One of my favorite things about my Write 31 Days series last year AND this year has been listening to the Sunday Soundtrack every week. Music is powerful. Scripture says the Lord inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3). When we confess our faith, we glorify God by speaking the truth about His goodness. Y’all, there is power in speaking truth because Jesus IS Truth (John 14:6).

So, if we speak about God’s goodness
and sing about God’s goodness,
it is GOOD for us!

To focus on God’s goodness, I made a Spotify playlist that you can find here (you will need the free app to be able to play this).

Or, you can watch/listen to the songs on Youtube—I’ve got links in the list below. Each week over the past month, I shared six songs that help celebrate God’s goodness.  So, here at the end of the month, it seems good to look back and list the most meaningful ones (a.k.a. my favs):

1. BEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD Shane & Shane strikes again! I also love the Chris Rice version. The kids and I were listening to this song the other day and talking about how it’s the perfect explanation of the gospel, the finished work of Christ: “Before the throne of God above, I have a strong, a perfect plea. A great high Priest whose Name is Love, Who ever lives and pleads for me…” The lyrics were written in the 1860’s and the tune that we are all familiar with was written in 1997 (read more about this interesting story here). I just love this song!
2. HOLY, HOLY. HOLY This is one of those songs that allows us to sing what the angels sing before the throne in heaven. Amazing thought. Also amazing is Stephen Curtis Chapman who appears to be aging in dog years — like 7 years for us is 1 year for him. He resembles a slightly wrinkled Doogie Howser, but he sings like one of the angels.
3. BE THOU MY VISION Jars of Clay tackled this traditional Irish hymn that was first published in 1912. This groovy, acoustic version is very updated — but the song was originally published as a poem in traditional Irish/Gaelic some time around the 8th century. It was and set to music and released in 1912.
4. O WORSHIP THE KING by Chris Tomlin is both a traditional hymn and a praise song, because all the best hymns ARE praise songs, after all. This is another one I can remember singing in church — I love that God is called the Ancient of Days. I love this Name of God!  Click here for the really neat story behind this hymn.
5. ALL CREATURES OF OUR GOD AND KING Groovy David Crowder Band strikes again. I love this new version of an old hymn. Originally written by Francis of Assisi around 1225 BC, this beautiful hymn was translated into English by William Draper and published in London around 1900.
6. ALL HAIL THE POWER OF JESUS NAME This songs reminds me of singing with my mom in St. Philips Episcopal Church, in New Orleans so many years ago. The organ, the pews, the hymnals…traditional church. I loved it then and still do now. Times changed for that denomination, and we gravitated to a more biblically based doctrine, but my heart was so moved by the high view of worship in that church. Good memories.
7. 10,000 REASONS (BLESS THE LORD) I know this is technically a contemporary worship song, but the lyrics read like an old school hymn with inspirational Truth and pieces of Bible verses. It is a comforting reminder of what our response should be when we encounter the character of God.
8. THERE IS A REDEEMER This song was written in the 1970’s by Melody Green, but appears in more than 21 traditional hymnals. This song is about the love that God has for us, that He would send His Son to die for us and allow His Spirit to stay with us — that’s plain gospel Truth. And this Sara Groves rendition is peaceful and poignant. I love it!
9. CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS This is an a cappella version of one of my favorite traditional hymns. I hadn’t heard of Chris Rupp before this (apparently he also sings country music!), but I’m really impressed!!
10. IN CHRIST ALONE I think this song turns up on every playlist I make. When I sing it in church, it brings tears to my eyes. This is a modern hymn that follows the traditional structure of re-telling the gospel story through the verses — in just a few stanzas, it preaches a sermon. If you’d like to know about the differences between hymns and praise songs, read here. And here is an article (featuring this song as an example) about the differences between praise songs and hymns. For the record, I love both hymns and contemporary Christian songs…but usually I love hymns more.

Click the images below to see the previous posts
and check out the whole playlist.

SUNDAY SOUNDTRACK, WEEK FOUR

SUNDAY SOUNDTRACK, WEEK THREE

SUNDAY SOUNDTRACK, WEEK TWO

SUNDAY SOUNDTRACK, WEEK ONE

Well friends, it is hard to believe that we’re almost done with this year’s Write 31 Days challenge. I have really enjoyed listening to these amazing tunes all month long. On the days I am longing for God’s goodness, I’ve found that music helps me find it.

Do you have a favorite?  Or one you think should be added? Anyone out there on Spotify?? If not, you can download the app here and follow me (I just use the free version to make playlists that I listen to on my computer). Do you create playlists on iTunes, Amazon, or somewhere else? How do you like it?

I hope to post an Advent playlist…or updates last year’s. Let me know if you have any ideas for the Christmas season!