Dietrich Bonhoeffer reminds us that the psalms freely ask for life, health, peace, and earthly goods—not as selfish desires, but as signs of God’s gracious fellowship (Psalms: Prayer Book of the Bible, 2022). Jesus, himself, offers abundant life and daily provision (John 6:35; 10:10). These earthly blessings point us to eternal life—knowing God and Jesus Christ (John 17:3)—where every good gift finds its true fulfillment.
You can find all these songs on the Spotify playlist “Life” from the Calvin University Chapel.
Top Ten "Life" Songs
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Song Title |
Artist |
Notes |
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Wendell Kimbrough, Dan Wheeler |
This song, based on the beloved morning prayer of Saint Patrick, petitions Christ’s presence throughout the day’s weary work. (Lead sheet) |
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Brian Eichelberger, Caroline Cobb Smith, Mark Alan Schoolmeesters |
This song recounts the gift of God’s presence in every moment—in rising each day, experiencing joy and wonder, through sorrow and pain, and at the end of life. |
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Bob Kauflin, Jonathan Althoff, Nathan Stiff |
This song celebrates the provision of Christ’s wisdom in every moment of our lives. |
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Lacy Hudson, Lisa Clow |
This song sings in faith that all our days are held within God’s hands and that God’s love and favor have no end. |
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Mitch Wong, Sarah Quaglia, Stefan Cashwell |
This song gives thanks for the presence of Jesus every hour, from morning till evening. |
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Paul Zach, Kate Bluett, Isaac Wardell, Nick Chambers |
This song gives us words to prayerfully receive what each day brings—the presence of God’s Spirit, God’s provision of food, the joys and sorrows of daily labor. (lead sheet) |
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Sandra McCracken, Wendell Kimbrough |
This song celebrates the gifts of friendship, hospitality, and unity in the Spirit. |
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Jonny Robison, Rich Thompson, Tiarne Tranter |
This song expresses gratitude and contentment for the Lord’s provisions in this day and points to the Day when all God’s plans will be fulfilled. |
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Wendell Kimbrough, Paul Zach, Nick Chambers, Kate Bluett |
This song seeks the blessing of the Triune God in our making, working, and waking. |
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Wendell Kimbrough |
Rejoices in God’s daily provisions and looks forward in hope to the day of peace. |
Honorable Mention
(Didn’t Make the Top Ten But Worth Noting)
|
Song Title |
Artist |
Notes |
|
Scott Lavender, Susan Lack |
In response to the gift of life, this song asks the Father for help to honor Jesus by serving others. |
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David Leonard, Jack Mooring, Leeland Mooring, Leslie Jordan |
Inspired by the Breastplate of St. Patrick, the song expresses faith in Christ’s presence in every moment--as we rise, wake, wait, hear, go, and rest. |
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Berit Goetz, Isaac Wardell, Paul Zach, Leslie Jordan |
This song offers an invitation to life’s weary, wounded, and weeping to come to Jesus. |
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Aaron Keyes, Sandra McCracken, Isaac Wardell |
Based on the words of Psalm 90, this song reminds us that our life and work find lasting significance only in the presence and power of the Spirit. |
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Molly Parden, Isaac Wardell, Greg Thompson, Dee Wilson |
This song reminds us to come taste and see that the Lord is good all the time. |
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The Goodness of the Lord (Lamentations 3) |
Paul Zach, Wendell Kimbrough |
This song places confidence and hope in God’s daily provision of mercy, goodness, and friendship. (Lead sheet download) |
Topical List of Contemporary Songs—Series
This is part of a series that focuses on a particular theme providing a list of recent exemplary contemporary songs for congregational singing not currently found among the CCLI’s top 100.
Other topics in this series include the following:
