A New Heart, O God

This week’s sermon at Fuller Ave Church follows the lectionary: The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). This is not a passage that lends itself to a long list of inspiring songs! But as I researched the service, I kept thinking about the times that God promised to write the law on our hearts (Ezekiel 11:19 and 36:26, Jeremiah 32:39 and 31:33, and Hebrews 8:10). Soon I was at the piano writing this little bonbon of a Gospel chorus, “A New Heart, O God.”

“Heart of Flesh” by Rainbow

It was refreshing to take a little break from some larger projects I’ve been working on. These short-form songs give me the opportunity to hone my craft in bite-size chunks in the same way a visual artist uses sketches to stay sharp. Specifically, this song gave me the opportunity to explore Jazz/Gospel harmonies and chord voicings. There’s lots of spice in there. (But I also wrote a “mild” version for churches who aren’t ready for the heat.) It also let me continue to experiment with drum miking. Last, but not least, I finally got an electric bass sound which I quite like.

A new heart, O God,
for this heart of stone,
and a spirit you’ve renewed.
Write your law, O God,
in my flesh and bones.

Give me a new heart,
give me a new heart,
a new heart for you.

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