Worship Songwriting 101: Foundations of Writing Songs for Worship
This article presents 3 foundational principles when writing songs. If you would like a step-by-step process for worship songwriting, check out this article.
What is worship songwriting? Worship songwriting is writing songs unto Jesus from a heart of worship.
It isn’t writing songs in a genre called worship.
It isn’t writing songs for an industry called worship music.
It isn’t writing songs to top the charts or win awards.
Worship isn’t a genre or a style of music. Worship is a holy calling. It is to stand before God and adore Him – to say You are wonderful and I love You.
3 Foundational Principles
I would like to introduce you to 3 foundational principles that will transform how you approach writing songs for worship:
Worship is our highest calling. In Jeremiah 32:39, God says, “I will give them one heart and one purpose: to worship Me forever.”
God is the author of music. Zephaniah 3:17 says that God “will rejoice over you with singing.” God sings, and He is the author of music!
We do everything as unto the Lord, not people. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”
How to Write Worship Songs
These three foundational principles transform how we approach worship songwriting:
If we were created to worship, then worship is the greatest thing we could ever do, and it is worthy of our highest pursuit. Studying worship and becoming a worshipper is of far more eternal weight than writing a worship song.
If God is the author of music, then His musical ideas are better than ours. What if we could partner with Him to hear His ideas rather than brainstorming our own? What if we could actually hear the songs of heaven and bring them here?
If everything is to be done unto the Lord and not unto people, then we should not be trying to write the next hit song that people like. Rather, we should be writing music to worship Him. If He wants our songs to reach the masses, He will accomplish that; and if He wants them to stay in the secret place with Him, that is a treasure as well. (The most valuable things in life are shared with the fewest people.)
Conclusion
In conclusion, worship songwriting is writing songs unto Jesus from a heart of worship. We are not writing for people or popularity. We write unto Jesus and Him alone. It is on this heart of purity and love that His blessing comes.
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!