Simply put, prayer is an intimate conversation with God. Prayer is paramount for building a strong relationship with God.
Christians—and non—have different prayer habits. Some are prayer warriors, spending hours speaking fervently with our savior, Jesus Christ. Others, like myself, appreciate smaller, yet more frequent, prayers constantly connecting with God in gratitude, petitions, and requests.
Many of us use different outlets to pray. Some people like to use a journal. Musicians like to express their prayers in music. Here are seven artists—and six songs—who do just that.
Austin French “Why God”
Contemporary artist Austin French was going through a difficult season where he nearly lost his father to cancer. As an outlet, Austin poured his heart and prayers into the hit, “Why God.” To me, Austin is brave to share his vulnerable thoughts with the world. He’s not afraid to ask God the tough questions: Why did this happen? Why do people die?
Cory Asbury “Dear God”
Contemporary artist Cory Asbury’s “Dear God” is a prayerful conversation between him and the Lord. In the song, Cory confesses that he fights hard for God’s approval: "The harder that I try, all the harder it becomes."
The singer can’t even measure up to his own expectations. By the mid-point, the song shifts to commentary from God. The Lord says the singer will always be enough: "Cause I’m not scared of imperfections/Or the questions in your head/Just know that you have always been enough."
Caitie Hurst “Answers”
Contemporary singer Caitie Hurst’s “Answers” asks similar questions found in Austin French’s “Why God”: “What about all the earthquakes, fires, and hurricanes?/Why does it keep on storming when You could stop the rain?/What about all the sickness medicine can’t solve?/What about all the cancer? You could heal it all/I want the answers.“
Unlike many of today’s worship songs, Caitie demands answers to the world’s questions. What’s amazing about the song is, despite its upfront demeanor, Caitie continues to praise God's name: “Faith You can drive out the dark, light my way/You are my answer when I have no answer/For the darkness in this world.”
We The Kingdom “SOS”
Contemporary band We The Kingdom continues to make a name for itself in the Christian music industry. Their song, “SOS,” is a desperate plea to God for help in the darkest hour: “I'm surrounded by fear that won't let go/If there's a way out/Someone let me know.”
The singers question why do they make the same mistakes again and again. The search for joy is apparent, yet too far away. The song’s lyrics are vulnerable, unafraid to ask for help. What’s notable is God’s not mentioned in the lyrics. But, truthfully, He doesn’t always need to be.
Tauren Wells “When We Pray”
Pop singer Tauren Wells’ “When We Pray” is a call for corporate prayer: “But what if we could be a people on our knees/As one before the King.” The song outlines reasons for prayer: “Who will speak up for the captive/Show some love and heal a past that/Binds the wounds we think will never go away.”
And, of course, the song shares the benefits of corporate prayer: “All the world starts changing/When the church starts praying/Strongholds start to break/Oh when we pray/Prison walls start shaking/At the sound of praising/Nothing stays the same.”
Chris Tomlin “God Who Listens”
Chris Tomlin’s “God Who Listens” is a song of gratitude, praising God for listening and answering his prayers: “I'm not just hopin', I'm not just wishin'/Yes, I am prayin' to a God who listens/Oh, Lord a promise, that we've been given/Yes, we are prayin' to a God who listens.”
Plus, the song praises God reverently (the trademark of any Chris Tomlin song): “He walks with me and leads me by still waters/I lay my troubles down at His feet (lay my troubles down)/It's amazing that the Savior and the Father/He is (He is) a friend (a friend) to me/How can it be, oh?” The song is definitely a worthy addition to any Spotify or Apple Music playlist.
Paul Phillips is a Canadian journalist with over 10 years of experience writing and editing digital and print content. He specializes in health, fitness, nutrition, and travel. He loves music, movies, and, of course, living for Jesus.
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