TWLL #50: What To Say Between Songs

read time: under 3 minutes

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Whether it’s the welcome/opening of the worship set, between songs, or closing, many of us feel unsure of what to say in these moments.  At varying degrees, we might feel pressure to have something profound to say or at least inspiring.

I've got a handful of thoughts to offer, that can hopefully help us navigate situations like these.

Say It Or Pray It?

While it’s completely fine to lead/guide your room by saying something to them, I think one of the best things you can do is offer a simple prayer.

When we pray, specific things happen for the room that can help with the bigger picture of what we’re aiming for in a worship set.

The Purpose Behind The Prayer

When you open a worship time with prayer, or interject a prayer between songs, you help direct the room’s attention straight to Jesus.  

Which is exactly in line with what you’re wanting to do when you lead the worship songs- help direct their attention to Jesus.

For example, when you pray on the mic at the beginning of worship, it sets the tone for the entire session- eyes on Jesus.  Or when you pray between songs, you maintain the flow that worship songs help generate- which is again, eyes on Jesus.

What To Pray

But then what do you pray in these moments?  Even if you’re not talking, it can still feel intimidating to know exactly what to pray.

Pray Scripture - Take the pressure off, and pray a Scripture passage.  When we pray the Word, we know we’re praying truth and are agreeing with the heart of God.

Pray the passage word for word or put it in your own words, and then see how simple but powerful it can be.

Pray With Transparency - Be real when you pray.  Don’t try to sound like someone else.  Be mindful of the room, but pray as you would if it was just you at home or in your car.

Short & Simple - When you pray, it doesn’t need to be long.  It can literally be a phrase or two- remember that you’re just trying to help the room re-center on Jesus.

Sing The Prayer - If praying by speaking the prayer still feels a bit nerve-racking, try singing the prayer instead.  Personally I love singing a short prayer between songs.  
It’s so simple, and feels natural when you’ve already been singing.

Pray With Confidence - When you pray, remember that you’re in a live moment with Jesus, and that He really does hear you.  And then let that fact embolden you when you pray.  Remember how the writer of Hebrews encourages us to come boldly before the throne of grace.

Conclusion

The next time you lead your worship set, remember you have options when it's time to open/close the session, or if you're between songs.  Take the pressure off and simplify by praying a Scripture passage.  

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Whenever you're ready, there are 2 ways I can help you: 

1. The Connection-Based Spontaneous Worship Course.  If spontaneous worship has been a struggle, you might want to check out Connection-Based Spontaneous Worship.  It's a self-guided, self-paced course that empowers you to lead spontaneous worship with confidence, enables your musicians to flow with you, and helps your room engage.  

2- Join A Zoom Group.  Every 3 months I host small zoom groups- one focused on worship leading and one on songwriting.  Each group meets once a week for an hour on Zoom over a 12-week period, as we walk through the process of learning to leading worship/write songs out of connection with Jesus.  For more details about the next upcoming zoom group, including schedule & cost, email me at [email protected]