Worship In The Mainstream

When I go on Spotify or iTunes, I have worship playlists, playlists with secular songs, but not playlists that combine both. But I believe both Christian and secular songs can be just as powerful as each other.

Have you ever listened to a song in the charts or on the radio and thought “Wow, this really sounds like they’re talking about God” or “This song could easily be a Christian song”?

I love those moments because it feels like God is speaking to me through the speakers in a way I wasn’t expecting. Here are some songs I have found that can relate to God and our relationship to Him. I hope you find some surprises and some songs that can connect you to God too!

Rudimental ft. Ed Sheeran “Lay it all on me”

This song talks about laying all your hurts and fears on someone and accepting their love in return. Sound familiar? This song can remind us that no matter what is going on and around our lives, God is always there. We can call on Him and we can be in His love.

Paramore “We are Broken”

Members of the pop rock band Paramore have been open about their faith in God and the band’s earlier albums reflect this. We Are Broken from the RIOT! album depicts being a broken people and asking for forgiveness, refuge and restoration.

Rudimental ft. Foy Vance “Never Let you Go”

Another Rudimental song! This track talks about someone who is reaching out to another, saying they don’t have to be on their own, that they can call on them and will always be there. It’s a great encouragement to know we have someone who is exactly like that to us.

Justin Bieber “Pray”

Justin has been very open in the past few years about his relationship with God, visiting Hillsong in New York and performing worship songs recently at a gig in Paris. This song comes from his earlier work and talks about wanting to make a difference in the world, of hope and praying for those in need. I love the honesty in the lyric “Am I sinner ‘cos half my dinner is there on the plate?”, about how we want to be grateful and world-changers but sometimes we take our blessings for granted.

Gregory Porter “Take me to the Alley”

Gregory Porter was raised by his Mother, who was a church minister, so he grew up around the influence of worship. This track is a beautiful parable of Jesus’ second coming, where He’s not looking for the fanciest people with gifts for Him, He’s looking for the lost and broken people.

Justin Bieber “Purpose”

Fast forward to Justin’s latest album, Purpose, and there are several songs that touch on life with God. Purpose speaks about surrendering to God, living life in His forgiveness and thanking Him for the blessing of having purpose in our lives.

Feel free to share your own suggestions of songs that have spoken about or touched on aspects of God, Jesus or life as a Christian!