Congregational Songs – New Songs for Corporate Worship

New Music Tuesday – “Jesus Shall Reign”

July 27, 2010

Isaac Watts penned the words to “Jesus Shall Reign” in 1719. I just paused for a moment and realized that these lyrics have been around before the USA was the USA. To still be singing them is both a privilege (that they’ve been preserved) and an encouragement (that this man walked humbly with God 300 years ago, and our church is being built up today because he meditated on Psalm 72).

I decided to write a new melody for it a few years ago, and it has been a joyful addition to many of our corporate worship services since.

To see my post, read the lyrics, and download a free mp3, chart and lead sheet, go to this page at reformedpraise.org.  Reformed Praise is a site that I came across 6 or 7 years ago.  David Ward developed this site as a place for music and worship leaders to find new melodies to songs with great lyrical content from ages past.  We share a vision for these kinds of hymns, so I’m thankful that David has welcomed me to call Reformed Praise my home for the re-worked hymns that I compose.  All of his content is free, and you can find many great, theologically rich songs to use there.

Be looking for a post here soon about the new CD that Reformed Praise is now in the process of making.

Filed under: New Music Tuesdays,Songs