Blessings to you on this first day of Holy Week! If you remember my Valentine’s Day post or more accurately, my Valentine’s Day Eve post, I discussed some songs that get me in that lovey dovey mood…And that is why I want to list some songs – praise and worship and gospel – that get me in the mood to lift up my Lord and Savior -none other than Jesus Christ. During this week, with the help of the Holy Spirit, I plan to focus my attention on the Lord and His blessed resurrection  because He is worthy of all my praise and adoration!

Thankfully very early in my Christian journey, a fellow traveler revealed the secrets of praise to me and it has become an important aspect of my relationship with Him…First of all, I learned to praise the Lord whether my circumstances are good or bad, and through my praise, the Lord gives me joy – which is not dependant on happiness! As my father said, most people make themselves unhappy because they expect to be happy all of the time….it just ain’t gonna happen…but you can always have joy! Praise Jesus!

And although times may be particularly bad for many people right now, we are challenged  in the Word to offer up the sacrifice of praise…And we can do it, because the Lord sacrificed his Son for us….

By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.   Hebrews 13:15

So because I love my Lord more than any other, I will list 15 rather than the 14 songs I listed my for Valentine’s Day Eve post…let me know what you think…

1. “Oh Happy Day” by The Edwin Hawkins Singers – It was a happy day when I was saved! This soulful song can’t help but put you in the mood to praise Him! It’s a good song to end your workout with as well for my gym rats out there…

2. “I’m Still Holding On” by Luther Barnes and the Red Budd Gospel Choir featuring Deborah Barnes – Although I sometimes feel silly believing in a God that I can’t see, I still hold on because I’ve had too many blessings and experiences to turn back now…I’m still holding on…

3. “Expect a Miracle” by The Clark Sisters – If you follow God, you will have a supernatural experience…This song right here is pure butta baby…the notes these women hit…umm, um – truly gifted from the Lord! It’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face and get your day started right!

4. “Hosanna” by Kirk Franklin – First of all I met Kirk Franklin in Nashville, Tennessee a few years ago…He is the nicest guy for real! And he is as short as I am…hilarious!  Anyway, this song is a shonuff praise song…I ain’t gon lie…not too many gospel songs make me wanna dance but this one does….(I included a pic of us in this post…obviously, I wasn’t hitting the gym as I needed to…)

5. “My Life, My Love, My All” by Kirk Franklin – Just a beautiful love and praise song…It’s a love song for Jesus…I know that sounds corny, but it’s true…I’m swaying as I’m listening to it right now…

6. “The Blood Song” by Kirk Franklin featuring Donnie McClurkin, Crystal Lewis and Jaci Velasquez – Can you tell I’m a Kirk Franklin fan?

7. “This Battle is the Lord’s” by Yolanda Adams – When folks gettin’ on your nerves and you’re hoping the Lord will get your vengence for you- vengence is mine He says…I know it’s wrong, but I know I ain’t the only one…Y’all pray for me and for yourself…Anyway, the Lord is my protector and yours…

8. “Open My Heart” by Yolanda Adams – The lyrics for this song are just soo honest…”Don’t let me make the same mistakes over and over again.” I sometimes make the same mistake over and over and over again…But the Lord is working with me…

9. “Victory” by Yolanda Adams – This song rocks! In spite of myself, I was bobbing my head when I first heard this song as I watched the movie “The Gospel” a few years ago…

10. “Fragile Heart” by Yolanda Adams – First of all, the guitar solo at the song at the beginning of this song is crazy…This song is about losing a beloved person in your life to death…but I think the song works if you’re broken hearted about anything…Sometimes, it’s only the Lord that can heal your broken heart…

11. “Shackles” by Mary Mary – This is a nice song to bob your head to in the car… (Plus, they are so pretty too…sorry, I believe in being cute!)

12. “Love Him Like I Do” by Dietrick Haddon, Mary Mary and Ruben Studdard – Again in spite of myself, I find myself rockin’ when I hear this song…I swear you will to .

13. “Love Song” by Canton Jones – Just a beautiful song about the love of God…it compares to no other…and really works when your man is trippin’ …y’all know how it is!

14. “Let Go” by DeWayne Woods – This song is sooo earnest…I don’t know about you, but sometimes, the best thing you can do is let go and let God…that’s when things begin to change…Read about Woods’ amazing testimony here.

15. “How Can I Say” by Lisa McClendon – She is not as popular as the other artists I mentioned, but her voice is beautiful. And the lyrics of this song are beautiful…how can I say I love the Lord and not talk to Him each day…

So what are your favorite praise and worship and gospel songs or even hymns?

Any thoughts? 

P.S. Here is the video for Lisa McClendon’s song…

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