FredMcKinnon.Com

Praise and worship songs … we have thousands of them, and every week that passes brings us new CD’s, DVD’s, YouTube Videos, and Indie Music features.

I’d put songwriting in the “worship arts” category, it’s truly an art form. I’ve written quite a few songs over the years myself, but as a worship leader, I’m always excited to find “the songs” that truly are “getting it done” in the context of personal or corporate worship. (oh yeah, for a great article of worship songwriting, checkout Bobby Gilles’ article on the new TheWorshipCommunity.Com)

I truly believe that there are “lifetime” songs … these are songs that seem to have that special touch on them that make them last for generations. Old hymns such as “Amazing Grace” would fit this category. I believe some modern choruses such as “Shout To the Lord” and “How Great is Our God” would also fit into this category.

Then there are songs that seem to have the “touch” or “anointing” on them for a season. You never really know if one of these “seasonal” songs will be a “lifetime song”, but you can jump in and ride the wave that these songs create.

Over the last year, I’ve found a few of those songs that just seem to “have it”. These songs never fail to inspire and evoke a response to God through worship. They seem to have a special anointing for such a time as this. It’s as if there is something special that sets these songs apart. In addition, these songs seem to gain momentum – not just in your own church, but across entire globe.

For me, there are three songs that have done this for me recently. Titles are links to the songs in iTunes.

1. How He Loves (written by John Mark McMillan) – my favorite rendition is the one by Kim Walker on Jesus Culture’s “We Cry Out” album. Of the three songs, this one is the “oldest” for me .. I’ve been exposed to it for many months, and it’s still holding that power. I don’t expect this to be one of those “lifetime” songs for certain reasons, but it’s definitely a song that is full of power right now.

2. God of This City (written by a whole team of folks) – my favorite rendition is on the Passion CD by Chris Tomlin. This song is sweeping the nation. Especially when combined with creative use of visual media, this song has the capability to inspire all who sing it, and it carries a strong anointing to motivate you in evangelism and prayer. This song has an incredible story, and was actually written spontaneously from the inside of a prostitution house. (no kidding) Again, I could be wrong, but don’t expect this to be a “timeless” song like “How Great is our God” … but it definitely has a strong anointing for the moment.

3. Healer (written my Mike Guglielgucci) – my favorite version is the one by Planetshakers, though I’ve just received a pre-release copy of the recording by Hillsongs. This one is at the top of the list for me right now. Watching the video that sets up this song makes it so powerful; yet one can fall in love with this song without ever knowing the story. The story only makes the song more powerful. I could see this one possibly becoming a generational song … it’s message, the craftsmanship of the lyrics, the melodic line, the big Chorus … it has all the goods, and I believe it’s doctrinally sound.

So of all the worship songs out there … what are the songs that have the biggest “get’r done” factor for you this year?

Fred