Did Someone Say Praise Break?
How is it possible that we have already arrived to November? This year has flown by and before we know it, the clock will roll over into 2026. As I prayed and pondered on what to write about this week, my mind drifted to our worship set for this past Sunday. We sang a song called “Desperate” by Jamie MacDonald. Great song, with an honest, heart cry to the Lord, seeking His face for help in time of trouble.
As I thought about this song, I wondered how many others out there may be going through a difficult season and could use encouragement. I know personally, it has been a difficult year for many of my friends and family enduring loss, struggles, health issues, battling anxiety and depression, addiction and other various heart breaks. Then it hit me. We have been walking this journey together for almost a year now, and I have never mentioned that myself and my husband are the worship leaders for our church.
That fact is not really important, but my love of music, specifically worship, leads to today’s topic. Music has the power to change your perspective, mood and attitude. Melodies can wrap around you like a warm blanket, tucking you in for safe keeping, leaving you with feelings of hope, joy or encouragement.
Praise has the power to elevate our position, lifting us to higher ground, where we can see King Jesus rightly. It removes focus from the face in our mirror, and places it on the throne, where we can gaze intently on the One Who loves us most. It also aids in shutting the mouth of the lying serpent, and gives us a rhythm to trample him underfoot.
So today, I want to give you my top seven worship songs. (On a side note, narrowing it down to only seven was HARD! Your girl LOVES music) These are ones; however, I can listen to and sing over and over, and never grow weary. I pray you find a new favorite, or one that will help you face the difficult season you may find yourself in currently.
In no particular order, I give you my go to Praise Break list.
1. “Psalm 46 (Lord of Hosts)”- Shane and Shane
Shane and Shane could sing the phone book and sound incredible. They have so many fantastic worship songs, but this one is my all time favorite. It’s a great reminder we never battle alone as children of the Most High God. With the added power of singing scripture, you cannot go wrong blasting this one on a day you need a little pep in your spiritual step.
2. “Creator”- Phil Wickham
I can never get through this one without tears trickling down my face. The melody is beautiful, and the lyrics remind us everything we see belongs to the Master Craftsman. My favorite verse says: “This my great and everlasting hope. I’ve been saved and heaven is my home. I can’t wait for that day, when I see You face to face. For I was made to magnify my Maker. Yes, I was saved to walk beside my Savior. I’m created to worship my Creator.” Come on church!!
3. “All Hail King Jesus”- Jeremy Riddle
I could write a whole blog post about Jeremy Riddle. As a fellow worship leader, his passion to worship Jesus in purity is inspiring and beautiful. His songs draw you close, right to the feet of our Savior. Although I could list whole albums by him that I love, “All Hail King Jesus” is my favorite at shifting my thoughts and vision from myself, and placing them directly on the face of Christ where they belong.
4. “Cleansed”- People and Songs (ft.Charity Gayle)
If you need a good, old fashioned yet modern hymn, this one will have you shoutin’ louder than Sister Peters from the home church I grew up in. It reminds us we are washed clean, and sin no longer has a hold on us. We have been set free, redeemed and that is reason to praise! Not to mention if the “Nothing But the Blood” praise break at the end of this video doesn’t get you going, your wood is wet!
5. “Throne Room Song”- Charity Gayle (ft. Ryan Kennedy)
We have full, complete access to the feet of Jesus anytime, anywhere. Hallelujah! Feeling weary? Need some rest? Maybe you are on the mountain top and simply ready for more of His beautiful presence. The veil has been torn by the blood of the Lamb, so run into the Throne Room!
6. “Out of Hiding (Father’s Song)”- Steffany Gretzinger
I went through a season several years ago, where the worship leader I was mentoring under stepped down, leaving a large void in my journey to becoming the leader God was calling me to be. Steffany Gretzinger and Jeremy Riddle became my leaders and mentors during that year, people I have never met face to face. Steffany’s honesty, passion and love for the Lord is unmatched. I found this song during that difficult time, and it was a reminder I do not have to be perfect, nor do I have to have everything figured out and perfectly in place. Jesus just wants my heart. He wants your heart. No need to be afraid dear friends.
7. “Alpha and Omega”- Jesus Image (ft. John Wilds)
Face down, flat on the floor in awe and wonder. This song is a powerful reminder of the magnitude of the God we serve, and how He deserves every ounce of honor and praise we can squeeze out of these human vessels. When I listen to this song, I can imagine all of the heavenly host joining with us, declaring the Majesty of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Bonus Song: “No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus”- Steffany Gretzinger
(I told you it was hard to only pick seven :-) This song is my heart’s cry. Even in all my mess, all my deep, dark black junk- He loved me. He never turned His back on me. Actually, He just kept chasing me down, and now my prayer is the same as the second verse of this song. “Let my children tell their children. Let this be their memory. That all my treasure was in Heaven. And You were everything to me.”
Music has gotten me through some very tumultuous days throughout my lifetime. It is another good, gift from our Father God. Again, I hope you found a new song you can put on repeat for a while, and sing along to in time of trouble, or perhaps a new melody of praise, to give to the One Who is most worthy.
Drop a comment and let me know what song or songs would be on your Praise Break list. I’m always ready to add a new tune to my Spotify play rotation.