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A songsheet is available.  Right-click here to download.

***********************************SONGS*****************************************

IF THOU BUT SUFFER GOD TO GUIDE THEE
G. Neumark

1. If thou but suffer God to guide thee
And hope in Him through all thy ways
He’ll give thee strength whate’er betide thee
And bear thee through the evil days
Who trusts in God’s unchanging love
Builds on the rock that naught can move.

2. Only be still and wait His leisure
In cheerful hope with heart content
To take whate’er thy Father’s pleasure
And all discerning love hath sent;
Nor doubts our inmost wants are known
To Him who chose us for His own.

3. Sing, pray, and swerve not from His ways
But do thine own part faithfully
Trust His rich promises of grace
So shall they be fulfilled in Thee
God never yet forsook at need
The soul that trusted Him indeed.

Public Domain
MY COUNTRY, ‘TIS OF THEE
Samuel F. Smith, Henry Carey

1. My country, ’tis of thee
Sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing;
Land where my fathers died
Land of the Pilgrim’s pride
From every mountainside, let freedom ring!

2. My native country, thee,
Land of the noble free, Thy name I love.
I love thy rocks and rills
Thy woods and templed hills
My heart with rapture thrills, like that above.

3. Let music swell the breeze
And ring from all the trees, sweet freedom’s song.
Let mortal tongues awake
Let all that breathe partake;
Let rocks their silence break, the sound prolong.

4. Our fathers’ God, to Thee
Author of liberty, to Thee we sing:
Long may our land be bright
With freedom’s holy light;
Protect us by Thy might, Great God our King!

Public Domain
*******SHOW NOTES / QUOTES************

These are, by my computations, the top ten buzz-worthy songs of Aug., 2012.

Two times a year, the reputable company CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing Inc) surveys a portion of its membership as to what songs it uses. These are used for royalty payments for use. As a service, CCLI also provides the resulting lists for study.

I have taken this list, and compared it to the previous period. From this, I was able to ascertain which songs rose the fastest during the two periods. Once I found these songs, I then organized them by their final ranking.

Therefore, here is the list of the Top 10 buzzworthy songs. I then express my thoughts about each song, their lyrical content, appropriateness, and making the song easier to sing.

The Top 25 Songs of Praise and Worship (Aug 2012)
The Top 10 “Buzzworthy” Praise and Worship Songs

10. The Great I Am by Jared Anderson (up 3098 credits; rank #176)
9. Never Once by Matt Redman, Jason Ingram and Tim Wanstall (up 5163 credits; rank: #170)
8. At Your Name by Tim Hughes and Phil Wickham (up 7689 credits; rank: # 132)
7. Always by Kristian Stanfill and Jason Ingram (up 8843 credits; rank: # 115)
6. Here For You by Matt Redman, Matt Maher, Jesse Reeves and Tim Wanstall (up 5261 credits; rank: #106)
5. One Thing Remains by Brian Johnson, Christa Black, and Jeremy Riddle (up 4150 credits; rank: #91)
4. God Is Able by Reuben Morgan and Ben Fielding (up 11634 credits; rank: #65)
3. 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) by Matt Redman and Jonas Myrin (up 12156 credits; rank: #59)
2. Your Great Name by Michael Neale and Krissy Nordhoff (up 6232 credits; rank: #42)
1. Forever Reign by Reuben Morgan and Jason Ingram (up 8395 credits; rank: #14)

Feel free to leave comments, questions, and/or prayer requests below,
or leave a message at 203/701-7771

Learn about what Nick Alexander can bring to your community, youth rally, keynote or event: http://www.nickalexander.com

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Episode 3 in a series.

A Songsheet for this episode is available. Right-click to download.

***********************************SONGS*****************************************
OPEN TO THE HOLY SPIRIT
Paul Hilts; adapted by Nick Alexander

I open my heart and I open my mind
To the power of the Holy Spirit
Lord soften my heart, Lord sharpen my mind
Through the power of the Holy Spirit

1. Holy Spirit have Your way with me
I submit to Your authority
Cleanse me of my sin and set me free
Holy Spirit, give me faith and hope and charity
Give me faith and hope and charity

2. Nothing of this world will last forever
You are all I want my only treasure
Bend my will to Yours by any measure
Holy Spirit reconcile our hearts together
Holy Spirit join our hearts together

3. Shine Your light on ev’rything we do
Bring Your truth to all that is untrue
Purify our hearts our minds renew
Holy Spirit come transform us now;
make us like You
Holy Spirit make us more like You

Copyright © 2003 Paul Hilts

GOD HIMSELF IS WITH US
Gerhardt Tersteegen, 1729; adapted by Nick Alexander

1. God Himself is with us, Let us all adore Him
And with awe bow down before Him
God is here within us, Soul in silence fear Him Humbly, fervently draw near Him
Now His own, Who have known
God in worship lowly, Yield their spirits wholly

2. Thou pervadest all things, Let Thy radiant beauty
Light mine eyes to see my duty
As the tender flowers, eagerly unfold them
To the sunlight calmly hold them
So let me, quietly, in Thy rays imbue me
Let Thy light shine through me

Oh… we love You Lord!
Oh… we love You Lord!

3. Come abide within me, let my soul like Mary
Be Thine earthly sanctuary
Come indwelling Spirit, with transfigured splendor
Love and honor will I render
Now I go, here below, let me bow before Thee
Know Thee and adore Thee

4. Gladly we surrender, Earth’s deceitful treasures
Pride of life and sinful pleasures
Gladly, Lord we offer, Thine to be forever
Soul and life and each endeavor
Thou alone, shalt be known, Lord of all our being
Life’s true way decreeing.
Public Domain

HEAVENLY FATHER, WE APPRECIATE YOU
Author Unknown
Heavenly Father, I appreciate You
Heavenly Father, I appreciate You
I love You, adore You, I bow down before You
Heavenly Father, I appreciate You

Son of God, I magnify You
Son of God, I magnify You
My Saviour, You saved me, a new life You gave me.
Son of God, I magnify You

Holy Spirit, You’re a comfort to me
Holy Spirit, You’re a comfort to me
You lead me, You guide me,
You stay close beside me.
Holy Spirit, You’re a comfort to me

Copyright unknown

ROCK OF AGES
Augustus Toplady, Thomas Hastings
1. Rock of ages, cleft for me
Let me hide myself in Thee
Let the water and the blood
from Thy wounded side which flowed
Be of sin the double cure
Save from wrath and make me pure.

2. Could my tears forever flow
Could my zeal no languor know
These for sin could not atone
Thou must save, and Thou alone
In my hand no price I bring
Simply to the cross I cling

3. While I draw this fleeting breath
When my eyes shall close in death
When I rise to worlds unknown
And behold Thee on Thy throne
Rock of ages, cleft for me
Let me hide myself in Thee.
Public Domain

QUIET HERE WITH YOU
Mark Godwin, Lynn Geyer
1. Once again as countless times,
You make Your presence known
You and I together, Lord,
before Your Father’s throne
Faith reveals the Truth each time
in simple, silent peace
Bread and wine turn into You,
and bring You into me.

Just quiet here, with You Lord
You bless my weary soul
In the silence of this temple
the same as days of old.
Just quiet here with You Lord
in awed humility
Of all the places You could dwell,
You choose to live in me.

2. Resting in Your Spirit, peaceful deep within
You offer me forgiveness,
and freedom from my sins.
You and I together, we share this servant’s place;
Healing in Your gentle touch,
so thankful for Your grace.
Copyright © 2000 by Contemporary Catholic Music Publishing, BMI and Godwin Music, ASCAP

PSALM 23
Nick Alexander
1. Lord You are my shepherd
In verdant pastures, You give me repose
You lead me by the restful waters
You refresh my soul

2. You spread the table before me
At the sight of my foes
You anoint my head with oil
And my cup, it overflows

You guide me in right paths
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I’ll fear no evil, You are at my side
And I lack nothing

3. All the days of my life on earth
Only goodness and kindness follow me
And I shall dwell in Your house, dearest Lord
For all eternity

Copyright © 2001 by Nick Kleszczewski Music
<www.nickalexander.com>

*******SHOW NOTES / QUOTES************

Many people sing worship songs, but few engage the song itself while singing it. This episode demonstrates how to best gauge what type of song it is, and how to respond to the song, while singing it.

I spend the episode listing the various aspects of a worship song, and go into detail about three particular tones to look out for:

• The Mastery song (Martha)
• The Mystery song (Jesus)
• and the Mister-“D” song. (“D”= Doctrine). (Mary, sitting at Jesus’ feet).

Mastery Songs are songs which represent Martha; action-oriented decision songs. These songs work best at the end of a service, or a retreat, or an event, where there is a call-to-action, to put your beliefs into practice after the event.

Mystery Songs are songs which represent being with Jesus, songs of pure worship. Eternal rest. Heavenly songs. Worshipping Jesus for Who He is. Also, many songs where the song is taking Jesus’ words verbatim from Scripture.

Mister-“D” songs are songs which represent Mary, sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening, actively learning. It also best represents songs of surrender, of letting go of our selves, of repentance. We do not know it all.

From a guitarist’s standpoint, I’ve discovered that Mastery songs work best using E or G-keyed tones, Mystery songs work best using A-keyed tones, and
Mister-“D” songs work best using C or D-keyed tones. These songs do not have to be in those keys, but they can be capo’d or tuned in a way to best demonstrate those keys.

***********************************************************
NEXT WEEK: The Top Ten Songs with the Greatest Increase of Use (for early 2012).

Feel free to leave comments, questions, and/or prayer requests below,
or leave a message at 203/701-7771

Learn about what Nick Alexander can bring to your community, youth rally, keynote or event: http://www.nickalexander.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Episode 009: What Makes Modern Praise and Worship so Unique?
(“Praise and Worship” ep. 2 in a series)

A songsheet is available for this podcast. Right click to download

*******SHOW NOTES / QUOTES************
Ever wonder what makes modern praise and worship unique among all other expressions of Christian song?

I spend the episode listing five aspects of this new wave of music, along with my reflections.

Modern Praise and Worship:
• is not hindered by musical styles.
• focuses upon a simplified Christianity, not encumbered by denomination-specific doctrines. (Which has positives and negatives).
• tries to appeal to the youth and young adults.
• is driven by Christian radio, which is entertainment-based. (Again, positives and negatives).
• has a sizeable number of songs that are based on traditional hymns. (Really good).

Songs profiled include:
• “Mighty to Save” by Hillsong
• “Our God” by Chris Tomlin
• “Again I Say Rejoice” by Israel and New Breed
• “Counting on God” by Desperation Band
• “No Sweeter Name” by Gateway Worship Band
• “The Solid Rock” by Delirious
• “Happy Day” by Tim Hughes
• “10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)” by Matt Redman
• “Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)” by Passion
• “Save Us Oh God” by Kevin Prosch

One criticism I have is that, due to these factors, there is a lack of songs of personal or communal repentance.

********************SONGS***********************
A MIGHTY FORTRESS
Martin Luther
1. A mighty fortress is our God
A bulwark never failing
Our helper he amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing
For still our ancient foe, doth seek to work us woe
His craft and pow’r are great,
And armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.

2. Did we in our own strength confide
Our striving would be losing
Were not the right man on our side
The man of God’s own choosing
Dost ask who that may be, Christ Jesus, it is He!
Lord Sabbaoth his Name, From age to age the same
And he must win the battle.

3. And though this world with devils filled
Should threaten to undo us
We will not fear for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him
His rage we can endure, for lo! His doom is sure
One little word shall fell him.

4. That word above all earthly pow’rs
No thanks to them abideth
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also
The body they may kill; God’s truth abideth still
His kingdom is forever.
Public Domain

GIVE ME OIL IN MY LAMP
Author Unknown
Sing Hosanna! Sing Hosanna!
Sing Hosanna to the King of Kings.
Sing Hosanna! Sing Hosanna!
Sing Hosanna to the King!

Public Domain

THE HORSE AND RIDER
Author Unknown
I will sing unto the Lord
For He has triumphed gloriously
The Horse and rider thrown into the sea! (2x)

The Lord, my God, my strength, my song
is now become my victory! (2x)

The Lord is God and (clap) I will praise Him!
My Father’s God and I will exalt Him! (2x)

Copyright unknown

I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS
Unknown
I have decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus
I have decided to follow Jesus
No turning back, no turning back.

Copyright unknown

LORD JESUS I LOVE YOU
Unknown
Lord Jesus, I love You. You know I love You.
Lord Jesus, You saved me, from sin so great.
You give me power, for ev’ry hour.
Lord Jesus, I love You. You know I do.

Copyright unknown

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY
Netsa Mumford
1. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty
God in three Persons, Blessed Trinity.

2. Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee
Casting down their golden crowns
upon the glassy sea
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee
Which wert, and art, and evermore shall be.

3. Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee
Though the eye of sinful man
Thy glory may not see
Only Thou art holy! There is none beside Thee
Perfect in pow’r, in love and purity.

4. Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
All Thy works shall praise Thy Name
in earth, and sky and sea!
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty
God in three Persons, Blessed Trinity.

Public Domain.

MY LORD AND MY GOD
Bob Filoramo, Jr.

Lord, my God, my King, my Light, my Joy.
I now cling to You.
I sing to You.
I adore You.
I’ll always love You.
My life is Yours.

Lord my God,
You are the holy One.
You are the only One.
You are my only joy.
My Lord, and my God!

Copyright (c) 1989 by Bob Filoramo, Jr. Used by Permission.

Special thanks to Bob Filoramo, Jr. for the use of his song. Check out his site, www.bobfiloramo.com for all of his excellent songs!

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Episode 008: History of Modern Christian Music
(CCM and “Praise & Worship”)

A songsheet is available for this podcast. Right click to download (link corrected)

*******SHOW NOTES / QUOTES************
Ever wonder how modern praise and worship has evolved from its humble beginnings to where it is today?

I spend the episode going through memory lane, demonstrating how Contemporary Christian music broke into two streams: entertainment-based and “praise & worship.” Through time, Christian Contemporary Musicians found themselves either gravitating towards mainstream music or the “praise & worship” scene.

Songs profiled include:
•”I Am the Resurrection” by Ray Repp
•”I Wish We’d All Been Ready” by Larry Norman
•”Easter Song” by 2nd Chapter of Acts
•”How Long” by John Michael Talbot
•”You Put This Love in My Heart” by Keith Green
•”Father I Adore You” by Terry Coelho
•”For You Are My God” by John Foley, S.J.
•”Our God Reigns” by Leonard Smith
•”In A Little While” by Amy Grant
•”Jesus Let Us Come to Know You” by Michael Card
•”Rockettown” by Michael W. Smith
•”Every Heartbeat” by Amy Grant
•”Flood” by Jars of Clay

LINK: Christian Copyright Licensing, Inc.

********************SONGS***********************
LORD, ENTER IN
Nick Alexander and Ed Luchansky
1. Lord, enter into my heart
Lord, enter into my heart
Lord, let me rest in You
Lord, let me rest in You

2. Lord, enter into my mind
Lord, enter into my mind
Lord, I will trust in You
Lord, I will trust in You

“Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you”
says the Lord.
“Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you”
says the Lord.
“Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you”
says the Lord.
“Forevermore, forevermore.”

3. Lord, enter into my soul
Lord, enter into my soul
Lord, let me follow You
Lord, I will follow You

Copyright (c) 2001 Nick Alexander

COME HOLY SPIRIT
Susan Bailey

Come Holy Spirit! Come fill our hearts!
Enkindle in us the fire of Your everlasting love
Come Holy Spirit! Fill us with praise!
That we may proclaim the greatness of
the saving heart of God.
Come breathe on us, dear Lord,
Come breathe on us now.

1. Oh Holy Spirit, Soften our hardened hearts
Help us this day to recall the love of our Savior
Oh, precious Jesus, Suffering servant of all
Taking upon Him the wounds,
Inflicted by all our sins.

2. Come, Holy Spirit,
Rain down Your fire from heav’n
Purify every heart and show us our poverty.
Shower Your rain on us, Filling each thirsty heart
That we may go forth refreshed and renewed
Singing praise to God.

Copyright © 1999 Susan W. Bailey. Used by Permission.

PSALM 84
Chris Cirrotti
How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord
My soul yearns and pines for the courts of the Lord
My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God
Happy are they who put their trust in the Lord

1. Happy are they who dwell in Your home
Constantly praising Your holy Name
Happy are they whose strength comes from You
For You are the source of true happiness.

2. One day in Your courts O Lord
Cannot compare with a thousand on earth.
I’d rather stand at the gates of the Lord
Than dwell in the home of the wicked man.

3. For a sun and a shield is the Lord our King
Bestowing on us His glo-ry.
The Lord withholds, no good thing,
From all those who walk in sincerity.

Copyright © 1985 Chris Cirrotti, Used by Permission

AMAZING GRACE
John Newton
1. Amazing grace how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see

2. Twas grace has taught my heart to fear
And grace my fears relieved.
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!

3. Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come.
‘Tis grace has brought me safe thus far
And grace will lead me home

4. When we’ve been there ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’ve first begun

5. Praise God, Praise God…

Public Domain.

O SALUTARIS
Thomas Aquinas, 1227-1275;
v4 trans by Edward Caswall, 1814,1878

1. O Salutáris hóstia |O Saving Victim
Quae caeli pandis óstium |This opens the gate of heaven
Bella premunt hostília |Wars press from every side
Da robur, fer auxílium |Give us strength, bring us help

2. Uni trinóque Dómino |One and triune God
Sit sempitérna glória |Be eternal glory
Qui vitam sine término |He who lives life without end
Nobis donet in pátria |Gives us a country

4. To Your great Name be endless praise
Immortal Godhead one in three
O grant us endless length of days
In our true native land with Thee

Public Domain.

All songs are in the public domain, unless otherwise noted.
Any songs written or adapted by Nick Alexander are available on music notation, for those who wish to introduce these songs in their own communities.

*****************************************************
Feel free to leave comments, questions, and/or prayer requests in the comments section,
or leave a message at 203/701-7771

Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY !!

Learn about what Nick Alexander can bring to your community, youth rally, keynote or event:
If you like this podcast, please feel free to leave a comment on the iTunes page.

Thank you for listening!

Next week: What are the unique characteristics of modern Praise & Worship?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

A PDF songsheet is available with this post. Right Click to Download.

*******SHOW NOTES / QUOTES************

• What is the point of the Parable of the Sower?
• How is the act of loving the Lord with all your soul (or lack thereof) related to the sower’s seed falling on the sidewalk?
• How is the act of loving the Lord with all your mind (or lack thereof) related to the sower’s seed falling on the shallow soil?
• How is the act of loving the Lord with all your heart (or lack thereof) related to the sower’s seed falling on the thorny soil?

How is the act of loving the Lord with all your strength (or lack thereof) related to the fig tree episode in Matthew 21:19?

Next week: The most buzz-worthy praise and worship songs over the past year.

FAN PAGE: www.facebook.com\prayermeetingpodcast

*****************************SONGS***************************************

JESUS, YOU REIGN

Isaac Watts, New Arr. by Nick Alexander

1. Jesus, You reign where’er the sun
Where Your successive journeys run
Your Kingdom stretches shore to shore
Until moons wax and wane no more

2. To You alone, endless pray’r be made
And praises throng to crown Your head
Your name like sweet perfume shall rise
With every morning sacrifice

3. People and realms of every tongue
Dwell with sweetest song
Dwell on Your love with sweetest song
And infant voices shall proclaim
Blessings on Your Name.
Their early blessings on Your Name.

4. Blessings abound where’er You reign
The pris’ner leaps to lose his chains
The weary find eternal rest
And all who suffer want are blest

5. Let ev’ry creature rise and bring
Blessings to our King
Blessing and honor to our King
Let angels descend with songs again
Repeat the loud Amen!
Let earth repeat the loud Amen!

Copyright (c) 2012 by Nick Alexander

I WILL WORSHIP YOU

Chris Muglia, Donna Lee

I will worship You
Lord, I love everything that You are.
You are exalted
I will love You with all of my heart
For You are holy and mighty, Mysterious and true

Copyright © 2000 Hope Records & Music/Spirit Productions. Used by Permission from Donna Lee

All songs are in the public domain, unless otherwise noted.
Any songs written or adapted by Nick Alexander are available on music notation, for those who wish to introduce these songs in their own communities.

Feel free to leave comments, questions, and/or prayer requests, at
http://www.prayermeetingpodcast/
or leave a message at 203/701-7771

Join the FACEBOOK COMMUNITY at www.facebook.com/prayermeetingpodcast

Learn about what Nick Alexander can bring to your community, youth rally, keynote or event:
http://www.nickalexander.com

If you like this podcast, please feel free to leave a comment on the iTunes page.
Thank you for listening!