Most of what I know of Kirk Franklin has come from his collaborations with Maverick City Music in the past. However, he is an absolutely incredible artist in his own right and I am so grateful this article gave me the opportunity to discover that. He crafts songs that straddle the worship and gospel genres, evoking a powerful atmosphere of praise.
He is a 16-time GRAMMY winner, but his creativity speaks even beyond that number. I dive into two of those songs from his collaboration with Maverick City Music in preparation for his new album, Father's Day.
Bless Me
"Favor, Favor
Let it fall on me
Till I'm the conversation
Of all my enemies."
Since I first heard this song at church, I have absolutely been in love with the upbeat melody accompanied by a powerful message. I pray after listening to it, you will also agree with the presence of the Spirit in this amazing anthem.
The part contained in this song that stands out most to me is the prayer for provision over our enemies and not just for us as the ones singing it. It takes a tremendous amount of faith to cry out "Bless me" and follow that up to catch the eye of one's enemy and pass on the goodness to them. Furthermore, the clarity with which these words are sung makes it evident that this is not some half-hearted cry. Rather, it is one full of conviction that will echo from the lips of believers for many years to come purely because this chorus means it, and being dedicated to Jesus is a powerful thing. To round it out with an incredible lyric comes this proclamation: "Let all these folks that are with me God have everything they need."
Kingdom
"Thine is the Kingdom
The power the glory
Forever and ever
(He finished our story) he finished our story."
The passionate chorus of voices featured in this song mixed with the gifted worship leading of Kirk Franklin makes for an unparalleled moment of praise. Letting this song fill my ears was the gateway I needed for God to step in and flip my worn-out perspective right side up.
Jesus is coming, there is no denying that fact. It may seem like something to be fearful because we have never experienced anything like it. In contrast, though, our attitudes should be the exact opposite. The best friend who led me through every single one of my trials, He's the one coming back. The Son of my miracle worker is returning, and He is the furthest thing from a stranger to me. I anticipate the day of His coming, not only with expectancy but with praise. As the choir calls out, "All hail King Jesus," I simultaneously lift my shout to the God who sent His son to redeem my terrible deeds. He didn't shy away from the nastiness at all, but rather dove right in, ready to change the world and change the world He did. I am grateful that one day I will be able to live forever with Him in heaven and gaze upon my hero forever more. After all, the chorus of praise that will resound in eternity can begin right here: "If you wanna know what Heaven sounds like/Just let it fill the room."
Selena Schulz is NRT’s youngest staff contributor. She loves God, music, reading, and writing.
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