Karl Ingraham – Mesa Worship
There is something mysterious about music in it’s ability to draw you in. It doesn’t always have much to do about what the song is saying. Check yourself, think of a favorite song and then ask yourself what is the song really about. Music doesn’t rely solely on lyrics to carry it.
Two nights ago I was in my living room working on this weekends set of songs. I spent maybe 2 hours just singing through them until both the tune and the lyrics were sinking in deep. I decided to go bed but found myself very awake. I signed into netflix and the next thing you know I have watched 3 straight documentaries on Jim Morrison and The Doors. Quite a musical trip to say the least going from the songs of this weekends service to Come On Baby Light My Fire, which for The Doors could be considered a love song.
I don’t know about you but lyrics have taken a strong place in my life within music. Again, music is not dependent on lyrics but when a great writer pens something powerful the combination of the tune and the words can draw you in.
This morning I read my favorite Psalm or song, Psalm 42-43. The language the psalmist uses to describe the intensity of his longing for God gives you the impression that he is desperate, passionate, hurting, weeping. He wants to be so close to God but yet there are things in his way. He must have God and he must sing this song that God has put in his heart. Yet the sadness that I feel when I read this yet another time is that it’s missing the music that would accompany it. I imagine the movements that must have come as he went from his longing, his remembering, his heartache, and yet bursting into a declaration of praise.
Our worship and our music should reflect our deep need for God. We should not hold anything back when we give ourselves over to the songs of God. They are coming from His passionate love for us. We turn them into meager words and movements of music, but don’t underestimate the power of this music.
Have a look at Psalm 42-43 today. Share your thoughts and comments if you like. Listen to some great music today. Worship God with intensity.
I can’t wait to get to church to sing and worship God. Thank you and your team who put their heart and time into making the worship time so powerful. The music and lyrics prepare our hearts and draw us in. I usually am singing the songs after getting out of church. I enjoy the variety of beautiful voices at Central. I would love to hear you lead in Gilbert sometime!
Good Morning Karl,
Does this mean you are directing and singing at the Mesa Central?
That’s where I’m at every weekend. Look forward to seeing you there.
Maureen, Thank you. I’m so glad that the music at Central is having that impact on you.
I have the voice of a crow and cannot sing,
but the music says what I want to say so I can’t keep quiet.
Don’t keep quiet. Let it go!
I really appreciate reading the blogs of Worship Team people; music is a great way for me to pray and worship. Traditional hyms, jazz, country, contemporary–the more variety the better. Thanks for your thoughts and for your leadership.
Nice to know you find God through music. Thanks so much for reading and sharing.