5 Sources of Inspiration when Writing Worship Songs

Where can you find inspiration to write worship songs? How do you find the topics to write about? What if lyric writing is challenging for you? Here are a few sources of inspiration as you begin writing for worship:

Source #1: Worship

The best place to get ideas for a worship song is in worship. Zephaniah 3:17 says that God sings over us; thus, we know that God is the author of music! God’s ideas are always better than ours. The best songs are the ones that He is singing and the ones that He has chosen for heaven to sing.

So rather than trying to brainstorm your own ideas for a song, why not listen for His ideas? (It is way easier that way!) Spend time in worship, and ask Him to speak to you and give you ideas for a song. Then just wait on Him, and trust that in His timing He will do so.

Source #2: Psalms

The Psalms are a great source of inspiration because (1) they are Biblical, (2) they were originally written to be sung, and (3) they were written from a place of worship. Many people enjoy setting the words and/or concepts from the Psalms into music. If you are looking for inspiration, the Psalms are a great resource!

Source #3: Hymns

An often-overlooked source of inspiration is the hymnal. Most of the traditional hymns are theologically sound, and they are already crafted into poetic form. If you are stronger at music writing than lyric writing, the hymnbook is a great resource for you. Simply choose a hymn that inspires you, and write a new melody and chords for it!

Source #4: Sermons

Many songwriters collect lyrical (and even musical!) ideas during Sunday sermons. Often the preacher will use a particularly poetic phrase that inspires a topic or melody in your mind. If this happens, consider jotting it down as you continue listening to the sermon, and later take it to the Lord in prayer to see how He would have you steward that idea.

Source #5: Collaboration

As believers, we need each other. This truth often becomes real to us when we pursue the creative arts. Some of us are better at lyric writing, while some are better at music writing. Some people can generate more ideas than could possibly fit in one song, while others are better at organizing and refining those ideas. Consider collaborating with others to write a song! (In doing so, be sure to write from a place of worship so that it is honoring to the Lord.)

Worship Songwriting Course

If you would like to learn more about how to write songs unto Jesus from a heart of worship, check out my Worship Songwriting course. Topics include inspiration, brainstorming, song form, writing lyrics, composing a melody, finding chords, rewriting, songs of the Bible, partnering with God to write songs, and writing from a place of worship.

Want to learn more?

If you would like to learn how to play worship piano like a pro, check out my Worship Essentials courses. This unique approach combines a simple, easy-to-follow method of learning the piano along with teachings on the heart of worship - and it has proven successful for people of all ages and levels.

Or, if you would prefer one-on-one instruction, consider online lessons. Lessons incorporate the same content of the Worship Essentials courses but have the added bonus of one-on-one coaching and instruction.

Happy worshipping!