I consider my role as a lead worshiper akin to that of a pastor in relation to the Word of God. Through preaching, a pastor imparts the truth of the Gospel into the hearts and minds of individuals. Likewise, I use music to accomplish the same goal.

That is why I love songs that paraphrase or directly quote Scripture. Songs like Step By Step by Rich Mullins (which quotes Psalm 63:1) or Joseph Stigora’s contemporary setting of Psalm 96 are a powerful and memorable way to communicate God’s Word to whom you minister.

Probably one of my favorite Scripture songs as of late is Exalt The Lord Our God. Written by Jacob Kuiper, former Director of Worship at Crossroads Alliance Church in Brooklyn Park, this song is based on Psalm 99 which reads as follows:

¹ The LORD reigns,
let the nations tremble;
he sits enthroned between the cherubim,
let the earth shake.
² Great is the LORD in Zion;
he is exalted over all the nations.
³ Let them praise your great and awesome name—
he is holy.

⁴ The King is mighty, he loves justice—
you have established equity;
in Jacob you have done
what is just and right.
⁵ Exalt the LORD our God
and worship at his footstool;
he is holy.

⁶ Moses and Aaron were among his priests,
Samuel was among those who called on his name;
they called on the LORD
and he answered them.
⁷ He spoke to them from the pillar of cloud;
they kept his statutes and the decrees he gave them.

⁸ O LORD our God,
you answered them;
you were to Israel a forgiving God,
though you punished their misdeeds.
⁹ Exalt the LORD our God
and worship at his holy mountain,
for the LORD our God is holy.

If you would like to learn how to play this song, you can download the chords here. You can also listen to the MP3 track that was recorded by Brandon Scott, Alisha Ostroot, and me. I am currently in the process of writing a lead sheet for this song.

I pray that you will be blessed and by this song and the truth of the Scripture on which it is based.

Now go serve your King!