How Do You Write a Song for the Lord?

Over the past five decades, I’ve been asked this question more times than I can count: “How do you write a song for the Lord?” And honestly, the answer has evolved as I’ve walked with Him through the seasons of life.

But over time, I’ve realized that maybe that’s not quite the right question.

Perhaps a better one is this: “How do you get inspired to write a song for the Lord?”

Because while I may craft melodies, choose chord progressions, and labor over lyrics, the heart—the inspiration—so often comes from simply walking with Him. Life lived in communion with the Lord is fertile ground for songs that carry His heart.

“Get Under the Spout Where the Glory Comes Out”

I laugh sometimes when I think about how songs arrive. One of my favorite phrases from a pastor was: “Get under the spout where the glory comes out.” Well, one morning, I was literally under a spout—in the shower—when that phrase came back to me. Water splashing over my head, I suddenly heard a melody and chord progression drop into my spirit. It became the chorus of a song I later finished, singing:

“Let’s get under the spout where the glory comes out, Where the living water is flowing…”

Sometimes it really is that spontaneous. Other times, it’s more of a slow unfolding.

Songs from Suffering and Victory

There are seasons where songs come not from joy, but from trial—and hopefully, from overcoming.

It’s often in the testing, in the pressure, that we learn deeper things about the character of God. The Spirit reveals more of who He is. And for those of us called to write or sing, those moments often find expression in music. After my wife’s mother passed, she received a song from the Lord titled “I Feel the Strength of the Lord.” It was a song of comfort, a reminder that even in sorrow, His strength is made perfect in our weakness. That song ministered not just to her, but to others walking through grief.

Prophetic Flow and Spontaneous Worship

Many times, I find that spiritual songs come as I begin singing in the Spirit. I may start with no words, just a melody. And then, gently, English words begin to rise up—words that align with the melody already flowing. These songs often feel like they’re from the Lord’s perspective, or like the Bride answering her Groom. There’s a tenderness in them that’s hard to put into words. It’s worship in its rawest form—spirit to Spirit. These spontaneous songs are rarely “written” in the traditional sense. They’re received. And when they come, they carry a presence that’s unmistakable.

The Best Songs Are Birthed in Worship

If I had to sum it all up, I’d say this: The best songs come when you’re not trying to write a song at all. They come when you’re simply worshiping the Lord, loving Him with your whole heart.

As your spirit engages with His, melodies rise up. Emotions become phrases. The heart finds language. It’s in that sacred space—where heaven and earth meet—that music with lasting impact is born.

Final Thoughts

So, how do you write a song for the Lord?

You live close to Him. You listen. You worship. You feel deeply. You walk through life with open hands and a sensitive spirit. And when the melody comes—whether in the shower, in a moment of sorrow, or during a time of deep worship—you say yes.

There’s no single formula. Just partnership. Just relationship.

And that’s what makes each song unique.