A Gift to the Church| Posted August 17, 2019 This is the first time hymnwriters Matt Boswell and Matt Papa have recorded an album together. Recorded live with a full band and the voices of the audience worshipping with them, His Mercy is More: The Hymns of Matt Boswell and Matt Papa is a gift to the church. The album includes some well-known hymns that are sung in churches such as “His Mercy is More”, “Christ the Sure and Steady Anchor” and “Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery”, as well as some hymns that have not been previously recorded. The two have been writing together for the past 10-12 years. This album will be on my list of top albums for the year.
Below are a few comments about each song: His Mercy is More – This song was written by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa and inspired from one of John Newton’s letters.
Key lyric: Praise the Lord! His mercy is more.
Stronger than darkness; new every morn;
Our sins, they are many, His mercy is more.
Magnificent, Marvelous, Matchless Love – This song about God’s love was written by Keith Getty, Kristyn Getty, Matt Papa, Aaron Keyes and Luke Brown. It was first recorded by Keith and Kristyn Getty on their 2018 EP The North Coast Sessions and was also included on the 2018 Sing! Psalms: Ancient + Modern (Live At The Getty Music Worship Conference) album. The song has an infectious joyful chorus, is driven by a good drum beat and features some nice guitar.
Key lyric: How great, how sure; His love endures forevermore. Magnificent, marvelous, matchless love. Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery – This song was written by Matt Boswell, Michael Bleecker and Matt Papa and features Kristyn Getty on vocals.
Key lyric: See the price of our redemption See the Father’s plan unfold
Bringing many sons to glory
Grace unmeasured, love untold Sing We the Song of Emmanuel – This song was written by Matt Boswell, Matt Papa and Stuart Townend. The joyful song took about three years to complete. It features some excellent guitar work and choral singing of “Gloria” to end the song.
Key lyric: Glory shining for all to see Hope alive, let the gospel ring
God has made a way, He will have the praise
Tell the world His name is Jesus My Savior’s Love (What Tongue Could Tell) – This song was written by Matt Boswell, Matt Papa and Keith Getty. The song features keys, drums and guitar.
Key lyric: My Savior’s love What could compare What tongue could tell my Savior’s love Lord from Sorrows Deep I Call (Psalm 42) – This song was written by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa and was included on the 2018 Sing! Psalms: Ancient + Modern (Live At The Getty Music Worship Conference) album. The song features piano and strings.
Key lyric: And, oh, my soul, put your hope in God My help, my Rock, I will praise Him
Sing, oh, sing through the raging storm
You’re still my God, my salvation Let the Nations Be Glad – This song was written by Matt Boswell, Aaron Boswell and Matt Papa. The song features drums and guitar.
Key lyric: Let the nations be glad Let the people rejoice
For salvation belongs to our God
Let the whole earth be filled
With the praises of the Lord
For salvation belongs to our God
Let the nations be glad Christ the Sure and Steady Anchor – This song was written by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa. The song features keys, drums and steel guitar.
Key lyric: We will hold fast to the anchor It will never be removed Lord Have Mercy (For What We Have Done) – This song was written by Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, Aaron Keys, and James Tealy. The song features, keys, guitar, organ, and light drums.
Key lyric: In thought word and deed, we’ve failed You our King How deeply we need a Savior The King in All His Beauty – This song was written by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa. The song features keys and drums. The song builds toward a powerful third verse.
Key lyric: Bring praise and honor to His courts Bring wisdom, power, blessing
For endless ages we’ll adore
The King in all His beauty How Rich a Treasure We Possess – This joyful song was written by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa. The song features guitar and drums.
Key lyric: The penalty was paid in full The spotless Lamb was slain
Salvation what a priceless gift
Received by grace through faith Christ is All - This song was written by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa. The song features guitar, keys, drums and a guitar solo mid-song.
Key lyrics: Christ is all Christ is all And my song will ever be Come Adore the Humble King – This beautiful song was written by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa. The song features, organ, piano, light percussion and strings.
Key lyric: Fall oh fall before the one Who in mercy left His throne
Christ the Lord God’s only Son
His glories now we sing
O praise the humble King
to add lyrics if not listed.
