ChristianDance

Dorothy Wallace released a beautiful song called "Peace Lord Make Me an Instrument". The lyrics of the song are inspired by the timeless "Peace Prayer" that is attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi. Dorothy shares: "Growing up, my mother had the Peace Prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi hanging on the wall in our home. It was her favorite prayer. When she went home to be with the Lord, we printed it on her funeral cards." This prayer is a favorite of Dorothy, and she brings it to life in her latest release. "I definitely think the world needs Peace more than ever," she says, and I'm confident most will agree with that.  The lyrics of the song ask God to change us, "Lord make me an instrument of Your peace // Where there is hate, let me bring love." His Peace isn't passive, and we have a part to play. "Let me bring love" is a call to action, urging us to step into the broken places around us with mercy, faith, and hope...

Here it is! The extended version of "Rest" by Olly Kiff featuring Alison Kiff. As Olly shared with me, this song came out of a time of uncertainty, when he had to lay aside his agenda and trust in God. We're probably already all too familiar with moments in life when we're trying to follow our agenda and do everything on our own. Olly reminds us that this isn't how it has to go; we don't have to do this on our own.  The lyrics reflect a tension we are probably very familiar with, a tension between knowing the right prayers to pray, like "God have full control" and "let Your kingdom come," and still struggling to fully surrender control to God. "I can sing I surrender all / I can sing God have full control," Olly sings, "But somehow I still try to do it on my own." You're not the only one who faces these struggles when walking through the unknowns and storms of life.  Rest in God, trust in His plans and His timing...

Thoughts And Notions' 20th Anniversary Edition of "Savior" is a heartfelt comeback that links the past with the present with a new recording of earlier work. And… as expected with all of the experience they gained during those 20 years, their artistic maturity can be heard in this updated rendition for a new generation. Savior was their very first praise and worship song. It was initially recorded in 2004 for their first album, "In Awe of His Amazing Love," a fundraising project for their church. The lyrics are very relatable for anyone who's ever felt "shaken, broken, failing" or lost in life's chaos. "You're my answer, my lord and founder," they sing—a reminder that Jesus is the ultimate anchor and stronghold in life. The chorus, "Lord Jesus my savior / You came and became my redeemer / I was lost but you saved me," hope for anyone who feels they're drowning in confusion. As the song continues, it shifts to cele...

"Oh Praise" by Amy Hillis is an intriguing song that captures both the weight and the wonder of the cross. It asks us to think about who we really are! When we read the accounts of the Crucifixion of Jesus with sober, honest eyes, do we see ourselves in the violent mob of people? Do we see ourselves in Pilate, who simply washes his hands of this tragedy? Do we find ourselves walking free after the crowd chose to kill the innocent—our Savior—over us, the guilty? Our ideal reality says that we would have come to the defense of Jesus. Deep in our heart we see ourselves in the eyes of Jesus as he says, "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." He loves us, regardless of our imperfections, and this makes the collision between God's holiness and His incomparable love for us more clear. Jesus knew there was more to his death. "The blood that spilled down from His veins // Dripped with mercy and called my name," reminding us that His sacrifice is ...

"Wanna Be Like You" by One Common is an interesting song that was born out of this duo's struggles with wanting to please people and the pressure they felt to perform. The song reminds us to stop chasing others for their approval and start chasing Jesus instead. "I'm so done tryna be someone else just to keep people's attention," they sing. It can be very exhausting to constantly pretend and perform. The song reminds us to keep our hearts and lives centered on Jesus—the only one who truly is worthy of being our role model. Not for applause. Not for attention. But because His way is the only one that brings real peace and fulfillment in our lives.  The need to please others and perform is probably a feeling that many of us know all too well — but it doesn't have to define us.  The lyrics of the song put the issue right there on the table: "Who am I tryna be, who am I tryna please? That's the question." And the answer? Ofcourse, Jesus i...

"Road of Wonder (Mary's Song)" by Heidi Elgaard is an invitation to walk alongside Mary Magdalene, one of the pivotal people in Christianity. Released just in time for Holy Week, this song captures Mary's change from brokenness to unwavering devotion. The song starts with the lyrics, "When I first met Him, // I was shattered and broken," Mary's initial encounter with Jesus. With "a touch and a word," her life gets an extreme makeover: "He brought back a life // I thought the demons had swallowed." Heidi beautifully describes Mary's faith journey - her decision to follow Jesus, her anguish at the cross ( "I wept by the cross but tears could not drown my sorrows" ), and her awe at His resurrection: "That's when you revealed to me your truth and your glory." This song reminds us how Jesus reaches out and meets us in our darkest moments and calls us into purpose. Mary's faith journey is so relatable beca...

"Land I'm Livin In" by Isaiah William is a beautiful song, but the making of the song wasn't easy—it was a labor of love, with six different choruses written before they landed on the perfect one. For Isaiah William, this song is a reminder that God's goodness is always there, regardless of whether we feel it or not. The lyrics declare, "Surely I will see Your goodness // In the land I'm livin'," expressing hope that we can trust God to do for us what He has done for others so many times before. God's goodness is always there, even when we can't feel it. The lyrics are inspired by well-known Bible stories about faith and how God provided. It's lines like "Give us faith // Like Daniel in the lion's den" and "Like Elijah fed by the raven's hand" that remind us that God has always been true to His promises; He is there, even before we call out. The song calls us to have faith that His plan "is working ...

"One True Savior" is the first studio-produced single of Josh Grove, a 15-year-old Christian singer/songwriter, and what a debut this is! This is the kind of song that feels like a warm, comforting, and encouraging hug when life feels a bit too much. The lyrics remind us of God's goodness, especially when we're feeling weighed down by discouragement or "the enemy's" lies. "I was feeling down // I was buying out // Lies from the devil's mouth," the lyrics confess, and shifts with a message of hope: "But now I've been feeling close to You." Such a relatable testimony, and honestly, who hasn't been there before? This song is a battle cry, and it triumphantly declares, "I've been saved // By the One True Savior / Claimed // By the risen Jesus." As I listen, I need to constantly remind myself that Josh is a 15-year-old, because the sound of the song and its message are much more than what I expected. This song ...

"Shout Your Name" by Crossing Life Worship was written in 2020 as a response to a message that was shared during "@crossingwindham" about the importance of praise. It wasn't until 2023 that the song was introduced at their church, Crossing Life Church. The song is now one of the favorites in their local church and throughout the region. The inspiration for this song comes from passages in Isaiah 61 and Acts 16, passages that remind us to praise throughout the day, during all phases of our lives, not only when everything is going easy. The song's message isn't to ignore our problems; it's to choose to honor and praise Him even when our life is filled with chaos. In exchange for our praises, God offers us "Beauty for ashes // Joy for mourning." The lyrics of the bridge encourage us to "Throw off that shame // Dance on those chains," breaking free from the burdens that hold us down and steer us away from God. Step into His freedom ...

"Hands in the Air" by Josh Snyder Music is a high-energy song (CEDM genre) that captures the moment of full surrender, shaking off feelings of fear, and lifting our hands in worship and victory for our Lord and Savior. The song was inspired by times of spiritual battles and moments of doubt and makes it clear that you have the power to choose trust over fear, a freedom that nobody can take away from you!  The first line of the song, "This life, so fragile right now," describes the inner struggles that we often try to hide. And, in the same breath, Josh declares, "Took my fears, that's it I surrender. My God, you are my defender!" What a powerful invitation to let go of our pride, fear, and confusion and lift up our hands in worship! And Josh makes the package even more complete by blending his message with punchy synths.  The chorus, "Let me see, let me see your hands in the air!" not only encourages us to celebrate, but it also reminds us...

"Beautiful Savior" by Rorie is a heartfelt conversation with God that was born during a visit to the ER at 3:30 am on Easter morning. Rorie was getting help for an asthma episode, and while waiting, Rorie reflected on the paradox of pain and hope: "It was a dark night and day waiting for answers," she penned, echoing her own vulnerability. Rorie shares, "I was sitting there thinking about how Jesus knew what was going to happen to Him and yet still chose to die for us, even while we were so undeserving. He went through unimaginable suffering and paid the price for our sins so that no matter where we have been or what we have done, we can have new life and eternal life through believing in and following after Him. All because of who He is and what He has done!" As the truth of the Gospel flooded her heart, she realized that she couldn't stay silent about it, even though her voice couldn't sing. She continues, "Not only did He pay the price for...

"Clues" by Josh Bissell and Spencer Annis is a beautiful indie folk ballad for anyone who's ever felt lost and wants to find their way again. The song offers quiet but undeniable hope, like the first hint of dawn after a long night. The lyrics navigate the messy journey of confronting our inner "monsters" and buried (childhood) wounds. "Where did the monsters come from? // How did I come to meet them?" Bissell asks, voicing the feelings we experience when past hurts are unraveled. This song isn't about keeping those pains "safely" wrapped up in darkness, "Reaching through the shadows to the edges of my mind // Filling every corner with illuminating light."  Clarity usually doesn't come in grand revelations but as small sacred nudges. "I guess I'm just looking for clues." The approach is to shine a bright light on it and ask God to help find the clues needed to figure out a way forward. It's a song about s...

"All My Praise" by Crossroads Bigfork Worship is a song that emphasizes that worship should be an expression of our devotion to God in every circumstance and through every season of life. Written by Worship Pastor Ben Erickson from Montana, it's a response to a common struggle we all may feel during or after church services, where worship sometimes gets gets tied to emotions or preferences. "Worship isn't about the feeling," Erickson explains, "but about who Jesus is." That is one of the key messages that you immediately see in the lyrics: "It's not a feeling emotion // Or a space that I'm in // It's a reverence, a constant // Oh, I know who my God is."  The song's heartbeat is consistency. "In every single season // My heart will choose to give," and "Jesus, Redeemer, my strength and strong tower // The calm in the middle of the storm." Life will throw chaos on our path, and whatever happens, your ...

"Trust in the Lord" by Michael Encarnacion feels like a warm embrace during some of life's raging storms. The song was written on Memorial Day 2024, Michael shares: "I was casually scrolling through Facebook and found a chord progression for a John Legend song. I stopped scrolling to go to my Logic Pro DAW, where I began playing the chord progression. Started mumbling some random lyric and melody, which began to gradually form into a verse. I've never been in a co-writing session, but I could feel the spirit of God moving through my thoughts."   The outcome is a song for anyone who finds themselves wrestling with doubt or loneliness. "When you feel alone, // And hope is nowhere near," an all-too-familiar feeling when we're disconnected from God, and the chorus describes the solution: "Put your trust in the Lord, // He'll never let you down." A solution that may seem easier said than done, but the fact is that He is always presen...

"Praise The Lord" was written during a challenging time in CIELØ's life. His world felt like it was crumbling - but despite that brokenness, he felt the need to praise and thank God. Even during the hard times, God is good. "When I don't feel like praising, God lift my hands up even higher" a plea to God to help us cling to gratitude and worship when our emotions and feelings run dry. This song has great electronic beats, not too heavy that it would give CCM lovers a reason to skip the track, but still gives listeners a chill yet energetic summer vibe that gets your heart dancing. It's lines like "Praise Him for His mighty power // Praise Him for His endless love" that echo scripture's call to celebrate God at all times, no matter the circumstances we face. "Let everything that has breath // Praise the Lord" is a rallying cry for everyone to join in. CIELØ aimed to make a song with a catchy melody, a good dance but chill vibe, ...

"My Father's Voice" by Lucas Hampton is a powerful song about finding our true identity in Christ. In Christ there is no room for shame, no matter what we have done or how badly we have messed up our lives. Lucas reminds us that we find our worth in Jesus, even when others (or the shame we feel) are trying to tell us otherwise. Lucas emphasizes the truth that his love and grace are for us, and ultimately we belong to Jesus.  The lyrics hit hard right from the start: "I can't believe, the love you lavish over me / I am undone because of all that you have done for me." This is the awe-inspiring reality of God's grace for everyone who invites Him to be part of their lives. Letting God be part of our lives means: "I let my Father's voice define me, He's the only one who can / I tell my shame to get behind me, Cause that's not who I am." It's the best way to silence the lies and embrace His truth. God is constantly at work with us,...

"Come What May" by Colonial Heights Worship is a beautiful song that asks how we can truly express the goodness and grace of God, no matter the circumstances. Are we able to always remember His faithfulness and respond with lives of worship? Colonial Heights Worship shares that it's not just about singing praises, but, more importantly, living a life of devotion. Colonial Heights Worship shares that they wanted to create something that calls us to follow Him wholeheartedly — through storms, trials, and even seasons of blessing — because He has been faithful to us in providing, protecting, and leading.  The lyrics capture this beautifully. "How could I sing / All the ways You're faithful to me." Words fall short to even begin to describe what His love and provision bring. His goodness goes beyond anything that our words can express. "You are always, faithful / In everything… I will follow You, I will follow You / Come what may," a declaration of t...

"More Than Anything" by Marcus & Jalyn McGill flips the script around on how we often approach God. Instead of asking God for breakthroughs or miracles in our lives, or for people around us, the song asks us to focus on what truly matters: His presence. Marcus and Jalyn shared that "While songs contending for promises, breakthrough, and miracles are important, we wanted to write something that would instead focus on the Lord as the ultimate prize. Instead of looking at God as a genie in a bottle ready to grant our wishes, we want to honor Him and desire Him more than any good thing He could give." The lyrics are refreshingly honest and full of praise. Lines like "Your presence is enough for me" and "I just want You, I just want You / More than anything" remind us that our intimacy with God is most important, more valuable than any material gift we may receive. "You're the Author and the Potter," calling us to realign our hear...

"For The Sake Of My Soul (Upbeat Version)" by Carli Lessing is a refreshing song for anyone who feels overwhelmed by the chaos of today's world. Chaos and distractions that can't be stopped at the front door and follow you 24x7. That's what triggered Carli to write this song. Carli shares, "One morning as I was trying to do my quiet time, my phone kept beeping with Whatsapp notifications of my kids' school groups, the church worship band group and social media notifications and I just felt so overwhelmed. I remember thinking, "I don't need more of this, I need a whole lot less". It felt like all these things were just taking me away from the important things - spending time with God and making space for my family."   Carli effectively captures that moment of clarity in her song, when priorities shift from the trivial to the eternal, "I don't need more, I need less." This song isn't about shaming being busy or the tech...

"Yahweh (Nothing Compares)" by Alex Young And Friends is a reminder of who God truly is - Creator, Sustainer, and King over all. Alex Young is a Christian singer-songwriter from Atlanta, GA, USA. He shares that this song began as a simple idea from one of his music students during a lesson. They worked on it together, and the result was so good that Alex had to record and release it.  The lyrics take us back to the beginning: "You spoke the heavens into existence // They shout Your glory through starstruck skies." A familiar scene from Genesis 1. Then there's the poetic imagery of man created out of dust and watching life itself being woven together: "You sew the threads of life together and You fill us with Your breath." All of science put together can do amazing things, but nothing compares to our God. That realization invites us into a moment of reverence and gratitude. No one and nothing can rival Yahweh's majesty. "Yours is the kingdom,...