In the spirit of John Bell and Taize, here is a new 2 or 3 part round that can be sung unaccompanied or with a band and/or choir and congregation. It's a setting from The Many of the powerful words of God’s care for us in Matthew 7:7. "Ask and it shall be given. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened.” If you have never tried to sing a round with your congregation, this is a place to start. This is also a great song to use as a table grace, before congregational dinners or in small groups or family dinners. Learn More

This spare, a cappella invocation has been used by congregations as a choral introit, but has also been taught line-by-line to the congregation. It is written for Tenor/Baritone/Bass, but can be adapted for higher voices. The lyrics focus on speaking to God, but also listening for God. One License #CGI2001 Learn More

This simple chant by new CMP artist Lea Morris sings the intention to dedicate our lives, homes and all we do to bringing more joy, love and peace into this beautiful creation. Learn More

Another beautiful, singable, earth-honoring chorus. Easy to play on guitar. This song works well for outdoor worship, church camp, or any time you want to connect with the sacred around you. The song also turns the idea that God is somehow "up" on its head, using imagery of the Spirit rising from the ground. The song works well as a gathering song, introit, call to worship, prayer, or as a congregational hymn. Written by Dr. Christopher Grundy, Associate Professor of Preaching and Worship at Eden Theological Seminary. One License #CGHiTP2002 Learn More

This song was inspired by a story told by Rev. Traci Blackmon, a UCC clergyperson and National Church leader who was on the front lines of the clergy response to the KKK and white extremist violence in Charlottesville, VA. According to the story (which did not take place in Charlottesville), a 5 year old boy was going to say a few words in his church on Easter in front of the whole congregation. When the time came, he was too afraid to do it and refused. Eventually though he went ahead and spoke his piece. When the pastor then asked him to explain how he got rid of his fear, the little boy said, "I didn't. I just did it afraid." This brief chorus will work in many contexts, especially after the story that inspired it is told. Sometimes faith doesn't mean not being afraid--it means feeling the fear and yet doing what we're called to do anyway... Learn More

Steve Schallert lives in Hawaii and works often with Youth With a Mission.  He is a soulful and passionate songwriter and artist who writes beautiful songs of longing, lament, and the call for biblical justice.  This simple but powerful "Song of Lamentation" will touch the hearts of many and give us all a deeply needed way to sing our prayers for healing and wholeness.

A common critique of "contemporary praise and worship music" is that it does not touch the brokenness of the world enough and that there are too many "happy clappy" songs and very few songs of lament.  Lament is a crucial step in response to the pain of the world and the processes of grieving, healing, and regrouping we all need both in our individual lives and in our communities of faith.  CMP is grateful and proud to have songs like this on our site and to point you toward the work of Steve Schallert.

Singer/Songwriter David LaMotte is a soulful lyricist and artist who has spent many years in contemporary folk music circles.  This very singable and easy to learn song with a great groove is from David's brand new release, "It's The Other Way Around."  This tune will bring new life and energy to many congregations as they celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion.

This is a very singable and easy to learn chorus by Troy Hatfield, one of the musical leaders of Mars Hill Church in Grand Rapids, MI.  The lyric is a beautiful reminder of Psalm 46:12 which tell us that because God is with us--especially in the midst of trouble--we do not need to be afraid. 

Fear--it's being thrown at us and sold to us and used to manipuate and control folks in so many ways.  We all have our own personal fears as well.  We hope and pray that little choruses like this will help us respond to fear with Spirit-centered love and strength and freedom.

Note:  The audio for this song is a simple live demo at this point.  Troy is finishing up a more produced studio version and we will use that as soon as it is available.  If you purchase this simple demo and want the studio version when it comes out please just let us know.  Also, the song was initially called, "For He Is Here."  Troy was very open to the suggestion that other pronouns and images for God be used so that the song is not exclusively using a masculine image for the Divine.  You'll see our suggestions (God, He, She)  on the lyric pages and sheet music, but the audio here only uses the original male pronoun.  Please "hear" beyond that and imagine repeating the song using "God" for the first verse, "He" for the second, and "She" for the third.

A brand new song from Emma Ceurvels and Bryan Sirchio. We're really excited about this one! A simple song of hope and encouragement that reminds us that God is with us and that God will always see us through times of heartache and challenge. This song will work in many different liturgical moments and will be a great source of comfort and hope and healing both to individuals and to groups of people. Learn More

This song is vintage Christopher Grundy and really deserves to be used more widely.  Great invitation, call to worship, prayer, or "short song or response" based on Jesus' invitation to come and find rest in Matthew 11:28.

A very simple yet profound prayer for healing, peace, non-violence, and wholeness.  Very easy to learn and sing, yet full of potential for layers of harmony and many different musical approaches and styles. 
 

A simple song that is immediately accessible and easy to pick up. Be sure to listen long enough to hear the beautiful vocal harmonies that Matthew Black uses to really bring this song to life. In a world where fear is used to manipulate and control us in so many ways, this simple reminder that when we are "in God"--we can rest and find deep peace and security. In fact Matt suggests that it is ONLY in God that we can "lie down and not be afraid." This song could be used in lots of different ways liturgically, and Matthew includes the vocal arrangement as a download. Learn More

This is a brand new song for Advent 2016 from The Many.  We're really excited about this one!  So timely in light of all that's going on in the world right now.  This beautiful, singable, easily accessible song could work as an anthem, a congregational song, or a solo.  It taps into the Advent themes of waiting and longing for God to come, act, and bring about Divine justice.  And yet it is also a call to action, love, service, and hope while we wait. 

Thanks for another GREAT song Gary, Lenora, and Hannah Rand!

A catchy blue-grass/country flavored song with a very accessible chorus and call and response verses.  Fun, celebratory, and easy to learn.  Nice feminine reference to the Divine in one of the verses!