One day about a year ago, I was out running when suddenly I recognized patterns within all of my favorite running songs. Thought it would be cool to share.
What songs and what patterns?
Not the big Rise and Sing by Fee or any of the heavy/fast stuff. I know… surprised me, too. Don’t get me wrong. I love those songs. But the lyrics that lead me to truly experience worship are the ones that make my running time sweet.
Being a musician, there are obviously musical elements that get me, too. All of the songs I love to listen to while I work out have guitars and drums. And I’ve also found that most of them start out very soft and slow, then build to an incredible point where you feel as if you are going to take off (or at least I do). I think that’s what does it for me.
One of my favorite running songs is Awakening by Passion/Chris Tomlin. I could name a lot more (and maybe one day I’ll share my playlist), but for today… this is the one I’m sharing.
I believe Chris Tomlin is one of the greatest worship writers of all time. It’s not because he is a super duper songwriter. He is anointed. I believe God gave him such a gift because He knew that Chris was a servant who would take up the challenge. Put him together with David Crowder, Matt Redman, Charlie Hall, Kristian Stanfill, Fee, Hillsong UNITED, and Christy Nockels, and it is just magic!
Click here to listen to Awakening while you’re reading the rest of this post. Here are the lyrics:
In our hearts, Lord, in this nation, Awakening
Holy Spirit, we desire, Awakening
For You and You alone; Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing
For the world You love; Your will be done, let Your will be done in me
In Your presence, in Your power, Awakening
For this moment, for this hour, Awakening
For You and You alone; Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing
For the world You love; Your will be done, let Your will be done in me
For You and You alone; Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing
For the world You love; Your will be done, let Your will be done in me
Like the rising sun that shines; From the darkness comes a light
I hear Your voice and this is my… Awakening
Like the rising sun that shines; From the darkness comes a light
I hear Your voice and this is my… Awakening
Like the rising sun that shines; Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing
From the darkness comes a light; Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing
Like the rising sun that shines; Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing
Only You can raise a life; Awake my soul, awake my soul and sing
Awakening is an incredible song, with very simple, repetitive lyrics. Lyrics calling us out of our “darkness.” Calling us to awaken and show Christ to the world. Christ in us. We are called to become a true light in the dark. And the combination of music and lyrics “awaken” my spirit (and my legs) when I run! Try it! Add it to your workout playlist and see what I mean.
About 31 Days of Worship
Every day in the month of October, I will be posting here about worship. Will you join me on this journey? Maybe you are interested in discussing specific topics within the area of worship. If this is you, I’d LOVE to hear from you! You can leave a comment below or send me an email.
At any time during the month, you can see all posts in this series by clicking here: 31 Days of Worship. Also, if you would like to subscribe to Grow Where You’re Planted and receive these posts in your email, you can do that here: Grow Where You’re Planted Updates.
Thanks for stopping by! I enjoy being on this worship journey with you! My prayer is that God will teach all of us to become more focused worshipers throughout this month.
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