In September 2022, I joined an online songwriting community called the 12 Song Challenge, based out of the UK and Resound Worship, where you’re given a prompt each month to write a song about, and you get to share that with others and converse together on how to improve the song.
One prompt included writing a song based out of 2 Corinthians. Co-writing is encouraged so I reached out to one of the songwriters living in Germany, Andrew James Finden. This is that song.
It’s something of a modern hymn, both in content and feel. We decided it was worth recording, so Andrew invited another 12SC participant to add cello and vocals, Keiko Ying.
When I listened to the finished track, I found myself moved to tears. As I considered why, it dawned on me:
It feels like we’re in the same room together.
I’m the kind of person that has lots of connections. Loads and loads of people who know me, and we’re like a network who can jump in at key times for one another, and that’s great. But far as I can tell, deep rich friendships seem to allude me.
Some of it is because of something I’m doing, I’m sure—though I don’t know what exactly. But there are undoubtedly other variables at play, whether it's being a pastor, being an artist and always feeling a little on the outside and misunderstood (oh curse you, artistic/melancholy temperament! ::shakes fist:: 😂)
So hearing the three of us sing this song, although written in multiple times zones and recorded miles apart from one another, gives me a glimpse into glory and the place where friendships will never fail.
I pray it somehow becomes a window into the same for you.
Listen to "Glory Unto Glory" on:
Lyrics below:
Verse 1
We look to you with unveiled face
Behold the wonder of your story!
We are being transformed
In the image of the Lord
From glory unto glory
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
We are being transformed
In the image of the Lord
From glory unto glory
From glory unto glory
Verse 2
This life is filled with trouble still
Yet hope shines ever bright before us
Though our flesh wastes away
You renew us day by day
From glory unto glory
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Though our flesh wastes away
You renew us day by day
From glory unto glory
From glory unto glory
Verse 3
Illuminate our darkest night
That we might know the face of Jesus
You have overcome death
And will raise us up as well
From glory unto glory
Glory, glory, hallelujah
Glory, glory, hallelujah
You have overcome death
And will raise us up as well
From glory unto glory
From glory unto glory
