Leaders, Singers, Songwriting, Vocal Team
Call Upon The Lord Through Song (Show #70)
#CallUponTheLord (Video Below)
4 min read
Do you believe what you sing?
What does it mean to call upon the Lord through sung prayer? Often when we sing we sing songs we go through the melodic motions as the lyrics escape our mouths.But what difference would it make to hold on to those words for a moment to see the beauty of what’s being said, rather what’s being prayed? When was the last time you called upon the Lord? This is where the words of your mouth speaks from the depths of your heart. Not just pretty words of Sunday School prayer, but longings that only the Lord can fill. (Rom 8.26)
Singing is more than words
If you and I were to were to capture the words in our hearts, how different would worship be? Any person can look deep within their heart and see the good and the bad of events, memories and emotions. Not everyone may want to see it all, but we know the Lord does.We can trust in Him that as He sees all, He also loves all of us. To call upon the Lord is more than song, it’s our connection to the One in whom we take refuge.
Are you singing words or singing your prayers?
“Call Upon The Lord,” Feature Track of the Week
Words & Music by: Steven Furtick and Chris Brown. Get the music on GuideTracks.co Let’s talk about Prosody and Text-Painting Have you ever thought a bout the direction of melody. Meaning, when the melody ascends and descends. This is not a new concept, but rather one of old from the Renaissance era. Simply in songwriting, when it’s happy the pitch goes up, when it’s sad the melody goes down. In between, you can explore all the emotions in how the lyrics are shaped by the topography of the melody. This brings more meaning and color to the words we sing. For example, let’s look at the words below – notice the notes to the side.Verse 1 We need no other hiding place (melody begins in lower octave – in the trenches) Our hope is safe within Your name (melody moves a bit downward) This we know this we know (melody peaks a bit up) You promised never to forsake What You began You will sustain (melody stays on same note “sustain”) This we know this we know (same as above) Chorus 1 I will call upon the Lord (melody starts in high register – declaration) For He alone (Ascends upward on “He” – giving emphasis) is strong enough to save (moves downward – like His saving Hand) Rise Your shackles are no more For Jesus Christ (triumphantly shouts) has broken every chain (resolves melody – finality = expressing victory) Verse 2 All of the heavens and the earth (melody begins in lower octave) Announce the fullness of Your worth This we know this we know And every enemy will flee (melody goes into the higher octave) As we declare Your victory (feeling of victory) This we know this we know (faith-believing) Bridge *Marching texture from band *Promotes an Anthem / Victory Chant *Emphasis on Christ breaking through Jesus’ name will break every stronghold (liberty) Freedom is ours when we call His name (freedom) Jesus’ name above every other (Above all Names – melody overhead) All hail the power of Jesus’ name (pointing back to the old Hymn “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name)
Be In Worship / Be in The Moment Singing the words as you are being in the moment – the two go together. As we looked at the lyrics and direction of melody by it’s shape and prosody, we have a greater picture of viewing God. We are in the moment.
When we allow the love of God to look beyond our failures, we begin to experience a lifting of our souls to His salvation. Especially in times of darkness, His light shines in every shadow. (Ps 139.12)
“Be in worship before you lead in worship.” @BranonDempsey
Lyrics of a song have a way to help us identify our emotions and thoughts. In combination of Scripture, worship and prayer, these serve as powerful expressions and means to give God worship. Also, we experience deep communion and fellowship with God. He has qualified you #Colossians1.10-13. Call upon the Lord for He is worthy of praise. Like what a good pastor taught me: “Don’t just lead worship, be in worship.”
COMING UP / WATCH SHOW #70!
Copyright 2016 Worship Team Training®
