The Year of Praise Podcast: 52 Songs of Praise in

The song for Episode 15 came together in under an hour (though a lot of time was spent to record the vocals). “I Can” was inspired by my wife Kim’s verse of the day which happened to be Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The chorus has a call and response format and, since I didn’t have a chorus of people, that’s just me over and over and over again. I’m really looking forward to re-recording this song with a big group of voices. Hope you enjoy and find the strength you need this week. *** LYRICS “I Can” When I have needs, when I have more than enough, I will rejoice in His name. (Repeat) I can (I can) do all things (do all things) through Christ who (through Christ who) strengthens me (strengthens me). (Repeat) When I am lost, when I am sure of each step, I will rejoice in His name. (Repeat) I can (I can) do all things (do all things) through Christ who (through Christ who) strengthens me (strengthens me). (Repeat) Through Christ who strengthens me. *** If you’d like to learn more about The Year of Praise Project and sign up for the email list, visit YearofPraise.com. To be considered as a singer for upcoming episodes, visit YearofPraise.com/support and sign up for the Singers mailing list at the bottom of the page. LINKS Philippians 4:4-13 Episode 13 (“My God’s Bigger Than You”)  BenSound.com (INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC) The post YOP 15: “I Can” appeared first on YEAR OF PRAISE.

Episode 14 features the classic hymn, “Blessed Assurance.” This began as a choral number, but I chose to release it in a solo form to (finally) get a song out for this week. Once the arrangement is done and recorded, you’ll get the full version as a future bonus episode. *** LYRICS “Blessed Assurance” Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine! Heir of salvation, purchase of God, Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood. This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long. Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels, descending, bring from above Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long. Perfect submission, all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blest, Watching and waiting, looking above, Filled with His goodness, lost in His love. This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long; This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior all the day long. *** If you’d like to learn more about The Year of Praise Project and sign up for the email list, visit YearofPraise.com. To be considered as a singer for upcoming episodes, visit YearofPraise.com/support and sign up for the Singers mailing list at the bottom of the page. LINKS Bio of Fanny Crosby BenSound.com (INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC) The post YOP 14: “Blessed Assurance” appeared first on YEAR OF PRAISE.

Episode 13 has an original song that’s very appropriate for Easter. “Bigger Than You” is a bluesy and soulful number that goes out to anything that might make you spend time worrying. Happy Easter! *** LYRICS “Bigger Than You” Lost in the darkest night I know I’ll be alright. I’m not alone there – that much is true. Fear and doubt just go away. There’s no reason for you to stay. You don’t scare me, my God’s bigger than you. I trust the One who sent His Son to die – was crucified and rose again on day three. He’s been to hell and back for me. Out on the stormy sea, I know to just let things be. Don’t really care cause what can it possibly do? Death has been swallowed whole. His grace has cleansed my soul. You don’t scare me, my God’s bigger than you. I trust the One who sent His Son to die – was crucified and rose again on day number three. He’s been to hell and back for me. You don’t scare me, my God’s bigger than – Don’t really care, He’s so much bigger than – You don’t scare me, my God’s bigger than you. *** If you’d like to learn more about The Year of Praise Project and sign up for the email list, visit YearofPraise.com. To be considered as a singer for upcoming episodes, visit YearofPraise.com/support and sign up for the Singers mailing list at the bottom of the page. LINKS BenSound.com (INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC) The post YOP 13: “Bigger Than You” appeared first on YEAR OF PRAISE.

Episode 12 features another arrangement of a traditional hymn (“What A Friend We Have in Jesus”) and features guest vocalist (and listener of the podcast), Grace Blackford. I’ve been able to watch Grace grow up in our church (Emanuel Lutheran) where I directed her in the youth choir and I couldn’t be more honored to have her as a guest vocalist on the show. Thank you, Grace! This hymn’s author had quite a sad and tragic life and the lyrics were penned in a letter to comfort someone else. You’ll hear that whole story in this episode. *** If you’d like to learn more about The Year of Praise Project and sign up for the email list, visit YearofPraise.com. To be considered as a singer for upcoming episodes, visit YearofPraise.com/support and sign up for the Singers mailing list at the bottom of the page. LINKS John 15:12-15 (Scripture referenced) Emanuel Lutheran Church BenSound.com (INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC) The post YOP 12: “What A Friend” (featuring Grace Blackford) appeared first on YEAR OF PRAISE.

Episode 11 features a track from my 2006 album, Verse by Verse (which was recently released in digital format for purchase on bandcamp). I hope you enjoy my arrangement of “Let Us Break Bread Together” with an accompanying scripture reading by Pastor Mark Schuring of Emanuel Lutheran Church. You can stream the entire album to preview before you buy (only $10 for 16 tracks). If you haven’t already, please take a moment and send me an email at hello@yearofpraise.com letting me know where you’re listening from and sharing a story of a song that holds a special place in your life. I might even choose your story to share in an upcoming episode. *** If you’d like to learn more about The Year of Praise Project and sign up for the email list, visit YearofPraise.com. To be considered as a singer for upcoming episodes, visit YearofPraise.com/support and sign up for the Singers mailing list at the bottom of the page. LINKS Verse by Verse Digital Album on bandcamp Episode 10 of The Year of Praise Podcast Emanuel Lutheran Church BenSound.com (INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC) The post YOP 11: “Let Us Break Bread Together” appeared first on YEAR OF PRAISE.

Episode 10 features a cover of the hymn, “Give Me Jesus.” Following a difficult week, I was quickly humbled and reminded how blessed I truly am. During this week (or any time, really), I’d encourage you to focus on the positive aspects of your life and what you really “need” compared to what you think is necessary. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT in this episode immediately following the song so listen to the end of Episode 10 for that! I’m loving the song stories people have shared with me so far. If you haven’t already, please take a moment and send me an email at hello@yearofpraise.com letting me know where you’re listening from and sharing a story of a song that holds a special place in your life. I might even choose your story to share in an upcoming episode. *** LYRICS “Give Me Jesus” In the morning when I rise, in the morning when I rise, in the morning when I rise, give me Jesus. Give me Jesus. Give me Jesus. You can have all this world. Give me Jesus. And when I feel alone, when I feel alone, oh, when I feel alone, give me Jesus. And when I come to die, when I come to die, oh, when I come to die, give me Jesus. *** If you’d like to learn more about The Year of Praise Project and sign up for the email list, visit YearofPraise.com. To be considered as a singer for upcoming episodes, visit YearofPraise.com/support and sign up for the Singers mailing list at the bottom of the page. LINKS Verse by Verse Digital Album on bandcamp Episode 4 of The Year of Praise Podcast BenSound.com (INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC) The post YOP 10: “Give Me Jesus” appeared first on YEAR OF PRAISE.

Episode 9 brings another song from RESOUNDworship’s 12 Song Challenge. Each month, Joel and Sam from The RESOUNDworship Songwriting Podcast give a challenge to write a praise and worship song with specific guidelines. February’s song guidelines were: 1) Songs about and for the church community 2) Strict range limit: C up to Bb 3) Accessible melody and structure The song’s simplicity proved to be the most difficult part of the challenge. Still, I was able to keep the melody and rhythm fairly straightforward and easy to learn/sing. I also share a moving experience from this week and a request for you. Please take a moment and send me an email at hello@yearofpraise.com letting me know where you’re listening from and sharing a story of a song that holds a special place in your life. I’d like to share some people’s song stories in future episodes. *** LYRICS “Walls” Brick by brick with mortar thick we’ve built these walls – protecting us from pain. Day by day we seem to stray from Jesus’ call to proclaim His name. Let’s tear down these walls between us, show them Jesus, love that knows no end. Don’t let these walls divide us. Christ inside us, let the outside in. There’s no doubt we must go out through those doors – no more standing still. Not just prayers, prove we care. We can’t ignore.. That is how we will… tear down these walls between us, show them Jesus, love that knows no end. Don’t let these walls divide us. Christ inside us, let the outside in. *** If you’d like to learn more about The Year of Praise Project and sign up for the email list, visit YearofPraise.com. To be considered as a singer for upcoming episodes, visit YearofPraise.com/support and sign up for the Singers mailing list at the bottom of the page. LINKS RESOUNDworship.org The RESOUNDworship Songwriting Podcast Episode 5 of The Year of Praise Podcast BenSound.com (INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC) The post YOP 9: “Walls” appeared first on YEAR OF PRAISE.

Episode 8 is here with a new song and a special story. My cousin Kevin and his wife Gretchen are parents to a beautiful baby boy named Cayden. As of this episode’s release date, Cayden is 335 days old – almost ready to celebrate his 1st birthday. Unfortunately, his celebration won’t be the same as most little boys and girls his age. Cayden was born with a birth defect known as a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The diaphragm has a large hole in it which allows the lower organs (such as the stomach and spleen) to move upward. The lungs aren’t able to properly develop due to these organs pushing on them. The hole can be corrected with surgery, but other obstacles remain such as development of the lungs to support the child’s life. Approximately 1 in 2,500 babies are diagnosed with CDH and each case has its own unique circumstances. The survival rate after surgery to repair the hole (assuming there are no other complications) is between 50-75%. Additional issues Cayden faced dropped those odds to less than 20%. But, as we’ve found over the past 335 days, Cayden doesn’t care about the odds, he defies them. Before Cayden was born, Kevin and Gretchen very intentionally chose his name which means “fighter.” Anyone who has come to know him would agree he’s certainly lived up to it. This week’s song (“Fight On”) is a battle cry inspired by Cayden, his incredible parents. I can’t imagine being in their situation and am blown away by the strength, faith, and love they’ve demonstrated to everyone following Cayden’s Journey (a private group on Facebook where they share regular updates on his status). I hope this song helps anyone facing what seem like unbeatable odds. There are several ways you can help Cayden, Kevin, and Gretchen (the most powerful of which is prayer). Recently, I designed a shirt based on Cayden’s name and it’s currently for sale on Teespring. For every shirt sold, $5 will go to Kevin and Gretchen to help defray their expenses. Please consider making a donation to CHERUBS (a volunteer-run organization whose goal is “to not only help parents of children born with CDH, but to lead the medical community into finding the cause and prevention of this devastating birth defect.” *** LYRICS “Fight On” You never said it would be easy. A clear path was not guaranteed. But you promised to be with me. Lord, that’s all I need. A champion in my corner to carry me when hope seems gone. I will fight on. I will fight on. In the strength of His might I will fight. There have been times that I wondered if you were even really there. Overwhelmed and surrounded, struggling for a breath of air. Despite all my doubt you were here all along. I will fight on. I will fight on. In the strength of His might I will fight. *** If you’d like to learn more about The Year of Praise Project and sign up for the email list, visit YearofPraise.com. To be considered as a singer for upcoming episodes, visit YearofPraise.com/support and sign up for the Singers mailing list at the bottom of the page. LINKS Cayden’s Journey (Private Facebook Group) Fighter T-shirt (Teespring) CHERUBS (CDH Support & Awareness) BenSound.com (INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC) The post YOP 8: “Fight On” appeared first on YEAR OF PRAISE.

This week is another first – a choir! I wrote “Still” in early 2013 in response to the violence and fear gripping the world at the time. It was first performed with a choir at the Marion Palace Theatre for a concert put together by my good friend, Ryan J Ratliff. The recording in this week’s episode is from the second performance of the song which took place at Emanuel Lutheran Church with their Adult Choir. SPECIAL THANKS… to Darlene Schaadt for helping me locate the video. to Tanyce Addison for asking me to perform this song with the choir back in October of 2013. to the Adult Choir for their beautiful voices. If you’d like to learn more about the project and sign up for the email list, visit YearofPraise.com. To be considered as a singer for upcoming episodes, visit YearofPraise.com/support and sign up for the Singers mailing list at the bottom of the page. LINKS Emanuel Lutheran Church BenSound.com (INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC) The post YOP 7: “Still” appeared first on YEAR OF PRAISE.

Gratefulness is this week’s theme with a song I wrote a few years ago called “I Am Blessed.” While it’s an older song, this really is its debut because I’ve never performed this one. It’s an uptempo song somewhat in the style of Lost and Found and I never felt comfortable playing it for anyone. But this project isn’t about me being comfortable, it’s about sharing songs of praise – and that’s exactly what this song is. No matter what negative things might happen in my life, I know I have things really good. There are plenty of people way worse off than me who would gladly welcome some of my so-called problems in place of their own real struggles. I hope you enjoy this week’s simple song of thanks.   If you’d like to learn more about the project and sign up for the email list, visit YearofPraise.com. LINKS Lost and Found BenSound.com (INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC) The post YOP 6: “I Am Blessed” appeared first on YEAR OF PRAISE.

In this week’s episode I debut a brand new song, “Great and Marvelous.” This praise and worship song was written as part of the 12 Song Challenge being presented by Joel and Sam at The ResoundWorship Songwriting Podcast. January’s challenge was a Scripture Song, with lyrics pulled directly from (and only consisting of) certain scripture passages. I chose Revelation 15:3-4 (other options included Romans 11:33-36, John 14:5-21, Jeremiah 6:16, Hebrews 12:18-29). If you’d like to learn more about the project and sign up for the email list, visit YearofPraise.com. LINKS ResoundWorship.org 12 Song Challenge The ResoundWorship Songwriting Podcast BenSound.com (INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC) The post YOP 5: “Great and Marvelous” appeared first on YEAR OF PRAISE.

Today’s episode features my cover of a traditional hymn (“The Church’s One Foundation”), a brief story about my reason for choosing that particular song, and some of the history behind the well-known hymn itself. If you’d like to learn more about the project and sign up for the email list, visit YearofPraise.com. LINKS Emanuel Lutheran Church BenSound.com (INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC) The post YOP 4: “The Church’s One Foundation” appeared first on YEAR OF PRAISE.

On this episode, I debut a praise and worship song (“Forever Will I Sing”) written for a children’s choir. If you’d like to learn more about the project and sign up for the email list, visit YearofPraise.com. LINKS Emanuel Lutheran Church BenSound.com (INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC)   The post YOP 3: “Forever Will I Sing” appeared first on YEAR OF PRAISE.

On today’s episode I thank everyone for the response to Episode 1, debut a communion song (“Given For You”), and talk about the role of listening in my creative process. If you’d like to learn more about the project and sign up for the email list, visit YearofPraise.com. LINKS The Craft of Christian Songwriting by Robert Sterling (BOOK) Emanuel Lutheran Church BenSound.com (INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC) The post YOP 2: “Given For You” appeared first on YEAR OF PRAISE.

On this episode I release my first song (“Be Not Troubled”) and discuss the inspiration and motivation to originally write the piece. If you’d like to learn more about the project and sign up for the email list, visit YearofPraise.com. LINKS Be Not Afraid by Craig Courtney (SHEET MUSIC) Isaiah 43:1-2 (SCRIPTURE) The All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir Emanuel Lutheran Church BenSound.com (INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC) The post YOP 1: “Be Not Troubled” appeared first on YEAR OF PRAISE.

  I welcome you to The Year of Praise Podcast, share what the project is all about and why I started on this Christian songwriting challenge. If you’d like to learn more about the project and sign up for the email list, visit YearofPraise.com. LINKS The Awakening by Joseph Martin (SHEET MUSIC) Joseph Martin (OFFICIAL SITE) The story behind The Awakening (FROM JOSEPH MARTIN’S OFFICIAL SITE) The All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir BenSound.com (INTRO & OUTRO MUSIC) The post YOP 0: Introduction to The Year of Praise Podcast appeared first on YEAR OF PRAISE.