David, the first Psalmist, partnered with the Holy Spirit to celebrate…and complain…through poetry and prayer. Centuries have passed and we as the Church, continue to etch these same lines of adoration and lament, with all the beautiful, brutal honesty of living as a people filled with dreams and occupied by real life.
This project, the Psalmic Co-Lab, is a communal, collaborative continuation, inspired by my learning and experience of song-writing with Enter the Worship Circle. Over the years I’ve collaborated with hundreds of people, from worship teams to youth groups, from small groups to randomly assembled festival participants, to write over forty songs. Participants have never failed to write a song and feel a new spark and empowerment to create...it’s even sparked cultures of songwriting to spring up in some communities.
The sessions typically last two hours, from a simple songwriting lesson to the writing of the song and a simple iPhone recording. In some cases, folks have found access to studios and we’ve done high quality arrangement and production.
Contact me to book a workshop!
PSALMIC CO-LAB 42: BLESSED
PSALM 1: Blessed - Southwest Baptist University, Bolivar, MO
*I met with an inspiring crew of college students in Missouri earlier this month and we explored Psalm 1 together. Really, writing about how we are blessed to delight is a funny thing - just delighting is definitely enough - but to acknowledge that our delight also brings blessing is really cool! Anyway, we were loving how God uses the imagery of a thriving tree in this Psalm and how that just gave us a lot of joy and peace.
LYRIC:
G-D-Em-C
Blessed are those who delight in the Lord
Blessed are those who seek his face
They are like the trees, planted by the streams
They will never fall, forever stand tall
They are like the mountains, high above the clouds
With a firm foundation
You are most glorified, I am most satisfied in you
My heart rejoices in the seeking of your daily love and all you do
WRITERS:
Richard & Jackie Worth, Curtis Plott, Ashla St. Clair, Grayson Cantrell, Melody Glasgow, Joshua Brown, Ian Poe, Scott Brigman, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB 41: SEEK HIS FACE
PSALM 27: Seek His Face - George Fox University, Newberg, OR
*We were a small but mighty group on a typically rainy day in the Pacific Northwest. I was working with three of the worship leaders on campus and we spent time in Psalm 27 which happens to be one of the most beautiful prayers in Scripture - that we’d be carried along into the Land of the Living with our loving God! Anyway, it was a ton of fun and the melodic sensibilities of this crew was off the charts.
LYRIC:
C-D-G
VS
My heart says of you, “seek his face!”
Your face, Lord, I will seek
You are my light and my salvation
I know you’re near, Whom shall I fear
And you keep me safe within your dwelling
And your mercy falls on me, cause you’re merciful to me
CH
You are the stronghold of my life
I look to you, you pull me through
I remain confident in you
Proclaim you’re Lord of all, Jesus you’re Lord of all
WRITERS:
Libby McNay, Natty Burmeister, Gabi Smith, Bailey Sauls, Jessica Holder, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB 40: WE WILL SING
PSALM 21: We Will Sing - Sterling, CO
LYRIC:
E-B-A-E
We will sing your praise, your might
Oh Lord, Most High
We will sing your praise, your might
Be exalted in your strength
Oh Lord, Most High
Be exalted in your strength
Hallelujah, Hallelujah
We sing glory to God
We give highest praise
(repeat)
C#m-B-A
We are grateful that you’re faithful
We are grateful your love’s unfailing, Lord
WRITERS:
Aaron Strumpel, Colby Walsh, Emily Eggers, Aidan Cole, Keragan, Brianne Edler
PSALMIC CO-LAB 39: FALLING
PSALM 55: Falling - High Point University, High Point, NC
*High Point University is this little oasis of wonder! I had such a lovely time with this crew. We dug in deep, really feeling taking Psalm 55 into lament territory. There’s nothing like singing/praying honestly to God, pouring it all out and letting him have it…cause he listens and comforts and even if it’s just nearness he brings, it’s good…
LYRIC:
C-D-G-D/F#
VS
I’m falling
I wish I had wings to fly
I’m falling
I wish I could fly to you
C-D-G-D/F#
CH
Listen, don’t ignore
Cause everything is falling apart
Lift up, Your eyes
Fear and trembling, take my heart
(Doubt and worry)
Em-D/F#-G
BR
I will call on You
I will call on Your name
I will call on You
I will call on the name of the Lord
(repeat all)
I will call on the name of the Lord (2x)
WRITERS:
Brittani Chavious Hunt, Gena Thomas, Andrew Thomas, Hope Richardson, MacKenzie Payne, Preston Davis, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB 38: BE MY REFUGE
PSALM 91: Be My Refuge - Alma College, Alma, MI
*I ran into this super passionate crew in central Michigan. We met in front of the altar in the sanctuary of the chapel and prayed and sang and explored Psalm 91 and I love what came of it…the verse in this really took us in an unexpected direction with the acknowledgment of difficulty and danger but like any good song, the lyric reads like a prayer that I would say out loud and have it make sense, pouring over my heart and bringing healing. Please, sing along!
LYRIC:
Capo V
G-C-D-C
CH
God be my refuge, be my fortress
You are my dwelling place, my dwelling place
God be my rescue, my salvation
You are my dwelling place, my dwelling place
Em-C-D-C
VS
Tho arrows may fly through the day
Tho terrors may come in the night
I will fear no evil
Tho lions may chase after me
Tho serpents may strike at my feet
I will fear no evil
D-C
BR
When I call out to you, you will answer me
When I cry out to you, you will hear me
WRITERS:
Grace Sutherland, Earl Carr, Noel Snyder, Elizabeth Bierlein, Quentin Cook, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB 37: STEADFAST LOVE
PSALM 63: Steadfast Love - United Pursuit Reunion ’16, Bon Aqua, TN
*We gathered under a towering old tree in the middle of a sprawling clearing in the Tennessee woods. It was the United Pursuit Band’s Reunion 2016, the first of it’s kind. Some kindred souls who’d never met gathered together and we explored creativity and psalms and ended up writing this beauty…you can hear the locusts in the background!
LYRIC:
Capo V
G-C2-C2/B-D/F#
V1
I have this longing inside
My soul is weary and dry
I lie awake
Till I think of you
G-C2-C2/B-D/F#
CH
Because Your steadfast love is better than life
My lips will praise, my lips will praise
G-C2-C2/B-D/F#
V2
I have this longing inside
My heart is brimming with life
I lie awake
When I think of you
WRITERS:
Jorge San Jose, Austin Fowler, Aaron Strumpel, and others TBA
PSALMIC CO-LAB 36: PRESERVE ME OH GOD
PSALM 16: Preserve Me Oh God - United Pursuit Reunion ’16, Bon Aqua, TN
*We gathered under a towering old tree in the middle of a sprawling clearing in the Tennessee woods. It was the United Pursuit Band’s Reunion 2016, the first of it’s kind. Some kindred souls who’d never met gathered together and we explored creativity and psalms and ended up writing this beauty…you can hear the locusts in the background!
LYRIC:
G-D/F#-C-D
CH
Preserve me, oh God // For in You, I take refuge
G-D/F#-C-D
V1
Even in the dark, you are there
Even in the shadows, you draw near
Even when I run, you are there
Even in the valley
G-D/F#-C-D
V2
Even in the storm, you are there
Even in the tempest, you draw near
Even when I’m sinking, you are there
Even in the depths
C-D
BR
And I will not be shaken
WRITERS:
Natalie Coss, Blair Lee, Dylan Hand, Tara Salerno, Aaron Strumpel, and others TBA
PSALMIC CO-LAB 35: I WILL NOT BE SHAKEN
PSALM 16: I Will Not Be Shaken - Dordt College - Sioux Center, IA
*This beautiful Dutch Reformed college had some amazing students interested in the writing workshop - we spent a couple of hours together and wrote out of Psalm 16 and it turned out to be such a wonderful intention-setting song…hope you enjoy!
LYRIC:
E-G#m-F#m
V1
May another god, never hear, the praise due you
Take their names, forever off, my lips
Keep me close to you (repeat)
E-G#m-F#m
CH
I set the Lord always before me
Cause he is at my right hand
I will not be shaken (repeat)
E-G#m-F#m
V2
Oh nothing else, will satisfy, my soul, like you
Apart from you, I have no good thing
Keep me close to you (repeat)
A-E
BR
The Lord is my portion and my cup
Therefore my heart will always be glad
And my whole being rejoices for…
You hold my lot
WRITERS:
Peter Rexford, Sam Veltkamp, Marta Vander Top, Gabby Eckardt, Seth Weirup, Sarah Van Hulzen, Caleb Smith, Mary Van Wyk, Matthew Gabel, Ray Badudu, Jalyn Vander Wal, Jon De Groot, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB 34: TO HIM
PSALM 116: To Him - Sterling, CO
*We rolled into Sterling a bit late, right onto Northeastern’s main campus and there were a handful of folks gathered to see what this Psalmic Co-Lab thing was all about. So with open hearts we dove into the session and Psalm 116 and this gorgeous song was written!
LYRIC:
Capo V
G-C
V1
For you, oh Lord, have delivered me, from death
My eyes, from tears
My feet, from stumbling
(repeat)
G-C
CH1
That I may walk before you Lord
That I may sing new songs of joy
V2
For you, oh Lord, have given me, new life
My heart, set free
My hands, raised high
CH2
That I may walk before you Lord
That I may sing new songs of joy
That I may dance before your throne
That I may shout your name oh Lord
Em-D/F#-C
BR
For from him, and through him
And to him, are all things
(ending) To him be the glory, Amen
WRITERS:
Beth Hackbarth, Brianne Edler, Christopher Wheeler, Kayla Littlefield, Zachary Swiger, Logan Reyes, Andres Michael Jade, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB 33: WE ARE YOURS
PSALM 95: We Are Yours - Smoky Hill Vinyard, Aurora, CO
*I gathered with a couple of prayerful folks from the Smoky Hill Vineyard and they had such beautiful voices…this turned out to be one of my favorites of the year. Such a sweet spirit to this song ahhhhhh!
LYRIC:
G-Em-C-D
V1
He formed the mountain peaks
He holds the deepest seas
With his hands, he has made, everything
G-Em-C-G
Ch
We bow down before you in worship
And we kneel before you our Maker
We are yours (2x)
V2
He framed me as I am
He holds my dreams and plans
In his hands, I am found, he’s everything
WRITERS:
Elsie Spingath, Deepak Williams, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB 32: LAND OF THE LIVING
PSALM 27: Land of the Living - The Crossing, Springfield, MO
*I spent a couple of nights working with a couple of the worship teams in Springfield, Missouri and it was awesome. They came ready to write, arrange and we even recorded with their pro studio next to their sanctuary - so fun!
LYRIC:
C#m-A-E
or half capo 2, Bm-G-D
V1
Hear my voice, when I call
Be merciful, and answer
Cast me not, forsake me not
Oh God of my, salvation
V2
You have said, “seek my face”
That I may dwell, with you
Tho battles rage, you keep me safe
Oh God of my, salvation
CH
I remain confident in the goodness of your heart
I will see with my eyes the land of the living.
You place me in the land of the living.
A-B-E
or half capo 2, G-A-D
BR
Wait for the LORD
Be strong take heart!
WRITERS:
Connor Kespohl, David Cover, Parker Costello, Daniel Burke-Aguero, Johnny Tucker, Taylor M. Carr, Will Miller, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB 31: PRAISE THE LORD
PSALM 146: Praise the Lord - The Crossing - Springfield, MO
*I spent a couple of nights working with a couple of the worship teams in Springfield, Missouri and it was awesome. They came ready to write, arrange and we even recorded with their pro studio next to their sanctuary - so fun!
LYRICS:
Capo IV
Am-F-C-G
V1
The Lord, he opens the eyes of the blind
He raises them that will bow down
The Lord loves the righteous
CH
Praise the Lord, oh my soul
He will reign forever (2x)
V2
The Lord, upholds the cause of the helpless
The widow and fatherless
The Lord loves the downcast
BR
And his hands have made all things
The heaven and the earth
And his faithfulness remains
Forever for his people
Yes his hands have made all things
The mountains and the seas
Yes his faithfulness remains
Beginning and the end
He will reign forever
WRITERS:
Andrew Luley, David Cover, Jeff Schaefer, Will Miller, Rhett Johnson, William Lyons, Anthony Jones, Scott Johnson, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB 30: IT'S YOU
PSALM 115: It’s You - Dodge City, KS
*I love this rad Kansas crew - we didn’t have nearly enough time because we were at this amazing dinner party, but we got together just long enough to write a chorus and laugh together a bit! I would’ve loved to have developed this one more - the last song we did together is one of my favorites - War’s Been Won - give it a listen. Fresh crew and fresh worship!
LYRICS:
G-C-D
It’s you, Lord, we give glory to
Because of your love
Because of your faithfulness
You can do whatever you want (repeat)
And I trust (love) whatever you want
WRITERS:
Clinton Conant, Courtney Conant, Amy Yarnall, Josh Yarnall, Brandon White, Scott Tilley, Cassie Tilley, Sarah White, Josh Littlejohn, Naci Littlejohn, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB 28: MY HEART IS GLAD
PSALM 16: My Heart is Glad - The Crossing, Columbia, MO
*The crew in Columbia was ON IT! I landed an hour before we were to begin and a bunch of instruments and recording gear was spread all over the church stage…the musicians came ready to enter into a space of worship and creativity. We explored Psalm 16 and I was thrilled at how the ideas kind of fell in with each other! My heart was indeed glad as the song states! We kept the writing simple and spent a good amount of time working on an arrangement and capturing the song both with my iPhone and with their brilliant setup. Check both versions out - the studio version was at a level that I’d like to pursue with this Shovel Song project…be on the lookout for more of these!
LYRICS:
Capo III
G-Em7-C-D
I have set the Lord always before me
Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken
Keep me safe my God, I have come to you
I have come to you, for refuge
G-Em7-C-D
You alone, oh God, are my portion
Every good thing that I have, comes from you
You are my delight, my eyes are set on you
My eyes are set on you, my joy
Am7-B7-C-D
Is it any wonder that my heart is glad—
Is it any wonder that my heart is glad, I rejoice
WRITERS:
David Cover, Barrett Knox, Guimel Sibingo, Alan Quinones, Parker Costello, Andrew Luley, Will Miller, Daniel Burke-Aguero, Jeff Schaefer, Stephen Varner, Scott Johnson, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB 27: SECRET PLACE
PSALM 139: Secret Place - WELD Workshop, Dallas, TX
*My Dallas friends have an incredibly talented community, so when we chatted about putting on a workshop, it was obvious we wanted a rad space to hold it in. Enter WELD. And enter over 20 songwriters and musicians from all over the city. Honestly, when you get that many talented folks in one place, it’s harder to pick which ideas to stick with. I think we could’ve written a handful of songs from just the initial sing-through of the Psalm. We ended up with something really sweet and simple. Enjoy!
LYRICS:
E-A-C#m-B
When I was being made in that secret place
Woven by your hand
Woven by your grace
When I was in the dark in the deepest place
Fashioned by your voice
Fashioned by your grace
You saw me, knew me
You searched me, showed me
Where you were leading me
Out of my anxieties
WRITERS:
Andi Garbarino-Fry, Tyra Haley, Caitlin Osborn, Kraig Thompson, Sadie Thompson, Daniel Wall, Salomon Bautista, Ben Mayer, Cynthia Galvan, Clayton Luckie, Daniel Martinez, Hannah Bridges, Geoff Sirkel, Kelly Clemons, Kelsey White, Margaret Scoggins, Meghan Blaylock, Travis Ham, Tiffany McAnarney, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB#26: STEADFAST LOVE
Psalm 63: Steadfast Love - Northwest University, Kirkland, WA
*I rolled in after some intense traffic from Bellingham to Kirkland and was greeted by a stellar group of students from Northwest U - ready to write and worship. We entered in Psalm 63 and what emerged was such a feel-good, sweet song! A little free-style thrown in, and we were off to the races. Such an inspiration to see what God puts in his people creatively!
LYRICS:
Capo II
G-D/F#-Em-C
V1
My soul thirsts for you
To be near you, to be with you
Oh God I faint for you
To be near you, to be with you
V2
My soul clings to you
Your right hand upholds me
And you have been my help
Your right hand upholds me
Ch
Because your steadfast love is better than life
I’m satisfied in you
Because your steadfast love is better than life
And all my days I’ll spend with you
Br
Free-style
WRITERS:
Lauren Bongiorno, Janelle Kono, Lisa Henry, Julia Olsen, Arika Wilbanks, Markell Barnes, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB #25: EVER PRESENT
PSALM 46: Ever Present - Northwest Christian University - Eugene, OR
*This sweet crew at NCU in Eugene was so fun to work with! We met after Morning Chapel and there were some real talented students in the bunch - tons of energy and the willingness to go on creative adventures you can usually only get with younger folks…it’s an inspiration to us all, haha! Anyway, this is not even close to the first time a Shovel Song has been written from Psalm 46, but it’s a brand new song, unlike any of the others, an expression of a moment of contemplation and prayer through melody and cadence. Enjoy!
LYRICS:
E-B-C#m-A
Ch
God is our refuge and our strength
An ever present help in times of trouble
V1
The nations rage // Our kingdoms break
The people quake // With fear
But at break of day // We’ll see your face
You’ll still our hearts // You’re here
V2
The oceans roar // The mountains fall
The earth will melt // Away
But at break of day // We’ll see your face
You’ll still our hearts // You’re here
C#m-B-A-A
Br
Come see what the Lord has done (2x)
Come see that the Lord is with us
WRITERS:
Tierra Davis, Hans Coburn, Chelsea King, Jacque Neuschwander, Gabriella (Geeda) Haase, Keegan Nolan, Renee Kuzmenko, Jacquelyn Cooley, Allison Keeney, Emily Sanders, Kaitlyn Graham, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB #24: I EXALT YOU MY KING
PSALM 145: I Exalt You My King - Corvallis, OR
*My time in Corvallis was sooooo short this last trip to the NW…short but sweet. I’d driven from Bend through one of the most beautiful forested mountain scenes I’ve seen. The crew that night was a worship team at a church and they were up for the challenge to write a song together, even if it might have seemed like a far off notion that we’d actually all transform into songwriters in a two hour window, haha! I really loved their hearts, vulnerability and eventually the confidence that came from accomplishing something beautiful together. Enjoy!
LYRICS:
Capo V
Vs
G-C-D-G
I exalt You my King
You are righteous, gracious and full of goodness
I sing to You my King
You are faithful, loving and trustworthy
Ch
Em-D/F#-G
When I fall you lift me up
When I cry to you, you hear
When I’m alone, you comfort me
You are always near
Br
C-G
So let our voices sing to you
Let our hopes be placed in you
Let the generations sing…of you
WRITERS:
Marianne Dye, Deirdra Jones, Sheila Jones, Chris Weber, Jeremy Stoa, Scott Orsborn, David Trivett, Shaundra Robinson, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB #23: WAR'S BEEN WON
PSALM 46: War’s Been Won - Dodge City, KS
*There are a crew of crazy beauties in rural Kansas who’ve found each other and won’t be stopped now that they’ve found the goodness of intimacy with God. I felt like I was walking into a roomful of old friends by the time I’d spent two hours with them. I hope much more goodness happens with these folks…we led this song at their worship night the following Saturday and it carried some real goodness for folks to engage their hearts, break down the walls they’d built up against God and come in close.
LYRICS:
E-G#m-F#m
V1
You take my guns
You take my sword
You take my weapons
You end my wars (x2)
Ch
There’s victory when I surrender
My Prince of Peace I’m yours forever (x2)
V2
So I’ll be still
And know you are God
And this battle is over
The wars been won
Br
I’ve been running away forever
Your love caught me I surrender
WRITERS:
Clinton Conant, Courtney Conant, Amy Yarnall, Josh Yarnall, Brandon White, Scott Tilley, Cassie Tilley, Sarah White, Josh Littlejohn, Naci Littlejohn, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB #22: MY REFUGE
PSALM 61 : My Refuge - Bridgeway Church, Oklahoma City, OK
*My friend and one of the creators of The Verses Project, Ryan Gikas, leads worship in OKC and is friends with all these incredible worship leaders. He managed corral a handful of them for a time of writing out of Psalm 61 before our show that evening and I was just so blown away by everyone’s talent and humility - a bunch of leaders hanging together, submitting to each other’s creative whims…incredible, haha! Anyway, this is such a simple, sweet song, and I’m so thankful we all took the time to write it. :)
LYRICS:
Capo IV
G-C-D-C
From the end of the earth I call to you
When my heart is faint
Lead me to the rock (That is higher than I)
G-C-D-C
My refuge, strong tower
Let me dwell in you
G-C-Em-C
So I will sing out, praises to your name
In faithfulness to you
(Day after day, in faithfulness to you)
WRITERS:
Brad Kilman, Ryan Schwartzman, Philip Hunsicker, Brianna Gaither, Lynn Neill, Ryan Gikas, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB #21: A NEW DAY
PSALM 130: A New Day - Atlas Church Greeley, CO
*We actually labored a bunch over this song because we really CARED as a bunch of artists. Greeley, and especially Atlas Church is full some of the most inspiring artists in Colorado - I always LOVE my time up there. This song’s got some juice!
LYRICS:
Capo III
C-G (D/F# at the end of the verse)
I’ve followed false lights through the fields
They’ve faded amongst the tall timbers
Now I can’t see the stars you left to guide me home
I’m utterly lost and alone, I’m utterly lost and alone
Em-F#-G-A-B-C walkup
I will wait for the Lord, my soul waits
I will wait for the morning, a new day
C-G (D/F# at the end of the verse)
This night seems to have no ending
These trees seem to stand too tall
I can’t see the stars you left to guide me home
I’m utterly lost and alone, I’m utterly lost and alone
Em-F#-G-A-B-C walkup
As the sun rises up and stands in the east
I see, I feel, I know your peace
Cause you came, you stayed, you looked, after me
Yeah you came, for me, and now, I’m free
WRITERS:
Tim Veilleux, Graham Bylsma, Andy Whitehead, Dana Schlingman, Anna Merritt, Matthew Davis, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB #20: BEFORE ALL THINGS
COLOSSIANS 1:15-20: Before All Things - Fitzroy North, Melbourne, Australia
*I was hanging with folks after a Sunday morning worship and the crew were some of my most artistic and thoughtful people I’ve gotten to spend time with, so it made for a brilliant workshop and song. AND it’s the first time a group has written from somewhere else than a Psalm AND it’s the first time we’ve had a performance poet in our midst. The amazing Joel McKerrow performs pieces of the Scripture while different parts of the song are led out and sung by all of us.
LYRICS:
Capo V
Part A: G-C-D-G
Christ, the image, of the unseen God
Firstborn over all creation
Part B: G-C-D-G
He is before all things
In Him all things hold together
Part C: Em-G-Em-G
For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell
And through Him, restoration, of all things, above and below
WRITERS:
Nath Sutton, Sasha Hough, Tim and Matt, Cat Sietkiewicz, Steve Sutton, Joel McKerrow, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB #19: YOU ARE WITH US
PSALM 46: You Are With Us - SURRENDER FESTIVAL, Melbourne, Australia
*This was an open invite workshop at a pretty big festival in Australia and I was nervous that we’d get a hundred people there - that could’ve been a disaster with our limited time! But 20-25 folks showed up and it turned into a really sweet time of worship out of Psalm 46 - and what a brilliant festival as well! I was so chuffed to be there with a crew of folks seeking out God’s heart for his people, seeing justice done and the Kingdom lived in their communities…rad!!!!
p.s. Oh, and I forgot to mention, David Robinson, one of the writers and a composer/trumpet player, scored the song - so fun!
LYRICS:
E-A-B
God is our refuge and strength
An ever-present help in trouble
(2x)
Though the waters roar and foam
The mountains crash and fall
You are with us, You are with us
(2x)
God is our refuge and strength
An ever-present help in trouble
(2x)
Though nations are in war
Though kingdoms rise and fall
You are with us, You are with us
(2x)
A-E
COME AND SEE WHAT GOD HAS DONE
HE MAKES GLAD THE CITY OF HIS PEOPLE
WRITERS:
John Tsetsakos, Mark Johns, Abram, Jayden, Maylene, Phil Hudson, Anne Marriott, Naomi Bird, Virginia Moebus-Nelson, Chelsea Smit, Colin Battersby, Anna Seidel, Amy Hartley, David Robinson, Nate Sutton, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB #19: LOOK TO YOU
PSALM 95: Look To You - Wartburg College, Waverly, IA
*I remember this day well: I got up at 4:30am to get to the airport, missed my flight, bought an extremely expensive flight on the spot for 1.5 hrs later, landed in Minneapolis, rented a car, drove 3 hours south without a stop for lunch or the bathroom, landed on campus just in time to lead this workshop. AND IT WAS AWESOME. It was extra special because I was at my alma mater - but that small crew of us had a great time exploring Psalm 95 and writing a beautiful song. After the session, we had dinner and I played a concert in the same chapel where I learned so much of what I know now about seeking and experiencing God’s presence in worship. Hope you enjoy!
LYRICS:
Capo III
VS G-C-D-G
The sea is his, for he made it
The dry land, he formed
And he looked upon it and he called it good
From the depths, to the mountains
The earth, he formed
And he looked upon it and he called it good
We are his, for he made us
Our hearts, he formed
And he looks upon us and he calls us good
CH G-C-D-G
We look to you, we worship, with all our hearts
We say you’re good, we worship, with all our hearts
BR Em-D/F#-G-D/F# (walkdown)
So come with all creation
And lift a joyful noise
WRITERS:
April Magneson, Erik Vaage, Jackson Rohweder, Emily Christensen, Pastor Brian Beckstrom, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB #17: THESE THINGS
PSALM 42: These Things - Resound Conference, Boulder, CO
*Once in awhile you get too many great songwriters into a group session like this. We had so many brilliant ideas for songs, I had to manage all the ideas really carefully and choose ones that fit very specifically - I think we could’ve written five or six songs out of just this Psalm together with all of the talents in the room!
Anyway, this song was written in a 45 minute breakout session at the Resound Conference in Boulder, Colorado. Enjoy!
For more information about the conference, visit http://www.iresound.com.
LYRICS: E-B-A-B
These things I remember, as I pour out my soul
How I would go, to the House of God
These things I remember, as I pour out my soul
How I would go, to the House of God, forever
Your miracles, and how you provide
Your Spirit calls, and I will abide
Where can I go, where can I go, to meet with you
You fill my soul, you fill my soul, you make me new
WRITERS:
Brett Fish, Carol Goble, Brady Loyd, Josh Baldwin, Jacqui Baldwin, Jenny Pascher, Molly Fish, Renee O’Brien, Katie Callihan, Adan Pacheco, Marylu Sims, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB #16: LIKE A TREE
PSALM 1: Like a Tree – Resound Conference, Boulder, CO
*My friend Adriana from San Jose, Costa Rica sang the first line, “I’m like a tree planted by streams of water,” in such a simple, sweet way, all of us just wanted to keep singing that line, acknowledging that with God, we are sustained and strong. The rest of the song came about beautifully and I couldn’t believe we’d written a whole song like that during a 45 minute breakout session at a conference! Brilliant.
For more information about the conference, visit http://www.iresound.com.
LYRICS:
Capo V: G-D-C-D
I’m like a tree
Planted by streams of water
And you are the river, alive inside of me
And my soul is reaching, out for more of you
Deeper, digging deeper, I find my strength in you
Higher, reaching higher, my delight thru and thru
WRITERS:
David Herring, Camila Giglio, Brandy Billett, Martine Gafner, Kyle McCormick, James Tidwell, Sarah Tegtmeier, Justin Hausman, Adriana Murillo Hernandez, Conner Dudrey, Silas Alexander, Luke Lissenberg, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB #15: I AM THIRSTY
PSALM 20: Coe College, Cedar Rapids, IA
*When I was a child, my folks would take the whole family to a historical estate in Cedar Rapids called the Brucemore and we would spend days walking the grounds, learning about history and culture, attending events. Looking back on it, I am so thankful for what my folks invested for us kids to have wide perspectives of the world in which we live!
Interestingly, this latest Shovel Song was written a few blocks from the Brucemore at the childhood home of my new friend Joe Brinkmann, the Intervarsity staff at Coe College. We piled a bunch of Coe students into his car and headed off for a magical afternoon surrounded by history, Psalm 20, and a shared curiosity to see what God would do with our collective selves. A couple hours later, this crew had come up with a song that I still find myself singing days later. Hope you enjoy!
LYRICS:
Capo III
V1 G-C-D-C
I am thirsty
I yearn for you
My cup is empty
I turn to you
CH. G-C-D-C
My soul clings to you
Your right hand upholds me
Your right hand it holds me now
V2 G-C-D-C
I am weary
I yearn for you
My heart is heavy
I reach to you
BR Em-C-D-C
Your lovingkindness is better than life
WRITERS:
Ashley Fruhling, Alex Carlson, Uzir R Thapa, Lauren Winchester, Andy Baird, Joe Brinkmann, Steph Brinkmann, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB #14: RIGHT HAND
PSALM 16: Grove City College Students, Grove City, PA
*This was a surprise because it came out so hymn-like. Sometimes a song comes along that I literally can’t believe how good it turns out…and just in an hour or so of work. These students were so talented and so fun to work with – go Grove City!
capo V: G-C-G-D
LYRICS:
Because He is at my right hand
I shall not be shaken
Because He is my rock and refuge
I shall be kept safe
Tho I rush to other gods
Bring troubles on myself
May I not partake in them
Forsake such heav’nly wealth
Your cup and portion satisfy
In You is all I need
I taste and see that You are good
Your grace abounds in me
WRITERS: Jamie Swank, Rachel Bailey, Ethan Tuxill, Kate O’Donnell, Taylor Allen, Gary Horvath, Ben Meekin, Alex Moore, Cameron Schenk, Aaron Strumpel, and if I’ve missed any names guys, shoot me a note or leave a comment!
PSALMIC CO-LAB #13: I WON’T BE SHAKEN
PSALM 16: A group of worship leaders, Eugene, OR
*My friend Mitch Lee in Eugene is a guy who knows and connects well with lots of people…they’re always amazing folk too and it’s always a blessing to hang with his group of friends. He called a group over for a writing session one of the mornings I was in town on tour and this lovely song was the result…
LYRICS:
1.
Keep me safe Oh God
You are my refuge
All the good I hold
It all comes from you
(repeat all)
I won’t be shaken (4x)
2.
Therefore my heart is glad
My tongue rejoices
My soul, it rests secure…in
Your endless love
(repeat all)
I won’t be shaken (4x)
Br.
Oh you have set, me on, your path of life
I will be filled, with joy, with you by my side
WRITERS: Johanna Dahl, Aria Lee, Colby Halderman, Corey Jackson, Mitch Lee, and Aaron Strumpel.
PSALMIC CO-LAB #12: ALL THE ENDS OF THE EARTH
PSALM 22: A mix of local worship leaders, San Luis Obispo, CA
*My friend John Luomo gathered some friends and local worship leaders for a beautiful (and windy) day of writing together, then supping and finally a concert to top it off in the backyard! My apologies for the audio, we only captured the sound from a video camera and it suffers…it’s such a wonderful song tho, I hope you can listen and read/sing the lyrics along!
LYRICS:
Ch. Em-C-G-D
All the ends of the earth (2x)
Shall remember
All the ends of the earth (2x)
Shall turn to you
V1 Em-C-G-D
It’s impossible to ignore you
Your words are burned into the Land
Inconceivable to not see you
The stars are lifted by your hand
V2 Em-C-G-D
It’s impossible to run from you
You are everywhere I go
Inconceivable to hide from you
I will never be alone (You’re everywhere I go)
C-G
There’s no one else I’ll follow
There’s no one else but you… C-G-Em-D/F#-G
WRITERS: Nick Bilich, Michael Rans, James Rey, Daniel Rey, Joshua Kessler, Andy Garcia, John Luoma, Cameron Schenk, Aaron Strumpel, and *If I missed getting some names after the session, let me know so I can add them in!
PSALMIC CO-LAB #11: A LITTLE BRIGHTER
PSALM 36: House Church, Oklahoma City, OK
*This crew from Oklahoma was a joy to write with. We had some singers in the group, some real burning hearts for God. Enjoy the song!
LYRICS:
V.
Give us a drink from your river
We’ll climb on the banks
And we’ll soak in your sun
Plant us so close to your waters
Our roots will grow deep
We’ll flourish with you
Ch.
We will
shine a little brighter
drink a little deeper
love a little longer
live a little sweeter
In your light, we see light
In your waters, we find life
WRITERS: Thomas Snow, Kelly Rotko, Laura Branch, Andrew Boyer, Amy Boyer, Steven Stevo Tyler Ashworth, Cameron Schenk, Aaron Strumpel, and *I know there were more but they didn’t write down their names – shoot me some names if you know who were there guys!
PSALMIC CO-LAB #10: HIGH PLACE
PSALM 18: Village Gathering, Woodland Park, CO
*This brilliant group of people had more talent than most small nations. It’s not always like those nor does it have to be, but I really love this song and these folks – long live Matchy-Matchy and the great Ben Hall.
LYRICS: You have delivered me with your strong right hand
You have set me upon the rock and made me strong
He sets me on a high place and makes my way blameless
He sets me on a high place and makes me blameless in my ways
The Lord is my strength, I will rejoice
The Lord is my strength
WRITERS: Lauren Taylor, Anthony Ashley , Jessica Smith, Danny Churchill, Ben Hall, Matt Axelson, Julie Presley, Abbie Troyanek, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB #9: FILL US UP
PSALM 40: Worship Team, Boise, ID
*Ben and his team have since written a good number of songs together – it’s been fun to see folks get the hang of it, start worshipping with songs born out of their own prayers and experiences.
LYRICS:
G-C-Em-C
I will not hide your righteousness
I won’t conceal your truth
I will not seal my lips, I won’t shut down
I won’t close off, I won’t hold back
I won’t withhold the love you’ve shown
I won’t be shy or still, I won’t shut down
Em-C-G-D/F# (C-D at the break, 2nd time just C)
I was out of control, off on my own
You gathered me up, gave me a home
You lifted me, out of the pit
Cannot be still, I cannot sit
D-C
Blessed are those whose heart is full of praise (3x)
C-D-Em-D C
So fill us up (3x), don’t delay
WRITERS: Jason Storm, Julie Briley, Ben Biggerstaff, Chris Foster, Michael Gill, Melanie Foster, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB #8: I AM YOURS
PSALM 77: Worship Team, Salt Lake City, UT
*We worshipped with this song the night we wrote it and it was awesome. We combined it with one of our favorites by the United Pursuit Band, “Nothing I Hold Onto” and were thrilled with it – it’s the second soundcloud song below. AND, one of the song-writers in that session was none other than Asher Seevinck from Loud Harp. Good Times!
Chords: G-Em-C-G
LYRICS: Am I yours
Am I really yours God
Have you forgotten me
Am I yours
Too troubled to speak
Too tired to dream
I groaned, I mused
Refused to be comforted
Am I yours
Am I really yours God
Have you forgotten me
Am I yours
To this I’ll appeal
To this I will hold
You were with me
In the darkest of storms
Waters writhed, the depths convulsed
The clouds poured down
You called them forth
I’ll remember you (2x)
Lightning crashed, thunder shook
Mountains fell
Right under foot
I’ll remember you (2x)
I am yours
I am really yours God
You have remembered me
I am yours
WRITERS: Tate McCallum-Law, Lawrence Camfield, Dave White, Asher Seevinck, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB #7: AMONG THE GODS
PSALM 86: Worship Team, Ellensburg, WA
*This one and Shovel Song #6 both came from the same session, using the same chorus. It was cool to see the team write different verses to frame the chorus in different ways!
capo v: C-G-Am-F
LYRICS: ch. Among the gods theres none like you
Deep compassion thru and thru
There’s none like you
v.1 You stand by me on the riverside
Skipping stones, singing poems when I cry
You comfort me, you comfort me
v.2 You sing to me by and by
Making melodies sweet friend of mine
You comfort me, you comfort me
v.3 You’ll walk with me through my last days
Fulfilling dreams, renewing strength
You comfort me, you comfort me
WRITERS: Justin Rogers, Micah Hammond, Nate Weller, James and Robin Acree, Mal Stewman, John Reeves, Sky Street, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB #6: BE MERCIFUL
PSALM 86: Worship Team, Ellensburg, WA
*This one and Shove Song #7 both came from the same session, using the same chorus. It was cool to see the team write different verses to frame the chorus in different ways!
capo v: Dm-F-C-G
LYRICS: Forgiving and good, abounding in love
You stay by my side
Slow to wrath, rich in love
You stay by my side
capo v: C-G-Am-F
Be merciful to me o Lord
For I cry out to you
All day long (2x)
capo v: C-G-Am-F
Among the gods theres none like you
Deep compassion thru and thru
There’s none like you
WRITERS: Justin Rogers, Micah Hammond, Nate Weller, James and Robin Acree, Mal Stewman, John Reeves, Sky Street, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB #5: WHERE IS YOUR GOD
PSALM 42: Youth Retreat, Seattle, WA
*High School Students are BRILLIANT. Can I say that? I doubted what would come of this session and what came has stayed as one of my favorites I’ve done!
Capo VI C-G-G/F, Am-C-G
LYRICS: My soul it thirsts
Like a deer pants for water
My heart is broke
I Remember how it used to be
Where is your God? (3x)
Hmmmmm…
Deep calls to deep
In the roar of your waterfalls
All of your waves and breakers
Have swept over me
Where is your God? (3x)
Hmmmmm…
My bones they hurt
My foes they taunt me
Why am I downcast
I am so lost
Where is your God? (3x)
Hmmmmm…
I will yet hope in him
I will yet praise him
He is here
Never left
He is here
Here is my God (3x)
Hmmm…
WRITERS: Creighton Wright, Jacob Houser, Kerry Lee, Anna Hanson, Jason Resha, Charli Houser, Chelsea Cooper, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB #4: HEAR MY PRAYER
PSALM 86: Youth Retreat, Seattle, WA
*Yes, youngsters have imagination and talent. These Seattle high schoolers blew me away with this song and Shovel Song #5.
LYRICS: Here my prayer oh Lord
I am poor and weary
Here my prayer oh Lord
I need your mercy
Bring your joy to your servant
For to you I lift my soul (2x)
Peace, hope, life, truth, love, grace, etc
I have walked these roads
With the weight of a thousand loads
My troubles they got me down
I have walked these roads
With the weight of a thousand loads
My God won’t you lift me up
WRITERS: Erik Uri, Sarah Hamburg, Juliana Jorgensen, Rachel Carey, Natalia Guempel, Becca Raymond, Angela Shier, Jamie Richards, Miranda Sheehan, Matthew Schneider, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB #3: RADIANT FACES
PSALM 34: Worship@8500 Divide, CO
*This June session was the first of the Shovel Songs. I didn’t know how these would go…but after this session I was excited!
LYRICS: Radiant faces, we are not ashamed, in the poor man finds his place
You are poor, he’ll fill your cup
Swim in him and drink him up
The sea is near, it’s filled with love
If you are broken, he’ll bind you up
Radiant faces, we are not ashamed, in the poor man finds his place
If you are weak, he’ll make you strong
If you are voiceless, he’ll be your song
Just look for him, his lovely face
And let the darkness be displaced
Radiant faces, we are not ashamed, in the poor man finds his place
Bright, so bright, you light me up
(Radiant faces, we are not ashamed, in the poor man finds his place)
WRITERS: Libbie Anderson , Tayler Steinke, Alyssa Filipek, Kevin Troyanek , Madeleine West, Leah Allard, Noelle Thurlow, Wendy Bodwell, Luke Miller, Lyle Vann , Asia Wall, Daniel Wall, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB #2: NOT TOO FAR
PSALM 34: Worship@8500 in Divide, CO
*This June session was the first of the Shovel Songs. I didn’t know how these would go…but after this session I was excited!
LYRICS: Come my children listen to me I will teach you, I will feed you (2x)
The lions grow weak and hungry but the children of the Lord never faint (2x)
We will lack no good thing (4x)
Oh it’s sweet, like honey from the comb when you speak to us, when you sing to us
The righteous cry out and you feed us (4x)
We will lack no good thing (4x)
You’re hand reaches out to us (guys)
You’re not too far away (gals)
Come my children listen to me I will teach you, I will feed you (2x)
WRITERS: Tom & Machelle Kushnerick, Todd Anderson, Adrianne Forster, Tammy Benelli, Ellie Pugh, Emily Springfield, Kimberly Stelter, Angie Daugherty, Keri LaBrant, Anthony Ashley, Jacob Felix, Aaron Strumpel
PSALMIC CO-LAB #1: DARKEST OCEAN
PSALM 33 – Worship@8500 in Divide, CO
*This June session was the first of the Shovel Songs. I didn’t know how these would go…but after this session I was excited!
LYRICS: The darkest ocean set aside in jars//Defined in your words brighter than the stars//Your strength forms my heart (2x)
The tallest mountains pointing to the skies//Defined in your words, “My God, how they cry!”//Your strength forms my heart (2x)
Where could we go, where you are not with us?//Where could we go, where could we go?
Surrounded by//All you’ve made//In Your arms//Home I’ve gained
WRITERS: Justin & Melissa Murphy, Mary Arnold, Bekah Smith, Scott Kavli, Renee Swick, Vince Ackerman, Bill & Gayle O’Hair, Aaron Strumpel
Hanging above the desk in Aaron Strumpel’s Colorado recording studio, Shovel Studios, is a Great Depression-era shovel. He says, “It was my Grandpa John’s that he used to carry with him to find day labor when work was short and times were hard. He was a great man who dug deep in this life so that my family could have a place.” Aaron’s studio and collaborative writing workshops bear the name of the shovel because of what it represents to him: the simplicity of hard work, purity of heart, and humility in service.