Grace Worship Video Premiere – “Steadfast Love”
Pairing theologically rich lyrics with soaring melodies, Peoria, Illinois-based Grace Worship releases its first EP in over three years, Steadfast Love, on Sept. 15.
Centered on the theme of God’s heart for his people, all the new songs for the EP came out of a song-writing team at Grace Worship.
“We wanted to write songs for the church that help people grasp the inseparable bond God has with us,” shares Grace Worship Director Kevin King.
“We worked to include songs that will span the generations, drawing from scripture and ancient hymn texts and pairing them with singable melodies put to fresh sounds and arrangements. The album is a celebration of God’s heart and God’s people with brilliant orchestral moments, soaring pop hooks, and vulnerable lyrics.”
King wrote and led the opening, title track of the EP, Steadfast Love, which was inspired by Lamentation 3:22-23 and features a full band, choir, and string section. The song also becomes the first live performance music video from the recording and was recorded at Grace Presbyterian Church.
Along with the title track, the new EP features Hallelujah Who Shall Part, which is Grace Worship’s rendition of William Dickinson’s hymn written in 1846, Dear Refuge of My Weary Soul, a hymn written by Anne Steel in 1760 with music added by Matt Merker in 2014, and My Gentle, Lowly Savior inspired by themes from Dane Ortlund’s book Gentle and Lowly. It also features The Twenty Third Psalm, a poem written by George Herbert in 1633 based on Psalm 23, and Jesus, Do Not Look on Me, a new hymn written by Dr. Bryan Chapell and set to the tune of Antonin Dvorak’s “Largo” from the New World Symphony.
“As people take in these songs, we pray they are brought into the true reality, where God loves them more than they love their sin; where shame is defeated and grace abounds; and where praise is a healing balm for the soul, because the object of our praise is that safe,” prays King. “All glory to God for the steadfast love He continues to give us through Christ our Lord!”
Bringing classical technique and lush orchestra arrangements into a pop presentation, Grace Worship continues its work of creating songs that unite generations. The new recording reflects a modern musical expression while simultaneously drawing from the 150-year church history at Grace Presbyterian Church. The songs are further meant to remind listeners that there is more hope in Jesus than there is despair in the world.
About Grace Worship
Grace Worship is the worship ministry of Grace Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Peoria, IL that is passionate about making the gospel known through song and story. Before Jesus went to the cross, He prayed that His church would be one (John 17). Grace Worship desires to write and share songs that advance this mission through theologically rich and creatively beautiful art. By pulling from the heritage of Christian hymnody and integrating the church songs of today, the worship team hopes to make much of Jesus’ unifying mission through music that equips the church for worship across generations.
Lyrics
Steadfast Love
Lyrics and Music by Kevin King
When my way is robbed of peace
Every sense of goodness gone
When my prayers bring no relief
No more hope to carry on
What still stands above
Only his steadfast love
Longing to be pleased and whole
Haunted by my heart’s demands
Always feasting, never full
O what wretched man I am
What will fill me up
Only his steadfast love
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases
His mercies won’t come to an end
No pow’r exhausts them. They’re new every morning
Great is your faithfulness
When the devil’s roaring voice
Calls for war my soul to claim
Jesus guards my heart with joy
For his scars they bear my name
See the battle won
Because of his steadfast love
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases
His mercies won’t come to an end
No pow’r exhausts them. They’re new every morning
Great is your faithfulness
Praise him through the darkness
In valleys of despair
Praise him in your weakness
His strength is present there
Praise him in your doubt and fear
Let heaven’s help surround
Praise him with your broken heart
For to it, he is bound
Praise him when your mourning ends
He’s eager to restore
Praise him in life’s joyful days
He plans to give you more
Praise him as you come and go
On this our hope depends
The steadfast love of God abounds
And never, never ever ends
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases
His mercies won’t come to an end
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases
His mercies won’t come to an end
No pow’r exhausts them. They’re new every morning
Great is your faithfulness
Though this life is dust to dust
I know I will get Jesus
Great is your faithfulness
Great is your faithfulness
Great is your faithfulness
What's Your Reaction?
Over the last 30 years, Worship Leader Magazine has been blessed to have many different contributors on the editorial team - this is their archive.