Pairing theologically rich lyrics with soaring melodies, Peoria, Illinois-based Grace Worship releases its first EP in over three years, Steadfast Love, Sept. 15. The six-song recording’s title track is available beginning today (Aug. 18) at digital and streaming outlets globally via The Fuel Music at https://slinky.to/SteadfastLove.
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,” that 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. Recorded at Grace Presbyterian Church, the video was premiered this week by Worship Leader at https://worshipleader.com/worship-culture/grace-worship-video-premier-steadfast-love/.
“‘Steadfast Love’ explores the lament of the heart when faced with sorrow, sin and the devil, and yet points us to cry of the Lord’s love in the midst of it all,” says King.
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
(Lyrics from “Steadfast Love”)
Along with the title track, the new EP features “Hallelujah Who Shall Part,” which is Grace Worship’s rendition of William Dickinson’s hymn wrote 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 their work of creating songs that unite generations. The new recording reflect 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.
