Happy Saturday, friends,

The past few days have been filled with so many graces for my family.  I feel so blessed.  If you follow me on Instagram, you will know that my grandfather passed away earlier this week after a five month battle with cancer.  Though it has been tough, this whole experience has been covered in the goodness of God.  From the beginning of his illness to the end, Christ has had his hand on us.  Thank you again to all who reached out with prayers!  We truly appreciate it!

I’ve had this post planned for a while, though I think it is even more applicable now.  I have always recognized the power of music to take us out of ourselves and into greater things.  My piano teacher is known to say that instrumental music has the ability to transport one out of their conscious thoughts and into the spirit.  When you simply take the time to take in the power of music, it is such a beautiful tool.

This goes for all types of music.  Most recently, I have seen the power of funeral songs.  One cannot help but think of heaven when they hear the comforting words of How Great Thou Art.  Even songs like Blest are they and the Prayer of Saint Francis never cease to console us.

Music has a beautiful place in Christian life. I challenge you to take advantage of some of these beautiful pieces.  Some of them you’ve probably heard a hundred times.  Maybe next Sunday is your time to  really hear them, though.  Work them into your lives, in whatever way you like, and see them work through you.  Really listen to them and try to understand their meaning.  Christ is truly present in the song of our hearts, oh so present.

Worship:

As It Is (In Heaven) | Hillsong Worship  —  O God Forgive Us | For King and Country —  Wonder | Hillsong United  —  So Will I | Hillsong United  – – You Will Make Me Brave | Bethel Music  —  No Longer Slaves | Jonathan David & Melissa Helser  —  King of My Heart | Bethel Worship  —  I Surrender | Hillsong Worship  —  Holy | Matt Maher  —  Spirit of the Living God | Meredith Andrews  —  Holy Spirit | Francesca Battistelli  —

Work Out Songs:

Deliverer | Matt Maher  —  Glory Bound | Matt Maher  —  Overcomer | Mandisa  —  Good Morning | Mandisa  —  Proof of Your Love | For King and Country  —  Sore | Meredith Andrews  —  Need You Now | Plumb  —  Giants Fall | Francesca Battestelli  —  Fearless | Jasmine Murray  —  Bullet Proof | Citizens Way  —  The Comeback | Danny Gokey  —  Ready or Not | Britt Nicole  —  Love with Your Life | Hollyn

Church Songs/Hymns:

Above All | Blest Are They  | Breathe |  Christ, Be Our Light  |  Dwelling Place  |  Holy God, We Praise Thy Name  |  Holy Is Your Name  |  How Beautiful  |  I Am the Bread of Life  |  This is Jesus  |  Prayer of St. Francis  |  Sweet Redeemer  |  At the Name of Jesus  |  The King of Love My Shepherd Is  |  We Are Called