Songs for Congregation

You can download any of these songs for free. All I ask is that you report to LicenSing or CCLI if you use them. It would also be great to hear from people who are using the songs, just because it makes all this a little more personal.

This month's featured song is:
One Generation Will Call to the Next - CCLI#4769466
Looking for a song to celebrate and encourage intergenerational worship? This setting of Psalm 145:1-7 was one of the winning songs of the CRC sesqucentennial hymn contest and was sung in worship at the 2008 Calvin Worship Symposium. (PDF, MP3) There is also an arrangement for choir and piano.

A City On a Hill - CCLI#1609337

Mount Zion has a special significance to the author of Psalm 48 because it is the location of the holy city Jerusalem, the palaces of Israel's king, and the temple of Yahweh. Just as God dwelled in Zion for the Israelites, the church of Christ (and all our individual churches) should be "a city on a hill"--a holy place that is set apart for God and allows the light of his Spirit to illuminate a lost world. Or as Jesus says in Matthew 5:14, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden." (get the files)

A Great and Mighty Wonder - CCLI#2929143

With a text written by St. Germanus around 700AD and new music written in 1999, this upbeat folk rock version of the classic Christmas hymn will be a three millenial hit with your congregation during the Christmas 2000 season! (get the files)

Alleluia (Our God) - CCLI#4636214

Many churches sing Rich Mullins' "Awesome God," but few sing the verses. It's a beautiful chorus, but once you've repeated it three or four times you're done. So I composed a little "Alleluia" to remedy this problem. Just sing "Awesome God" a few times, then segue right into this "Alleluia." I've included alternate lyrics that allow the song to be used in medley with "Humble Yourself in the Sight of the Lord" or just about any other song in E minor. (PDF)

As the Deer - CCLI#1276155

Psalm 42 and 43 are set to a haunting, melancholic melody that mirrors the poignancy of the original Psalm text. This song continues to be one of the most frequently downloaded songs of the site. Also available in Chinese translation. (get the files)

Come, All You Weary - CCLI#4496715

One of the wonderful things about the Christian faith is that Jesus doesn't require us to "have it all together" before we come to him. Before we even knew we needed him, he was calling us. This short, meditative song, reminds us that those of us who are tired and weighed down are especially welcome. Jesus is calling us to himself. (get the files)

Creation's Chorus - CCLI#3276352

A hip-hop gospel version of Psalm 148? Don't laugh until you've heard it! (PDF)

Crossing the Jordan - CCLI#2777333

Sometimes we get caught in a wilderness between Egypt and the Promised Land where we can't enjoy the pleasures of either. This bluegrass-tinged song uses the Jordan River as a metaphor for the final crossing we must make before entering into the fullness of life in Jesus. (get the files)

Deeper than the Sea - CCLI#4769349

This rendition of Psalm 36:5-9 is an expansive folk-rock song of praise to the Creator whose love surpasses the grandeur of all creation. The choral arrangement was recorded on the Rosthern Junior College's 2007 CD Praise Song, and the students liked it so much they included it in their graduation ceremony! (Sorry I can't make this one available online, as it's in production at GIA. While you wait for it's release, take a listen to an MP3 recording by the Rosthern Junior College Choir)

Doxology - CCLI#4448921

A simple folk setting of Thomas Ken's beloved text "Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow." If your worship team has folk groove, give it a try. (PDF)

Doxskalogy - CCLI#4448952

Put Thomas Ken, a horn section, and a tireless backbeat into a blender and what comes out? Doxskalogy. It was originally written for the 2002 Ska chapel at Northwestern College. Any church that does praise and worship in a ska style (all 2 of you) is obliged to sing this one. (PDF)

Eternal Family - CCLI#4484112

My understanding of God and faith has been profoundly affected by the book Worship, Community & the Triune God of Grace by James B. Torrance. I try to pack as much of his vision-expanding Trinitarian theology as I can in the four verses of this song. (MP3, PDF)

Faith, First and Last - CCLI#(2761992

Paul introduces and summarizes the subject of the book of Romans in chapter 1 verses 16 and 17. "Faith, First and Last" stays close to his words to allow for a sung affirmation. (get the files)

Fear God, and Keep His Commandments - CCLI#2762025

If I ever have a hit, this won't be it. It's not a bad song, it's just an impossible task to write a song based on Romans 2:1-16 and Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 that tugs at the heart's strings. But I had committed to composing a song each week for a sermon series on Romans, and this is what came out. (PDF)

Feed Us, Lord - CCLI#4636207

This simple, reflective communion song focuses on the way Jesus feeds our hearts at the table. This version of the song includes a piano part and has the option of three keys with modulations: C, D and F. Though your congregation will pick up the tune in no time, you may want to consider introducing it with the arrangement for SATB Choir and Piano. (get the pdf file)

From the City - CCLI#4240253

Using the early American tune HOLY MANNA in a brand new folk arrangement, this text is a prayer that God would bring peace and justice on earth and a call to God's people to work toward this never-ending jubilee. Among other places, it was sung at the 2007 general synod of the Reformed Church in America. (MP3, PDF)

God Moves in a Mysterious Way - CCLI#2762135

This text by William Cowper is a profound statement on faith in God's providence: "You fearful saints fresh courage take, the clouds you so much dread are filled with mercy and shall break with blessings on your head." This new melody is probably a bit too difficult for congregation, but the arrangement for four part choir, piano, and flute makes a great anthem. (PDF)

Grace and Peace to You - CCLI#2762180

Paul's simple, yet profound, greeting to the church in Rome is the inspiration for this song. It could be used effectively as a gathering song, a benediction or during the passing of the peace. (get the files)

Garden of Grace - CCLI#2929246

Another song from my Romans series, this time inspired by Romans 5:12-21. I've always loved this song, but it never felt quite right until a few months ago when I completely overhauled the lyrics and wrote a piano arrangement to support the melody. Now it's perfect. (PDF)

House of Praise - CCLI#1276179

We often forget that we worship a triune God. One of the things I occasionally do in my music is dedicate a verse to each person of the Trinity. In this song it takes the form of 1) Jesus Christ, the rock upon which the church is built 2) the Spirit who descends like a dove as we worship 3) the Lord God who has shown us mercy and deserves our offerings of praise. The song is also appropriate for prayer meetings; if you'd like to change the lyrics to "House of Prayer" for such occasions feel free to do so. (get the files)

Hymns

Over the years I've created arrangements of my favorite hymns in styles that work well for praise teams. I try to make them sound natural with a rhythm section while remaining true to the original hymn. Here are some of the leadsheets:
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing - CCLI#4483546 (pdf)
Guide My Feet - (piano arrangement at the CICW website)
Just As I Am (piano arrangement at the CICW website)
Joyful, Joyful, We Adore You - CCLI#4584940 (pdf)
O Sing a Song of Bethlehem - CCLI#4484057 (pdf)
O Splendor of God's Glory Bright - CCLI#4483467 (pdf)
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (Praise the Lord, O My Soul) - CCLI#4448907 (pdf in E, pdf in F, piano arrangement at the CICW website)
The King of Love My Shepherd Is - CCLI#4468107 (pdf)

I Surrender All to You - CCLI#4468138

If you'd like to expand your repertoire of dedication songs beyond the classics "I Surrender All" and "Take My Life and Let It Be" you should give this a try. It's a short Matt Redman-ish song which reminds us that our lives are a 24/7 sacrifice in response to God's love. (get the files)

I Will Magnify My Maker - CCLI#4448976

I bit chippier than my usual style, but a guy's got to write an unabashedly happy one every once in a while, right? (PDF, MP3)

I Will Wait Upon the Lord - CCLI#1276227

This was written for Cornerstone University Ministry at the request of Henry Knapp. I chose Psalm 40 because I felt that the image of the feet being placed on solid rock could be appropriately updated to refer to the Solid Rock, Jesus Christ, the Cornerstone of our faith. (get the files)

I'll Be a Witness to the Light - CCLI#4642363

Perfect for both Advent and Epiphany, this simple song of dedication has verses based on John 1:6-8; 19-28, 35-42, and 43-51. Includes piano accompaniment. (PDF)

In a Still, Small Voice - CCLI#2310965

This quiet ballad uses I Kings 19:11-13 and events from Jesus' ministry to reflect on hearing the still, small voice of the Lord in our world today. (get the files)

Jesus - CCLI#2929253

"The most eloquent poetry, the richest theology barely begins to reveal the mystery." This acoustic rock ballad concedes that no words or music will ever capture the beauty and love of Jesus. But isn't his surpassing worth and our inability to fully understand him all the more reason for adoration? (get the files)

Lead Me to the Rock - CCLI#4448897

Psalm 61 is both a cry for help and an affirmation of trust. This song tries to capture both expressions with its minor key verse and its major key chorus. If your worship team wants to explore the full range of emotioins found in the Psalms--the lament as well as the praise--this is a good place to start. (get the files)

Let His Name Be Lifted Up - CCLI#1276258

The verses of this song celebrate the crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and return of Christ--each being a reason to sing "Let His Name Be Lifted Up" in the chorus! (get the files)

Light and Salt - CCLI#2046590

"Light and Salt" is an upbeat song inspired by Jesus' words in Matthew 5:13-16. The evangelistic theme of the lyrics make it an excellent song to encourage Christians to reach out to a lost world. (get the files)

Lord, We Set Apart This Time - CCLI#4448945

This hymn makes the perfect bookends for a service: verse one is a call to worship and verse two is a call to service. Because it's written in four-part hymn form rather than leadsheet, it's also appropriate for choir. (PDF)

May the Mind of Christ, My Savior - CCLI#3186978

This classic text has been set to a new tune which has a mesmerizing Celtic feel. The song's theme of consecration and aspiration makes it a great way to close a service. This song is also included in Faith Alive's Sing with Me song book. (get the files)

Maybe the Rain - CCLI#2046497

This song was written for Bellefield Presbyterian Church's praise team pianist, Jeff Stehle. The lyrics emphasize the fact that the "rain" we experience in our lives may be exactly what is needed for us to grow--an idea which took on new meaning when Jeff was diagnosed with cancer. Though he's in remission, I'd ask that you would say a quick prayer on his behalf when you play this song-just think of it as royalties paid in prayers! An arrangement for solo voice and piano is published by Augsburg Fortress in With All My Heart, vol. 2 and as an SAB/piano anthem in the forthcoming Wade in the Water. (get the files)

More of You - CCLI#2762221

Romans 3:9-20 is the inspiration for this musical prayer of confession, that ends with a plea to be filled with Christ's righteousness. (PDF)

My Keeper - CCLI#2929260

Imagine Jars of Clay singing Psalm 121 and you have a good idea of what "My Keeper" sounds like. The mesmerizing vocal line which echoes back and forth between the men and the women floats on top of a driving guitar rhythm. Perfect for college praise teams. (get the files)

My Soul Will Glorify the Lord - CCLI#1276272

Do you need a praise song which is appropriate for Father's Day? This setting of Psalm 103 fits into the context of Father's Day because of its reference to a father's love in the second verse, but it can also be sung during any time of worship. (get the files)

One Generation Will Call to the Next - CCLI#4769466

Looking for a song to celebrate and encourage intergenerational worship? This setting of Psalm 145:1-7 was one of the winning songs of the CRC sesqucentennial hymn contest and was sung in worship at the 2008 Calvin Worship Symposium. (PDF, MP3) There is also an arrangement for choir and piano.

One Thing - CCLI#4240239

Based on Psalm 27:4, this song is a prayer for the beauty of God to fill our eyes. The music can be adapted to any number of styles, from straight acoustic guitar strumming to a jangly U2 groove. (get the files)

Our Father - CCLI#4238337

The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) becomes an ethereal musical groove that is somewhat reminscent of Dave Matthews. Download the sheet music or listen to a live recording from a Northwestern College chapel. (PDF, MP3)

Patiently - CCLI#2929284

All of Psalm 40 is set to a simple, beautiful melody. The verses can be sung by the song leader and the refrain sung by the congregation for a relaxed flow when singing it in worship. (PDF, MP3)

People Of The Lord - CCLI#4770084

I know it sounds crazy--a Genevan Psalter-style setting of Psalm 78:1-7 in 7/8 time--but it actually works! The verse has an optional echo and the refrain is written in four parts. My choir sang it with just a light hand drum accompaniment to keep the rhythm steady. (PDF, MP3)

Prairie Prelude - CCLI#4448866

What does it sound like when the stones cry out (Luke 19:40), the mountains and hills burst into song, the trees of the field clap their hands (Isaiah 55:12), and creation groans (Romans 8:22)? It seems that we humans are not the only ones to praise their Creator and lament their fallen state while awaiting the coming Kingdom. "Prairie Prelude" paints a picture of the creation lifting up its voice so exuberantly that it invites us to join its song of praise. (MP3, PDF)

Ride On, Ride On In Majesty! - CCLI#4240277

A new melody for old text. Henry H. Milman's 1827 Palm Sunday text is recast in a contemporary vein. For the full effect, get the arrangement for solo voice, piano and flute thatis published by Augsburg Fortress in With All My Heart, vol. 2. (PDF)

Sing to the Lord a New Song - CCLI#1276399

It seems like everyone has their own version of Psalm 98, but each generation needs a "new song" so I make no apologies for adding my voice to the fray! This song was chosen to be sung at COLAM 1999 (Conference on Liturgy and Music) at Dordt College as part of the Composition Competition. (get the files)

The Beauty of Your Holiness - CCLI#2046569

Worship Today published this song in a beautiful arrangement for three part men's choir, and it's also featured on the new Greg Scheer Song Book CD. It is a delicate pop style ballad which draws on images which Jonathan Edwards uses in writings such as Religious Affections and The Excellency of Christ. An SAB/piano arrangement is soon to be published in the Augsburg Fortress collection, Wade in the Water. (get the files)

The Heavens Tell the Story - CCLI#2762252

Another from my Romans series, this song places Romans 1:18-32 beside Psalm 19:1-4 for a compelling musical exposition of God's character revealed in nature. (PDF)

The King Shall Come - CCLI#4238296

The return of Christ is anticipated in this bright folk pop song of praise. The verses use a text from an ancient Greek hymn, and the chorus is brand new: "The winter of our souls melts into glorious morning, For Christ has conquered all and a new creation is dawning. So come away My love the winter is past, it's over. The springtime has begun and love will bloom forever." (MP3, PDF)

The Lord Bless You and Keep You - CCLI#2762290

The Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24-26) is set to a bouncy tune that can work in a folk style or with children's choir. (PDF, MP3)

Wash Me in Your Water - CCLI#1276430

Ideas from John 3 are used in this simple song of faith. The images of water and Spirit make it an excellent song to be used in conjunction with baptisms. An arrangement for solo voice, piano and flute is published by Augsburg Fortress in With All My Heart, vol. 2. (get the files)

We Are Waiting - CCLI#2309639

This song celebrates the majesty of the Father, the life of the Son, and the vision of the Holy Spirit. It is especially good at the beginning of worship because it defines a spirit of readiness in the people of the church who are waiting for a fresh encounter with the Lord. If your church also has a choir, you can introduce the song to the congregation using the arrangement for choir and flute which is published by Augsburg Fortress. (get the files)

We Worship You - CCLI#2310958

"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised." (Job 1:21) "We Worship You" was first sung at Chuck Rosemeyer's memorial service, and though it was introduced in this context, it is truly a song of exuberant worship that thanks God for all of His gifts and recognizes His hand in life, death, and the life to come. (get the files)

Who Can Compare to the Lord? - CCLI#2762393

Isaiah 40:12-26 paints a picture of a God whose power extends beyond what we can even begin to imagine. The last verse brings home the point that this all-powerful God is also the One who fills us with His strength. (get the files)

Coming Soon...

Alleluia! Sing to Jesus (tune: TWISTER 8.7.8.7.D) - CCLI#pending

Grace through Every Generation (text by Bert Polman)

He Leadeth Me - CCLI#5128831

Hear My Words, O Lord (Psalm 5) - CCLI#5003994

If You're Weary - CCLI#pending

Jesus, Lover of My Soul - CCLI#pending

Jesus, Precious Jesus - CCLI#5141423

Out of the Depths - CCLI#4448969

Rest in the Lord (Psalm 127) - CCLI#5003987

Shout for Joy (Psalm 100) - CCLI#pending

Sing to God Our Strength (Psalm 81) - CCLI#pending

Sing to God, That All May Hear You! (Psalm 30) - CCLI#5003970

Thanks Be to God Our Savior (Psalm 107) - CCLI#pending

There Where the Judges Gather (Psalm 82) - CCLI#pending