Last month, when I went to Manila to deliver the Beyond-Planning: eProductivity conference, I also attended church services at the Cathedral of Praise. Since my conference was during the week, I had the opportunity to attend several services at each weekend.
While some of the worship experience was new for me, we worship the same God and read from the same Bible. One of the worship songs that I heard at each service was called "How can I keep from singing your praise" by songwriter Chris Tomlin. What a beautiful song of expression of love and worship for our creator.
It's become a powerful worship song for me, as well as a sweet reminder of my time of fellowship with the dear people at COP.
I was unfamiliar with this song or songwriter, but it turns out that we sing many of Chris Tomlin's songs in our worship service, too. Chris has an amazing gift for capturing the essence in true worship in his songs. For me, Chris' songs create a sense of awe and wonder and they add to my personal worship experience.
When I returned to the states, I went to iTunes store and purchased this song and four additional worship songs by Chris.
Indescribable
How Great is Our God
Made to Worship
How Can I Keep from Singing
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
These are now on my iPod for my morning quiet (well, not so quiet) time.
I've pasted a link below so you can listen for yourself.
"How Can I Keep From Singing" by Chris Tomlin
There is an endless song
Echoes in my soul
I hear the music ring
And though the storms may come
I am holding on
To the rock I cling
How can I keep from singing Your praise
How can I ever say enough
How amazing is Your love
How can I keep from shouting Your name
I know I am loved by the King
And it makes my heart want to sing
I will lift my eyes
In the darkest night
For I know my Savior lives
And I will walk with You
Knowing You'll see me through
And sing the songs You give
I can sing in the troubled times
Sing when I win
I can sing when I lose my step
And fall down again
I can sing 'cause You pick me up
Sing 'cause You're there
I can sing 'cause You hear me, Lord
When I call to You in prayer
I can sing with my last breath
Sing for I know
That I'll sing with the angels
And the saints around the throne
Discussion/Comments (17):
There is nothing like the communion of saints! It's awesome to imagine that right now there are diverse people all over the world (from Manila to California to Uganda), in thousands of languages telling and celebrating the story of God's Son coming into the world! Merry Christmas!
Posted at 12/16/2007 15:42:49 by Anthony Pisani
It's such a great blessing to be scrolling through Domino RSS feeds and see the title of your posting. Thank you for including it.
Church was snowed out this morning. Thank you for reminding me of Chris Tomlin's song. It is very powerful! No matter what my circumstances, God is worthy of my praise (and I certainly don't want a rock to take my place- Luke 19:40).
God bless you!
Posted at 12/16/2007 16:02:29 by Rick VanGameren
Hi Eric,
Though we have ended a productivtiy conference unproductively, we are glad to sing to HIM these words "... I can sing in the troubled times".
Merry Christmas to you Eric and your family.
/Marlo
Manila,Phils.
Posted at 12/16/2007 17:07:30 by Marlo aguinaldo
Thanks for the suggestions Eric. I knew of 2 of them, and now have 4 of them on my iPod.
Kind regards,
M.
Posted at 12/16/2007 17:13:45 by Michael Sampson
Tony, Rick, Marlo, Indeed - we have much to sing about. Thanks for your kind words.
Posted at 12/17/2007 12:07:51 by Eric Mack
I attended his How Great is our God concert in Fresno, CA this year and it was amazing. A group of us from church went and we got there a little late because we where doing a crusade in the juvenile hall, but the second we walked in and took our seat (well not exactly, we never sat down) you could just feel the Holy Spirit throughout the whole auditorium. His songs are amazing and truly open your heart to receive the Lord. I was trully blessed by his worship. Thank you Chris Tomlin!!!!
Posted at 12/17/2007 15:43:29 by Rosemary
I've been tremendously blessed by the music of Tomlin, Charlie Hall, David Crowder, and Matt Redman. You should check out some of them. Crowder's latest "Remedy" will truly bless you too.
Great to see this in my Domino RSS too! :)
Posted at 12/20/2007 10:46:24 by Chris Whisonant
Thanks, Chris, I've added an action item to check out these people. Much appreciated.
Merry Christmas!
Posted at 12/26/2007 15:47:27 by Eric Mack
Hey Eric, greetings from someone way over here in Singapore! It was a nice surprise stumbling upon your blog while searching for christian song lyrics. It is a refreshing read both in the spiritual and practical sense. Whatever you do, please dont stop blogging about your spiritual life and keep staying strong in Christ! You'd never know when another 'lost sheep' might come stumbling into your blog and reading the inspiring words of God's follower (you), putting him/her back on track.
God bless!
-Milton
Posted at 02/24/2008 1:09:26 by Milton
Thanks for the words of encouragement, Milton.
Posted at 02/25/2008 15:49:54 by Eric Mack
I'm a COP member and yeah, I like this, too. even my 2-year old daughter sing this song w/ me.
Posted at 03/23/2008 16:30:18 by Gerlie S. Barredo
Hi Eric,
We sang this song during easter at our church in Peterborough in the UK and I woke up singing it today, I then decided it was time I bought it as it always brings me to a place of total surrender to the awsomeness of our ever faithful God. I did a search on google and your bog was top of the results.I pray God's abundant blessing over you and your family.Don't stop sharing your faith.
regards Folu
Posted at 03/24/2008 23:49:14 by Folu Kehinde
yeah i love this song, me too im not familiar with this song, i just heard this beautiful song at cathedral of praise manila, and it really touch my inner soul, infact the tears roll at my cheeks how can i keep from singing your praise... I am loved by the King and it makes my heart want to sing, thanks to chris tomlin for allowing himself used by God to touch mens hearts... thanks also to COP Music Ministry wonderful.. Glory to God...
Posted at 07/20/2008 0:37:38 by carlo
Im so grateful to God, coz evrytym i attend the worship service at COP i experience the glimpse of heaven i feel that im singing infron of Gods throne together with His angels and saints... thanks to Sis. Beverly for leading the congregation to the manifest presence of God...
Posted at 07/20/2008 0:42:13 by carlo galisanao
Hi Pastor Eric:
I love this song because it is so true. I was denied singing in a choir because they had enough people. I am thankful that the Lord always need more people in his choir and He will never turn me away. I love your web site, first time on it. Be Bless.
Posted at 08/29/2008 14:40:09 by Theresa
Theresa,
Always remember Phillippians 4:4
Grace to you.
Eric
Posted at 08/29/2008 14:54:05 by Eric Mack
I'm glad to come across your blog. Just wanna share my experience with this song. I'm in music ministry too and when we practiced this song, it really touched my heart and had tears of joy... Truly, He's good and faithful. There's no reason to stop singing for the glory of His name. He deserves to be praised.
God bless you and keep you always
Posted at 03/28/2009 6:53:44 by Delilah Samson
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