Through the blog Becoming Me, I came across this wonderful blog carnival hosted at Signs, Miracles, and Wonders called Then Sings My Soul Saturdays. I have already been doing something similar on my own by sharing at random times some of my favorite music, but now I can do it as part of this! Cool!
The song I am sharing today is God of this City by Chris Tomlin. The words are simple, yet the message always drives home a reminder to me that the mission field is all around me. My city. My town. It can include the city I currently live in or the one I grew up in – well, that would be a small town – but He is God of that city as well!
This is one worship tune that has a simple verse and chorus that repeats, as you will hear. As a musician, and church musician, I have heard all the jokes on both sides about the old hymns and the praise choruses. Personally, there is so much value to be had in all of that music and I often have to struggle to keep from getting outright offended when I hear those conversations. As someone who is so blessed and humbled and privileged to help (on keyboard only) lead worship, I am witness to both types of music opening the people’s hearts to the Holy Spirit and listening, loving and worshiping.
Likewise, with “simple” songs such as God of this City, worshiping with a single thought helps me to meditate on its meaning, bringing me to my knees in worship, humility, and prayer that much more. My prayer when I hear this song is for my city, my town, my family – and the work that needs to be done. It is overwhelming! But I serve a big God.
When I first became a Christian, Rich Mullins was one of the first contemporary Christian musicians I was introduced to. His voice, his music, the lyrics – just an amazing artist. His song “Hold Me Jesus” has gotten me through a lot of hard times as well. I may post that another day, but today I wanted to post this song for you. I heard this on the radio last night and I hadn’t heard it in a long time. I was reminded of what an amazing song it is and I wanted to share it with you today. The lyrics are in the video for you to read. I also have to mention that, as a pianist, I really enjoy the piano accompaniment to this one. Beautiful! Enjoy!
My dad sent the link to this video and it was too good not to share. This group is doing a documentary traveling around the world recording the same song by different artists/cultures. I enjoyed watching this from beginning to end. As a musician, hearing the various styles applied to the same song is always neat, but then the realization of the vastness of the musical talent out there hit home. From the sidewalk musician to the jazz artist to Africa… music is universal.
Very cool, take a listen. I think I might go check out the other YouTube videos of different songs included in this same documentary, produced by Playing For Change Foundation. (I have not looked at this foundation’s website thoroughly. I’m just enjoying the music right now. :) )
Chris instant messaged me from work just a little bit ago to tell me about this song. It is Todd Agnew’s “Did You Know?” The line that really strikes a chord, so to speak, says “Did you shudder every time your hammer struck a nail?” Jesus was a carpenter. That made me pause for thought… You?
First, my apologies for the lack of posts in the past few days. Christmas preparations and a particular two-year-old cutting two molars at the same time have been keeping me busy. Poor S apparently inherited my *ahem* wonderful tolerance for pain.
I first heard this song a year ago as I was practicing for our church’s Christmas production. It really struck me as a beautiful and striking song. The simplicity drives home the message, and as a parent myself – wow, I cannot imagine. I know this song is a couple of years old, but sometimes I am a little slow on new releases – unless its Blue Clues or the like. Anyhow, I did want to share it with you today as we approach Christmas day.
On a side note, the day I was learning this song, I found out my Grandpa – the only one I ever knew – had gone home to be with Jesus. This past Sunday at church, our worship pastor sung it as a special and I was hearing it for the first time since Grandpa’s home-going. I could not help but cry as memories came flooding back. People say the sense of smell is strongly tied to memories. For me, it is music. Bittersweet.
Anyhow, I did want to share it with you today as we approach Christmas day.