Last week I chronicled the contemporary worship tunes that I could do without. In the interest of equal time I thought I would share the recent tunes that have failed to grow old but have instead developed a timeless quality for various reasons.

10. Shout To The Lord–There is a reason this song is so popular: it just plain rawks. It is one of the more powerful worship songs building to a rollicking chorus that flows from the tongue. Oversang? You bet. But I still like it.

9. You Are My King (Amazing Love)–We are, because He is. A beautiful song that places the emphasis of our salvation upon the insatiable love of God. I’m accepted, not because of who I am, but because of His Amazing Love.

8. He Will Come and Save You–There are countless times in my life where I grow discouraged and faint-hearted. This song underscores the hope in the ever-present savior to restore me and replenish my zeal.

7. Here I Am To Worship–I love what I call “entrance songs.” These are hymns that are designed to usher the believer into the presence of God by setting the stage for worship and re-orienting our focus. My all-time favorite entrance song is Lord, We Come Before Thee Now. This is the contemporary counter-part for me.

6. I Will Change Your Name–I encounter so many people who, despite possessing faith, still feel as if they are somehow unworthy of God’s love. As if they don’t really matter and that God’s love is somewhat whimsical and conditional. This song perfectly captures the new identity that we have in Christ. Because I can’t shake the invitation, this is the perfect song for me to sing.

5. Blessed Be Your Name–The anti-prosperity gospel hymn. It acknowledges that God is good and worthy to be praised even when “there is pain in the offering.” Powerful.

4. Wonderful, Merciful Savior–Not really sure why, but I just can’t shake this song even though it’s been 5+ years since I last sang it in a group. The one line “you give the healing and grace our hearts always hunger for” is one of my favorites.

3. I Will Never Be The Same Again–In my last youth ministry we would sing this song after baptisms. It was a perfect way to celebrate the new creation that we are in Christ.

2. There Is A Redeemer–I’ve always loved the old Keith Green classic. But this past Christmas my daughters learned it for our Christmas program. There is nothing better than hearing my three year old belt out “thank you, o my Father.” She has perfected the tune.

1. In Christ Alone–The first time I heard this song I was running. I had just started and didn’t know if I could complete the distance I had planned to travel. I became so enraptured with the power and weight of this tune that I didn’t even notice that I had made it half a mile when the song was over. I’m still speechless every time i hear it. If only we could keep this in mind when we become so bogged down with doctrine and politics and all the other idols that we erect in the temples of our hearts. It’s all about Him.

What’s on your list? And hey, if you commented on your hated songs, you have to comment on this one too.