Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs: May 23, 2010

Welcome to The Crossing’s weekly worship music set-list review with photos by Scott Myers. You’ll find links in the song titles, which allow you to purchase version of the songs as recorded by the original artists.

Here I Am to Worship by Tim Hughes

Here I Am to Worship is a well-loved song at The Crossing. The chorus is, in the words of songwriter Tim Hughes, “a response to Jesus giving up his throne in Heaven to walk upon the earth and ultimately to die upon a cross,”

Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down,
here I am to say that You’re my God.
You’re altogether lovely, altogether worthy,
altogether wonderful to me.

The Gospel Song by Drew Jones and Bob Kauflin

O Come and Mourn With Me Awhile – words by Frederick Faber (1814-1863), Music by Eric Ashley

These two songs focused our minds on Christ’s crucifixion, reminding us of the greatness of our sin and the even greater love that covers it because of his sacrifice.

O love God! O sin of man!
In this dread act Your strength is tried;
And victory remains with love;
Jesus our Lord is crucified!

Our call to confession was a contemporary reading of Isaiah 55:6-7 from The Message.

With Melting Heart and Weeping Eyes – Words by John Fawcett (1740-1817), contemporary music by Clint Wells

We sang our confession with a hymn that speaks of being “wrapped up in self-conceit and pride.” But then God opens our eyes to the depravity of our sinful hearts, we realize we cannot save ourselves and in humility are led to sing this final verse.

Does not Thy sacred word proclaim,
salvation free in Jesus’ name?
To Him I look and humbly cry,
Lord, save a wretch condemned to die.”

We heard the assurance of our forgiveness in a litany based on Romans 8:31-39 (adpated by Mike Cosper).

All Must Be Well – Words by Mary Bowley Peters (1847) with music by Matthew Smith.

One of my favorite lines in All Must Be Well says, “Faith can sing through days of sorrow, all is well.” We spend a lot of time singing in our services because songs help us to meditate on and remember the fullness of our salvation in Christ. All Must Be Well is a great example of a song that encourages the the saints to continually put their hope in God’s love and faithfulness throughout every season of life’s journey.

Jesus Messiah by Daniel Carson, Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash and Jesse Reeves

Following the message we celebrated communion while singing this wonderful anthem that magnifies our Lord, Jesus Christ.

His body the bread,
His blood the wine,
Broken and poured out, all for love.

In Christ Alone by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty

In Christ Alone is a modern hymn that captures the life, death and resurrection of Christ in four eloquent verses. The final verse features the promises of God’s protection of grace and served as a perfect ending to our service.

No guilt in life, no fear in death;
this is the power of Christ in me;
From life’s first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.

Music Team for May 23, 2010:

Nathan Billings – piano, organ
Taylor Bonderer – violin
Mark Collum – vocals
Nick Havens – bass
Scott Johnson – vocals, acoustic guitar
Andrew Luley – drums
Josie Patton – cello
Lynn Roush – vocals
Jake Wandel – viola

Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs: May 23, 2010

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