The Harp and the Bowl

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.