway into Psalm 34:8 - "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him." (NIV)??!!

For me, it's the song - "How Wonderful You Are". This song speaks of our LORD's awesome incredibleness over every created thing and how I just want to thank Him for all that He's given to me through His gift of life.

When I play this song there are times when my eyes water and my voice cracks and all I can do is play and let the tears of thankfulness pour down. While this song speaks of how our LORD is bigger than everything, I'm comforted by His words of assurance: "...surely I am with you always..." (Matt 28:20). I'm just astounded at how the Maker of everything is always by my side. How can one not help but to sing and shout praises!!

Praise On!! \o/ \O/ \o/
Alan

How Wonderful You Are

Your love is higher than the mountains, deeper than the oceans
Wider than the heavens and brighter than the stars
And I will sing of how wonderful You are

You are Mighty, Pure, and Holy
You’re unchangeable and true there is none like You
How wonderful You are
How wonderful You are

[2nd chorus]

You are Mighty, Pure, and Holy
You’re unchangeable and true there is none like You
How wonderful You are
How wonderful You are (repeat 3x)
How wonderful You are
You are so wonderful, so mighty, pure and holy
You are so wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, wonderful

[colefish]

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.

Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, be leaving, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.

Wow! Many meaty lines in there but the one that probably does it for me... Be still my soul, the hour is hastening on, when we shall be forever with the Lord.

I really like the version that The Kry does of this. It is shortened a little bit but whenever I hear this I am in worship immediately!

[msaint]

'When love takes you in'
SC Chapman

'Your grace still amazes me'
Phillips, craig and Dean

[LCC MusicMan]

There's a guy in Georgia named Aaron Keyes who has an independent worship CD called "Because" that's one of the best I've ever heard. The title track, a beautiful ballad, is called "Love You Because," and it's probably my favorite. I highly recommend going to www.aaronkeyes.com and checking out his site. You can only buy the CD direct from him... it's $15 and worth every penny. (This ain't an ad for him... he doesn't advertise... just leads worship).

VERSE 1
Lord I cry, "Maranatha!"
Lord I sing, "Hallelujah!"
Lord You are higher than exalted
Where You are is where I want to be
I lift my eyes to Your throne
I lift my voice to You alone in worship, in worship

CHORUS
And You turn your ear to me, draw near to me
Hold me when I am in need
And my lips will sing your praise, my heart's been set ablaze
The glory of your face will I see
It's all because of You, Lord Jesus Christ
In all that I do, in all of my life
I will worship You, I'll honor You
I'll love You because You first loved me

VERSE 2
Now You're there in the splendor of your holiness
Hear this prayer, Father grant my one request
For this child, who one day soon we'll see face to face
Take and guide, and shower down your sweet, sweet grace
I spread my hands before your throne
I live my life for You alone, in worship, in worship

CHORUS

[dmock66]

My favorite is Only You from David Crowder Band Illuminate. It varies over time, but right now that one brings me to my knees at the cross every time.

[MrMike]

Wow!!! 2 Iowans here! I lived there for about 14 years or so; met my lovely wife there. (She's an Iowa girl!) We were in the Northwest, about 60 miles east of Sioux City, in the Storm Lake area.

[jgnov99]

Grace and Peace to all,
I'm a big fan of Mac Powell recently...
"Your Love, Oh Lord" or "King of Glory"
(I know, I know, but I can't pick just ONE!)

Praise His Name!
jg

[Mr. 336]

Lately we've been doing a bluesey version of The Lord's Prayer...
I'm not sure who came up w/the chords & melody, but it starts with:
E..B/C#...D...A......E...............B/C#...D..A...
Father- in heaven....hallowed be Thy Name
It really gets intense by the time you get to "For Thine is the kingdom, & the power, & the glory..."
Forever & ever, amen!

[Brian]

tg, Holy Holy Holy does it for me too. What imagry!

[OlsonAcoustic]

We Exalt Thee

:bowdown:

[Teleguy]

Halleluia, What a saviour! (AKA Man of Sorrows, What a name: which is also the first line.

It's the Story, in brief. The whole thing is there, for me. My story is in it.


Of the modern stuff we've done lately I'm liking "Let Everything That Hath Breath Praise The Lord."

[stephen]

Of the modern stuff we've done lately I'm liking "Let Everything That Hath Breath Praise The Lord."

AllTogetherSeperates version?

[Teleguy]

Of the modern stuff we've done lately I'm liking "Let Everything That Hath Breath Praise The Lord."

AllTogetherSeperates version?

Not exactly sure.
I heard it on the radio, and we have a chart, but it doesn't say "...as recorded by..." or anything.
Matt Redman?

[stephen]

Does the chorus go:

"Everything that,
everything that,
everything that hath breathe Praise the Lord!"

[stephen]

It always seems to change with me, but right now, its "I will trust in You" as performed by Jeremy Camp. We've been playing that lately at church, and everyone really seems to love it!

[seagullplayer]

Grace and Peace to all,
I'm a big fan of Mac Powell recently...
"Your Love, Oh Lord" or "King of Glory"
(I know, I know, but I can't pick just ONE!)

Praise His Name!
jg

Welcome to the board. :cool:
Mac Powell is great.
I just got the new Third Day CD last week, I love every song on it.
I really like "Carry My Cross", that would be great song for Easter Service.

[Teleguy]

Does the chorus go:

"Everything that,
everything that,
everything that hath breathe Praise the Lord!"


That is the one, yes!

[stephen]

Does the chorus go:

"Everything that,
everything that,
everything that hath breathe Praise the Lord!"


That is the one, yes!

I believe that is off their Ardent Worship CD. I miss them!

[CortLegacy]

it's a tough call for me, like every one else. Grace Like Rain takes me straight into the throneroom, but I can also really worship to We Worship You

Sing unto the Lord, a brand new song . . .

[Ascension]

Mine may be a little "different " . I have for years been involved in local politicts . As a Christian who walks in the Prophetic I feel the Lord has called me to be salt and light here in Birmingham. I have tried to change the heart and direction of a City and now am taking that farther and running for a State House Seat . The Song ??
Charley Hall - King of Glory
I see the watchman climbing up the wall
I hear the intercessors groaning
I see the martyrs dying for the truth
I see the glory of the Lord upon the earth

I see the high places crumble to the ground
I see the King of Kings exalted over all
I see a generation falling on there face
I see the kingdom of the Lord upon the earth

Oh we wait for you oh King of Glory

[TheViking]

... but I must say I am a big fan of some of the older stuff. Day by Day, Nearer my God to thee, Abide with me. I love songs with good strong melody lines allowing u to orchestrate them in any direction without loosing the "Nerve" of the song. I also love quite a few of the old scandinavian traditional hymns.

[stephen]

........... Grace Like Rain takes me straight into the throneroom, .........................

I'm really startin to like that song a whole lot! You got a chord chart for it?

[CortLegacy]

It's a pretty simple song, four chords over and over again. I think on the album it's

Dm Bb F C

[stephen]

Cool!

[Ravindave_3600]

After worship today, a woman mentioned we had sung her favorite:

Be Thou My Vision, O Lord of my heart
naught be all else to me save that Thou art
Thou my best thought by day or by night
Waking or sleeping Thy presence my light

Riches I heed not nor man's empty praise
Thou mine inheritance now and always
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart
High King of heaven, my treasure Thou art.

It doesn't get much better than that!

[Crunchyriff]

I have three 'favorites' among many:

I Hear Angels (I've been singing that one for years)

The Wonderful Cross (modern arrangement)

Holy, Holy, Holy (Lord God Almighty!)

With this third selection, I still have visions of the LA Coliseum during a PK event I attended there; and the sound and sight of 73,000+ men on our faces before God still moves me to tears.

[Old Believer]

Better is One Day :bowdown:

[MadHatter]

I think my all time favorite is King of majesty

but I really love that StrongTower by Kutless

[stephen]

My update:

Now its "Grace Like Rain", by Todd Agnew.

I guess I have a favorites list about 7 and a half miles long!

[Bswailes]

I really like the simple chorus; "Amazing Love" and "Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord".

My favorite of late is "Lord Have Mercy" and I heartily second your suggestion of "Amazing Love."

Both wonderfully crafted in thoughtful lyrics and arrangements.

[popthree]

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