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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!