The Harp and the Bowl

I admit it, I really don’t like it when a preacher says, “turn to somebody and say ___________.” I almost always feel too awkward and stupid to actually say “_______” and rarely actually do it. Maybe you’ve never had the experience. This kind of “tell your neighbor” directive is more common here in the south and more so in some faith traditions than others.

There’s another similar thing that I don‘t like. It’s when a worship leader barks out “Come on!” to the congregation in an attempt to guilt us into worshiping or to whip us into a worship frenzy. Again, I realize this is probably more of a style thing, but it almost always creates an instinctively negative reaction in me.Very rarely does it actually get me to "come on."

I personally had never heard of  The Rend Collective Experiment until I learned that they will be touring this spring with Chris Tomlin. They have a song that I thought I would hate when I saw the title in an email newsletter from WorshipTogether.com. The song title? “Come On.”

I almost dismissed it and deleted the email, ready to move on to the other 80+ emails in my inbox. For some reason I clicked, and I’m glad I did. Give listen.


You Tube Link

The truth is, sometimes I need a “Come on!” Don’t you? But rather than coming from the  the worship leader in the form of a directive, it's much better to have it in song. At least that's true for me.  Sometimes I need to tell myself “Come on.” Sometimes I need to speak to my soul like David did in Psalm 103 and say, “Bless the Lord O My Soul,” which is the scriptural basis for this modern musical interpretation.

Sometimes I need a call to worship song that calls me to worship.

It’s a really just a simple four chord song (special bonus: one of the chords is an Amaj9th – and I just love those major ninths!!)  But a key part of the song’s effectiveness is its simplicity and accessibility. (The other key, I’m convinced, is singing the word “down” in the line "let down the walls" with a cool Irish accent so it sounds more like “dine.” OK, may I won’t actually try that when I lead it)

Seriously, though, I am big on using a call to worship or a song of ascents, like this song is, to start off a worship set. One that reminds us “this is why we are here” and gets us re-focused. Sometimes I need a song that helps me throw off my week and that turns my heart to the Lord or that simply invites and acknowledge his presence into my reality. I use songs like “All Who Are Thirsty,” “Holy Moment” and “Praise Awaits You.” I even sometimes will use a softer song like “Dwell.” It doesn’t have to be hyped up to be effective in turning our hearts to the Lord. The main requirement for this kind of song is that it enables us to speak to our souls and say "come on."

What about you? Do you use songs of ascent or call to worship type songs? Do you have some favorites?

I'm a week away from attending the Lift Worship Leader Conference being hosted by Passion City Church in Atlanta.  That's the church plant by the Passion folk: Louie Giglio, Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman and the like.

I'm stoked!  And for good reason. 

Several years back I was part of a small songwriting conference put on at Northpoint Church (Louie's former church) that included Tomlin and Redman and others.  It was fabulous and inspiring.  Also, it was at this conference that Matt Redman's Facedown album was recorded.  It was an honor to be part of that amazing project - in my opinion, hands down Matt's best yet. 

I say yet, because at Lift, Matt will be recording another live album! I am hoping it will surpass the high water mark of Facedown.  They just sent the registrants a few of Matt's newest songs to listen to so we can get familiar with them ahead of the conference, and though I'm morally obliged not to share them with you, I'll just say that it's going to be close!

It's been quite a few years since I attended a WL conference, and I'm looking forward to whole experience.  There is nothing quite like worshiping with a whole bunch of worship leaders!  Plus I have the honor of attending with my dear sweet beautiful wife. 

I am expecting great things, so be sure to check back here for my post-event report. 

I know I’ve been doing a lotof reviews recently, but before I move on to new territory there is one more project that I simply MUST bring to your attention, mostly because otherwise you would probably never get a chance to hear this amazing artist, unless you happen to frequent the prayer room at the Atlanta IHOP (the prayer place not the pancake place!).

I’ve know Caleb since my earliest days doing devotional sets at IHOP. For a while he had the set just before one of mine. Since IHOP Atlanta has been going 24-7 for five years next week, it’s got to be at least six years that I’ve listened to this talented, humble and unassuming man of God lead worship and sing his heart out to the Lord. Finally, he has an album!! And a fantastic one it is.

I know what you are thinking – never trust a friend to give an honest album review. If you know me, then you know I don’t give out heedless flattery. Ever. This work of incredible heart-felt worship is the real deal.

If you don’t believe me, click on one of the links below and just listen to a few free samples. You’ll be hooked immediately equally as much by Caleb’s incredible voice as his solid songwriting. I know from first hand observation that these songs are steeped in years spent in devotion at the feet of Jesus and in proclaiming in song the truth of the love our Bridegroom has for you and me. This truth is undeniably present in every song.

It’s hard to pick a few songs to highlight because each one is so good.I'll give it a shot.

The message of “Because You Say So” is close to my heart. “Beautiful, you are to me. It’s a miracle you say the same about me… I’m beautiful because you say so.” It’s a song of the amazing grace of the Gospel that no matter how much we mess up, God sees us as perfectly beautiful because of what Jesus has done on our behalf.

Another song that speaks to me, because of the marriage implications is, “Beautiful Example.” This is possibly my favorite song on the album. I love the guitar work here - simple and yet expressive. The lyrics are powerful. “What a beautiful example you are to me Jesus.” I believe that the reason men don’t get the idea of loving their brides “as Christ loved the church,” giving himself up for her, is that they don’t really get the unconditional love Jesus has for them. “I’m trying, Lord, to lay my life down, but it takes violence.” He is speaking of the violence we have to do against our flesh, against our innate tendency toward self. Fantastic.

Caleb’s heart for prayer comes through on “Prayer of the Upright.” Joined on BGV by his wife, Rebecca, who is among my favorite IHOP worship leaders in her own right. (When is her album coming out, by the way?) “All That You’ve Done” is another song featuring beautiful acoustic guitar work and Caleb’s stellar vocals. The song is pure and undiluted – guitar and solo voice only. “Here in the midst of your presence I find more pleasure than I knew in the world.”

Caleb Andrew’s Betrothal is a fabulous project full of well-crafted songs that are not over-produced yet bring out the essence of raw and real worship that is at the heart of the IHOP prayer and worship movement.

I highly recommend you get this album today! You can get it right now using the affiliate links below if you so desire.