Inspiration from Sermon and Prayers

Paul Baloche, in his Youtube songwriting series, points out that many of his ideas for songs originate from sermons and prayers. He recalls multiple lines he heard from his pastor that resonated with him. He later expanded on them and added a melody to accompany the words and, before he knew it, he'd made legitimate progress in writing that song. This endeavor wasn't planned or pre-rehearsed, but rather the idea for the song came spontaneously. Similarly, Baloche describes thinking of other ideas through sitting in prayer meetings. His song "Open the Eyes of My Heart" came to be through hearing one of his revered church fathers begin his prayers with those very words. Baloche makes it a point to sit in on these church meetings to be, first and foremost, enriched spiritually. However, he benefits musically from them as well.

Songs from truth. That's essentially where most of Baloche's ideas are coming from. Sermons are (hopefully) based on Scripture, the true Word of God. This Word changes us and inspires us to do the Lord's will. In Baloche's case, it inspires him to write songs that guide the heart to Jesus. In the same way, we must read and hear Scripture to be changed and inspired. If that desire, that zeal, is lacking, we will miss out on the work God can do in us. Ask yourself, how do I read Scripture? Is it something I view as tedious? Unnecessary? Or am I passionately seeking to hear from God as I open his Word?

Comments

  1. AnonymousJanuary 14, 2021 at 2:04 PM

    I really agree when you said how "This Word changes us and inspires us to do the Lord's will," I definitely understand and feel that when I read or hear the Word of God. The questions you asked at the bottom of your last paragraph really stand out and captivate the eye. They are accurate questions one should ask themselves!

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