Desert Song

Last Sunday we introduced Brooke Fraser's "Desert Song" to our congregation. This is an example of a song that I think works on multiple levels - memorable melody, great Scriptural truths, poetic lyrics and timely message. In a season when many are experiencing financial difficulty, job losses and the ripple effects those can have on families, this is the kind of song that the church needs to be singing.

Before we went out for services we spent some time as a team reflecting on the lyrics of "Desert Song".

Verse 1
This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in my hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

Verse 2
This is my prayer in the fire
In weakness or trial or pain
There is a faith proved of more worth than gold
So refine me Lord through the flame

Verse 3
This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

Chorus
I will bring praise
I will bring praise
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice
I will declare
God is my victory and He is here

Bridge
All of my life in every season
You are still God
I have a reason to sing
I have a reason to worship

Verse 4
This is my prayer in the harvest
When favour and providence flow
I know I'm filled to be emptied again
The seed I've received I will sow

CCLI Song No. 5060793 © 2008 Hillsong Publishing (Admin. in U.S. & Canada by Integrity's Hosanna! Music) Brooke Fraser CCLI License No. 10491

As I meditate on these words several Scripture passages come to mind...

• Ps. 63 - David's words (in the context of his own desert experience) speak of thirst and praise
• 1 Peter 1:7 - Peter speaks of being refined by the trials, and on V2 Brooke directly quotes in the line "a faith proved of more worth than gold"
• Isaiah 54:17 - the prophet speaks of the day when God will restore His people, with the promise that "no weapon forged against you will prevail" - a line from the chorus
• Romans 8 - V3 speaks of us being "conquerors" (Rom. 8:37) and "co-heirs" (Rom. 8:17) in and through Jesus Christ

Now that you know that this song contains some precious biblical truths, let's sing and play it with a passion and awareness of God's presence!

Bonus:
Came across this powerful video - Jill McCloghry, one of Hillsong's worship leaders, shares a personal story involving "Desert Song". It's worth your time.

Preview of Next Encounter - Names of Jesus

I always look forward to our times of corporate worship - but I especially look forward to our Encounter services. The opportunity to spend extended time in God's presence singing, reflecting and responding - and to do so with folks who've made a point of being there - is sweet indeed.

The theme for the October Encounter is "The Names of Jesus." As I was looking at possible songs for the evening, I came across a Delirious song called "How Sweet the Name" from their Kingdom of Comfort album. I loved the melody and piano instrumentation - and I immediately identified with the song's personal lyric. We'll be doing the song during a more intimate of worship.

Enjoy the preview...

What would I have become
If you’d never stopped to pull me through
What would this life had done
If you’d never whispered liberty
I heard you sing so sweetly a song of love

Jesus how sweet the name
The name that saves
Jesus how sweet the sound
The sound of grace
The sound of praise
The sound that saves

So many songs I’ve sung
But there’s none more beautiful than you
And here I’ve found myself
So I’m happy to be lost in you
I hear you sing so sweetly, a song called love

Every soul needs a saviour

Rhythms

Back in June we had an Encounter worship service. For those of you unfamiliar with what Encounter is all about, the tagline for every Encounter service is "slow down-savor-worship." We want people to come and enjoy God's presence as they "unplug" from the pace of modern life. More singing, more creativity - it's a totally unique experience.

The theme for the evening was "Sacred Rhythms" and the main Scripture text was Gal. 5:25: "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit". One way we illustrated the idea of "keeping in step" with God's Spirit was through the use of percussion - a lot of percussion!

John Hogan, a professional drummer/instructor, came up from NC to lead the routines (as well as a workshop). His wife Melody is a visual artist, and her artwork was featured the last couple of months in our church coffee bar (you can check it out here). It was a pleasure to get to know both of them back in June, and I'm glad they'll be returning this weekend.

John will once again be leading some of our drummers in a reprisal of the floor tom routine that ended the Encounter service. Don't miss it - it will start both services this Sunday, Aug. 29!

Below is a video of the percussion routine (think STOMP) that opened the Encounter service. Enjoy!

Hello...It's Me Again

So yes, it's been a LONG time since I've posted anything new on this blog. Those on the Living Word worship team know that I've had quite an eventful summer - the cancer diagnosis, treatment, relocating to a new house. Throughout God has proven Himself faithful, especially in my weakness. I have been humbled by the prayers and support of our extended family at Living Word.

All that being said, I'm ready to start a new chapter of life and ministry.

And, I'm committing to posting something on this blog at least once a week.

For the worship team members - you'll be hearing more at our all-team mtg. on Sept. 19, but I'm excited about the opportunity to examine the Psalms together. I'm hoping this blogsite will play a significant role in the study and application of this ancient hymnbook.

So, this is a new beginning. I'm excited about what God is doing and will be doing in the worship ministry here at Living Word.

Buckle up!