Thursday, February 12, 2009

Isaac Watts...disgruntled songwriter?

I am a worship leader at my church but I am also a songwriter. In my pursuit to grow as a songwriter, I have heard many different takes on how great songs originate and even opinions on how they should originate. Many of these opinions, at times, have caused me to almost stop writing songs altogether because I feel like I don't have the perfect storm of life altering spiritual revelations and earth shaking quiet times to write a useful worship song.
Today, I read an account of how one of the great songwriters of the church, Isaac Watts who wrote classics such as Joy To World, Oh God Our Help In Ages Past, When I Survey The Wondrous Cross, and many others, started his journey as a songwriter.
"One Sunday after returning from a service of this type of Psalm singing
and
being deeply concerned and critical of congregational singing, young Isaac
was challenged by his father with the words, 'Well then, young man, why
don't you give us something better to sing?'" (101 More Hymns Stories
by Kenneth W. Osbeck, p. 168)


The story goes on to say that for the next two years, Watts wrote a song a week for his church to sing.

I have to be honest, that story is very liberating. Watts started writing because he was tired of singing the same ole stuff and was concerned that the congregation was feeling the same way and so he started writing new songs.

I don't think his process was any less Spirit guided than the guy who writes a song that springs out of an incredible encounter with God's presence in a quiet time or life changing worship experience. Both have a motive of serving the bride of Christ, the church and I believe that God honors and annoints both types of songs.

I don't know if I'll be able to write a song a week but I will definitely feel a lot more free to write songs without wondering if my process is "spiritual enough".

1 comment:

Keri Cardinale said...

Well said Benji... I appreciate you blogging about this. Surprisingly enough, same thoughts have been on my mind. I get "stuck" sometimes thinking I don't have what it takes to be a songwriter. But... it's people like Isaac Watts that inspire me to just write what's on my heart and all will fall into place. Put a mic in your hand... and deliver it! :)
Ha..and you thought no one read these blogs. I actually just found your link. Not bad .. for ADD. Consider yourself blessed. At least your disorder only has three letters. Mine has four - ADHD!