Religious Songwriting Tips

• Religious songwriting can help people through times of crisis and promote worship experiences.Cross image by Gianluca Ciralli from Fotolia.com
  
  Religious songwriting features similar techniques as secular songs; however, the main difference is the message found within the songs. While religious songwriting does not necessarily follow the standard format of modern secular songs; the following tips can help assure that your song can be spiritually uplifting.
  
  

Innovative Themes

• Religious songwriting concentrates on the Lord, or Jesus. While many songs focus on themes such as needing the Lord and loving Him, try to think outside of the box when writing religious lyrics. Gain inspiration from listening to a sermon or reading religious books. Think introspectively about what the Lord means to you. Why do you need Him? What has He done for you? By incorporating personal feelings toward the Lord you can create a religious song that is personal for you and for listeners.
  
  

Social Commentary

• Religious songwriting provides writers the chance to focus on political or social issues. While writing a religious song is not the platform to promote a certain political agenda, a songwriter can write about how God can help during certain times of pain or frustration. An example would be how God will provide for his children during times of economic recession or famine. The goal of incorporating current issues into a religious song is not to focus on the issue but rather to focus on how God is in control and will help you through whatever the world goes through.
  
  

Worship Chorus

• Worship chorus songs are unlike standard songs as the entire song is made of a chorus, with a maximum of one verse. When writing a worship chorus, it is common to sing about your love for the Lord and how much He means to you. A worship chorus often features limited chord progressions and is often repeated several times to place focus on the message of the song. Be creative when writing worship choruses, and remember the point of this type of song is to praise God and lead the congregation in this praise.