Worship leader Ryan Ellis recently made his official debut on the radio with “Heart of the Father.” Before helming vibey tunes of his own, however, the West Coast native was writing songs behind the scenes for artists like Natalie Grant, Chris Tomlin, and Matt Redman, among others.
The music on his recent release, Episode 1 EP, is all about Jesus. Ryan’s songs proclaim Jesus' lordship and matchlessness over the earth. They’re also about dwelling on Him, and how one day all things will be made new. There will be no more death, sorrow, or crying. The church could benefit from more proclamations about the excitement of everlasting life in heaven. I had the chance to speak with Ryan about his catchy single, “Heart of the Father.”
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
This song is such a great reference point of what I believe we're called to do as people of Christ. We're meant to meet people where they're at, not change them. It's having grace, patience, kindness, mercy, and the ability to see and love people for who they are and help guide them along.
If people need a friend or someone to listen or to give them good advice, to me, being all things to all people is what being a good father is. Romans 2:4 says it's His kindness that leads us to repentance. That's the “Heart of the Father,” a song about His goodness.
The song was started by my buddy Mac Montgomery. He was the worship pastor in Isla Vista Church. I remember hearing the song and thinking that the chorus was big. The message behind it is big. This song has a good vibe, and it’s one you can sing in church and listen to on the radio.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
2 Corinthians 6:18(VOICE): "'And I will be for you as a Father, and you will be for Me as sons and daughters,' Says the Lord Almighty!"
Matthew 11:28 (NIV): “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV): “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
Psalm 40:17 (VOICE): "Meanwhile, I am empty and need so much, but I know the Lord is thinking of me. You are my help; only You can save me, my True God. Please hurry."
Psalm 139:17-18(NKJV): "How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You."
Lamentations 3:22-23(VOICE): "How enduring is God's loyal love; the Eternal has inexhaustible compassion. Here they are, every morning, new! Your faithfulness, God, is as broad as the day."
John 14:6(NIV): Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
1 John 3:18(VOICE): My little children, don't just talk about love as an idea or a theory. Make it your true way of life, and live in the pattern of gracious love.
Ephesians 2:1(NKJV): "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins."
Ephesians 3:14-19(NJKV): "For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—-to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.”
What is the takeaway message?
There’s something for everybody. This song was written in a season when I was really discovering the grace of God and His kindness, patience, and mercy. It taught me what it looks like not only to talk about Jesus but honestly talk less about the Gospel and let my life preach.
The goal behind our ministry is to show people that it doesn’t matter where they’re at or what stage of life they’re in—there’s always going to be the grace and love of God waiting for them.
He always accepts us exactly where we’re at and walks alongside us. This song shows what it is to be a believer and how we’re called to walk and love people. I hope this song blesses you.
I have a deep love for Jesus and the way that songs draw people in to experience Him, to be inspired and encouraged, and ultimately to let them know that they are loved. Music is the language that everyone can understand, and it’s all I know how to do.
Lyrics
I’ve never known a love like Yours
So intimate so powerful
And I’ve tasted I’ve seen
And nothing comes close
I’ve never known a love like Yours
Jesus Your name is power
It’s breath and living water
And Your spirit guides me
To the heart of the Father
Let Your praise ring louder
Every day and every hour
Cause Your spirit guides me
To the heart of the Father
I’ve never felt at home like this
Just like a child so innocent
And I’m safe inside Your arms
Cause you won’t let go
I’ve never known a love like Yours
Jesus Your name is power
It’s breath and living water
And Your spirit guides me
To the heart of the Father
Let Your praise ring louder
Every day and every hour
Cause Your spirit guides me
To the heart of the Father
We sing praise
God we sing praise
God we sing praise
We sing praise
We sing praise
We sing praise
We sing praise
We sing praise
Jesus Your name is power
It’s breath and living water
And Your spirit guides me
To the heart of the Father
Let Your praise ring louder
Every day and every hour
Cause Your spirit guides me
To the heart of the Father
Jesus Your name is power
It’s breath and living water
And Your spirit guides me
To the heart of the Father
Let Your praise ring louder
Every day and every hour
Cause Your spirit guides me
To the heart of the Father
Sing praise
God we sing praise
Closing Thoughts
I love how prayers and songs of praise are a communal experience that we can all share. The Lord wants us to long for heaven. When we've been indwelled by the Holy Spirit, we have a personal relationship with the comforter and a peace that surpasses understanding. An understanding to know that this fallen world isn't all that we are living for.
We’re His sons and daughters, you’re his child. So, take God's love with you everywhere you go and know that His love goes with you. Spend time reflecting on and singing this song to God. It will give you comfort. He’s speaking to you in His still small voice. So, as Psalm 46:10 says, take time to "be still and know that He is God."
Are you allowing the Holy Spirit to work in your life? Are you spending time listening to Him? He'll make you free. God wants to hear from you. With everything going on in our world, we need the encouragement that God is with us and we're not alone. There is no day, no hour of the day, in which our Lord Jesus is not present.
I’m wrecked by songs that are sung to God, our perfect daddy, "Abba Father," and based on the biblical truth: "Be still and know that I Am God.” Psalm 46:10 is such an encouraging reminder of God's sovereignty and that He has been, is, and always will be with us.
If God is with us, we can endure anything. This song allows God to whisper to you that your identity is found in whom He is as your father and whom you are as His child, loved by Him.
This song is a beautiful way to express devotion. It also gives hope and inspiration to His children. You can sing this song with that same faithfulness, knowing that God loves you and is always with you. The song connects to the biblical Truth found in Matthew 11:28-30: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." God loves you so much. Lean on Him and He’ll give you strength.
We sometimes put up a wall between us and God. He just wants us to come home to Him. Many of us feel that we’re not worthy of being near God and that He’s using a checklist to determine our worthiness. That’s not the Gospel.
The Good News of the Gospel, which this song perfectly portrays, says that God accepts us no matter what we’ve done. As the song says, “Jesus Your name is power/It’s breath and living water/And Your spirit guides me/To the heart of the Father/Let Your praise ring louder/Every day and every hour/Cause Your spirit guides me/To the heart of the Father.” What a wonderful, encouraging truth. Amen to that.
NRT Lead Contributor Kevin Davis is a long-time fan of Christian music and an avid music collector. He credits the message of Christian music for leading him to Christ. Currently, he lives in Pennsylvania with his wife and three daughters.
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