The Power of Music in the Lenten Gospels

The readings we hear during Lent are exceptional as they both inform and form us on the encounters of God in the life of Jesus. Here are some songs that we will hear and sing at our liturgies in hopes to inform and form us on our Lenten journey:

Come As You Are – Crowder (3^rd Sun, Year C, repent or perish) – God’s love is open to everyone. We all carry burdens—emotional, spiritual, physical—yet God offers hope, healing, redemption, acceptance and grace; to lay down your burdens and shame, come as you are and experience the love of God.

I’ve Witnessed It – Passion & Melodie Malone (3^rd Sun, 1^st Scrutiny, Samaritan woman at the well) – The phrase “I’ve witnessed it” is a declaration of experiencing firsthand the miraculous acts of God. Imagine being the Samaritan at the end of the Gospel proclaiming, “We no longer believe because of your word; for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the savior of the world.”

They have witnessed it. God’s power, love, and faithfulness.

Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) by Chris Tomlin (4^th Sun, 2^nd Scrutiny, the man born blind) – This is a contemporary take on the traditional hymn originally written by John Newton. In response to the Gospel, “I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see.” The additional lyrics of “my chains are gone” expresses freedom in Christ and serves as a personal testimony of God’s grace in action.

Reckless Love – Cory Ashbury; Run to the Father – Cody Carnes, Matt Maher (4^th Sun, Prodigal Son) – To describe God’s love as reckless may seem awful at first sight, but God’s love is so radical, all-consuming, that it extends beyond human reason and boundaries. God pursues us even when we are lost, feel undeserving, or shy away from God’s love. Run to the Father is the quintessential song for the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Pay attention to the progression of conversion whenever the line of lyrics starts with “My heart…My soul”.

Goodness of God – Bethel Music (5^th Sun, woman committing adultery) - "I love You, Lord, for Your mercy never fails me. All my days, I've been held in Your hands. From the moment that I wake up, until I lay my head, I will sing of the goodness of God." The opening lyrics emphasize God’s faithfulness and how it never wavers, it remains constant. God’s presence in our lives is a constant. God helps us get through the toughest times in our life and celebrates our greatest accomplishments. Imagine being the woman who was about to get punished, but instead, receives God’s mercy. We are witnesses of God’s goodness and mercy in the Gospel.

Back to Life – Bethel Music (5^th Sun, 3^rd Scrutiny, raising of Lazarus) – The theme of resurrection is constant in this song. It celebrates the power of resurrection, victory over death, and the transformative power of Jesus. There is joy and revival in the Church. There is joy and revival in our spiritual lives. There is joy and revival in the raising of Lazarus.

The Love of God – Phil Wickham and Brandon Lake (Palm Sunday) – A group of music ministers gathered last summer for the Phil Wickham and Brandon Lake summer tour, and this was a new song release featured at the concert. I think the title is self-explanatory as we gather on Palm Sunday.

This might feel like a laundry list of things, but I hope you will take some time in the coming weeks to look at these songs and see how they are closely-knit to the Gospels. I encourage you to come to our Lenten Praise & Worship session on Thursday, April 10, as part of our Soup Supper and Speaker Series, as many of these songs will be presented there as well.

Peace and all good to you on your Lenten journey,

Tim Mascarinas, Director of Music