This week’s worship music set-list review features photos by Gerik Parmele. You’ll find links in the song titles that will allow you to purchase versions of the songs as recorded by the original artists.
Jesus, Saviour, Pilot Me by Edward Hopper
Edward Hopper wrote this hymn in 1871 for his church located along the New York City harbor (The Church of Sea and Land) where many sea men were a part of the congregation. Hopper penned “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me” with a heart for the people he ministered to by using nautical language in the lyrics.
Jesus, Saviour, pilot me
Over life’s tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rock and treacherous shoal.
Chart and compass come from Thee:
Savior, pilot me.
He is Yahweh by Dean Salyn.
This is a song that we’ve been singing at The Crossing since 2003 and paints a picture of God’s sovereignty that is reminiscent of Isaiah 40.
This is an energetic adaption by Sovereign Grace Music of the hymn All Hail the Power of Jesus Name (original text by Edward Perronet: 1780, new chorus by Judah Groveman). The new chorus gives us an opportunity to worship Christ in light of His resurrection.
His name is Jesus;
Risen Lamb, for sinners slain.
His name is Jesus
and all creation sings the praise of Jesus’ name.
Our call to confession was based on Romans 3:23-26.
This Breaks My Heart of Stone – Words by Charles Wesley (1707-1788) with new music by Benji Pocta.
This hymn adaptation from Red Mountain Church continued our time of confession.
Savior, Prince enthroned above,
repentance to impart,
give me through thy dying love,
the humble, contrite heart.
Give what I have long implored,
a portion of thy love unknown,
turn and look upon me, Lord,
and break my heart of stone.
We heard words of assurance that God hears our prayers from Psalm 3:4 and encouragement that our sins are conquered in Christ’s death and resurrection.
The Risen Lamb, The Coming King by Christine Cover and David Cover
Christine and David (who are sister and brother) wrote this song and introduced it last week. It is a great song of assurance that also points us to our hope in Christ’s return.
He’ll bring justice and peace
to all who believe in the Risen Lamb
the Coming King!
The song also has a nice musical movement from 4/4 time in the chorus to 6/8 time in the bridge.
Medley: The Gospel Song/When I Survey the Wondrous Cross/Hosanna
I first heard a variation of this medley at a conference I attended a few years ago and it stirred something deep inside me. We’ve sung it a few times at The Crossing and this week it seemed like an appropriate response to Keith’s message.
The Gospel Song (by Drew Jones and Bob Kauflin) is a simple song that reveals the complex reality of what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross.
Holy God, in love, became
perfect Man to bear my blame.
On the cross He took my sin.
By His death I live again.
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (by Isaac Watts) then helps us to further mediate on the cross and consider how we should live our lives in response to Christ’s sacrifice.
When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.
Once we recognize that the cross “demands” that we give our lives for the sake of Gospel, the bridge from Hosanna (by Brooke Fraser) is a cry to God that recognizes that we can only do this with his help.
Heal my heart and make it clean.
Open up my eyes to the things unseen.
Show me how to love like You have loved me.
Break my heart for what breaks Yours.
Everything I am for Your Kingdom’s cause.
Music Team for 25 April 2010:
Taylor Bonderer – violin
Mark Collum – vocals
Christine Cover – vocals
Nick Havens – bass
Mike Hill – horn
Rhett Johnson – acoustic and electric guitars
Scott Johnson – piano and vocals
Josie Patton – cello
Kristen Pierce – vocals
Cortney Wright – keyboards