In today’s article, we will show you the 50 best worship songs.
Whether you’re religious or not, these songs can inspire you to be more kind and compassionate.
Well, that’s what faith should be about, right?
And to believers, Christian worship songs represent a way to get closer to their faith.
Either way, the best worship music should evoke honest, positive feelings, and that’s why we decided to make this playlist a little bit different.
50 Worship Songs
1. Leon Bridges – “River”
In gospel music, the river has been used as symbolism for redemption and change.
And in Leon Bridges’ “River”, it’s a metaphor for being born again and washing away your mistakes.
It’s a touching song that will make you feel calm and hopeful.
“In my darkness I remember
Momma’s words reoccur to me
‘Surrender to the good Lord
And he’ll wipe your slate clean.'”
2. Mumford and Sons – “Believe”
“Believe” by Mumford and Sons isn’t one of the common worship songs, but it talks about faith and hope.
In the song, the narrator seems to talk to himself, Christians, and God. He is questioning his faith while trying to find its deeper meaning.
After all, in one of the interviews, the band said that they’re fans of faith, not religion.
Nevertheless, a lot of their songs have references to God and faith.
3. Jeff Buckley – “Hallelujah”
The song “Hallelujah“, originally composed by Leonard Cohen, is perhaps one of the most beautiful songs ever written.
And although it has obvious references to the Bible, it is not considered a Christian song.
It all depends on the way you listen to it. But the fact that it’s hauntingly moving and powerful should be the most important.
“Now I’ve heard there was a secret chord
That David played, and it pleased the Lord
But you don’t really care for music, do you?”
4. Judy Collins – “Amazing Grace”
On the other hand, “Amazing Grace” undoubtedly refers to faith and religion.
To be more precise, it’s a timeless spiritual hymn and one of the most popular worship songs.
It has been recorded by countless artists, including Aretha Franklin, Andrea Boccelli, Diana Ross, and Ray Charles.
5. Matt Redman – “10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)”
Matt Redman’s Grammy-winning single is arguably one of the most popular contemporary Christian songs.
In essence, “10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord)” is a sentimental worship song about all the reasons people stay faithful.
6. Bon Jovi – “Keep The Faith”
Speaking of keeping the faith…
“Keep The Faith” is definitely an uplifting and motivating song.
Well, we promised you a slightly different worship playlist.
“You know you’re gonna live through the rain
Lord you got to keep the faith
Don’t let your love turn to hate
Right now we got to
Keep the faith.”
7. Adele – “Make You Feel My Love”
Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love” is a pure expression of love and devotion.
Is there a better worship song?
“I’d go hungry, I’d go black and blue
I’d go crawling down the avenue
No, there’s nothing that I wouldn’t do
To make you feel my love.”
8. Michael Card – “That’s What Faith Must Be”
We’ve already mentioned that one of the purposes of faith should be having love and compassion in your life.
And that’s what Michael Card suggests in his song “That’s What Faith Must Be.”
It’s one of his most famous contemporary Christian songs.
“To hear with my heart
To see with my soul
To be guided by a hand I cannot hold
To trust in a way that I cannot see
That’s what faith must be.”
9. Lauren Daigle – “Trust In You”
Lauren Daigle is an American contemporary Christian music singer and songwriter.
And the message of her song “Trust In You” is pretty clear.
On the other hand, the lyrics can be related to anything that gives you strength and inspiration.
“You are my strength and comfort
You are my steady hand
You are my firm foundation
The rock on which I stand.”
10. Phil Wickham – “House Of The Lord”
If you’re looking for upbeat praise and worship songs, this one is for you.
Phil Wickham’s youthful energy and passion made a big impact on contemporary Christian music.
11. Beach Boys – “God Only Knows”
“God only knows what I’d be without you
If you should ever leave me
Though life would still go on, believe me
The world could show nothing to me
So what good would living do me.”
“God Only Knows” couldn’t be described as one of the top worship songs, but one thing is for sure: it’s full of positive vibes and devotion.
Essentially, it’s a feel-good song about love.
12. George Harrison – “My Sweet Lord”
George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” is hands down one of the best modern songs of praise.
And it’s surprisingly appropriate for any spiritual belief.
It’s pure love and positivity.
“I really want to see you
Really want to be with you
Really want to see you, Lord
But it takes so long, my Lord.”
13. Aretha Franklin and Marvin Staples – “Oh Happy Day”
Without a doubt, “Oh Happy Day” is one of the most cheerful worship songs.
There are many great versions of this song, and all of them will bring a smile to your face.
“I ain’t been to heaven (Oh happy day)
That’s what I’ve been told (Oh happy day)
That the streets up there, all right (Oh happy day)
That they’re paved with gold (Oh happy day).”
14. Natalie Grant – “My Weapon”
“My Weapon” by Natalie Grant could be described as a contemporary spiritual ballad.
Without a doubt, it’s one of the most sentimental new worship songs.
15. Chris Tomlin – “Good Good Father”
When it comes to contemporary Christian music, Chris Tomlin has become a popular name.
Most of his songs are hopeful and encouraging, and “Good Good Father” is no different.
“Oh, I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think You’re like
But I’ve heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night
And You tell me that You’re pleased and that I’m never alone.”
16. Laura Marling – “Hope In The Air”
“But I won’t give up that quick
My life is a candle and a wick
You can’t put it out but you can’t break it down
In the end, we are waiting to be lit.“
Hope is an important part of worship music.
And Laura Marling’s “Hope in the air” is a beautiful indie-folk song about hope and uncertainty of life.
It has genuine, poetic lyrics and powerful (almost sorrowful) melodies.
17. Michael Kiwanuka – “Hero”
One of the things that inspires Michael Kiwanuka is his faith.
Although he doesn’t write classic Christian songs, his music is often very soulful, captivating, and faith-related.
“Am I a hero?
A fallen hero now?
Hear my sin Lord
Speak no evil now.”
18. Otis Redding – “Amen”
Did you know that Otis Redding started his career as a singer and musician in the church choir?
And “Amen” was his way of turning his beliefs into a feel-good spiritual song.
“This little life of mine
I’m gonna let it shine
Let it shine, let it shine
To show my love.”
19. Al Green – “For The Good Times”
Al Green is another great musician known for being inspired by his faith.
He recorded several worship and gospel songs.
“Let’s just be glad
We have this time to spend together
There is no need
To watch the bridges that we’re burning.”
20. Rhye – “Holy”
This tender song will help you think about what you worship.
What do you find holy? Is it your family? Your faith? Nature? Or something else?
And what does it mean to be holy to you?
“And don’t you tell me that you’re chasing someone’s dreams
And don’t you tell me that we’re chasing someone’s ghost
And don’t you know we’re on our own time, oh, we’re sacred.”
21. Xavier Rudd – “Spirit Birds”
As you’ve already noticed, we believe that worship songs don’t always have to be written by Christian songwriters.
Music conveys messages and feelings in a unique way.
And Xavier Rudd’s “Spirit Birds” is a perfect example of how an atmosphere of a song can evoke feelings of spirituality and worship.
“Many tribes of a modern kind
Doing brand new work same spirit by side
Joining hearts and hands and ancestral twine, ancestral twine.”
22. Beyoncé – “SPIRIT”
You should definitely put Beyoncé’s “SPIRIT” on your worship songs list.
It’s uplifting and inspiring.
The song is featured in Disney’s “Lion King.”
23. Michael Jackson – “Heal the World”
Another song that will inspire you to be good to yourself and other people is “Heal the World.”
Michael Jackson’s unforgettable hit always provides comfort and motivation.
“There are ways to get there
If you care enough for the living
Make a little space
Make a better place.”
24. Elbow – “Real Life (Angel)”
Elbow’s singer Guy Gurvey wrote “Real Life (Angel)” about his heartbroken friend.
It’s a rather melancholic song, but it somehow feels very spiritual and comforting.
“And on that hallelujah morning
In the arms of new love, the peace that you feel’s real life.”
25. Sarah McLachlan – “Angel”
Worship songs don’t necessarily mention angels.
But there’s something about that word that automatically makes the song somewhat spiritual and a little more tender.
“In the arms of the angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear.”
26. Hillsong Worship – “You Are Life”
Worship is by definition the feeling or expression of reverence and adoration.
And Hillsong Worship, an Australian praise and worship group, is expressing exactly that in their song “You Are Life.”
“I’m living in the light of my Saviour
Dancing in the arms of forever
I’m singing like I’m walking on water
You are life
Alive in me.”
27. Pat Barrett – “Build My Life”
When it comes to modern worship songs, “Build My Life” is one of the popular church songs.
It’s gentle, hopeful, and heartfelt.
28. Kari Jobe – “Forever”
This is also one of the popular worship songs that talks about faith.
“Forever, he is glorified
Forever, he is lifted high
Forever, He is risen
He is alive
He is alive.”
29. Nelly Furtado – “In God’s Hands”
“In God’s Hands” is a beautiful pop ballad about the end of a relationship.
Although it’s basically a break-up song, it’s somehow very hopeful and sweet.
“Now our love’s floating out the window
Our love’s floating out the back door
Our love’s floating up in the sky
In heaven, where it began
Back in God’s hands.”
30. Joan Osborne – “One Of Us”
In this familiar tune, Joan Osborne talks about the experiences that change your view of the world, whether that’s an encounter with God or something else.
Either way, the lyrics can definitely be interpreted as worshipping.
“If God had a name what would it be?
And would you call it to his face?
If you were faced with Him in all His glory
What would you ask if you had just one question?”
31. Baka Beyond – “Spirit of the Forest”
“Spirit of the Forest” evokes different kinds of worship feelings.
It will make you feel connected to nature and the people around you.
32. Nick Cave – “To Be By Your Side”
Another song that can make you look at worship in a different way is “To Be By Your Side” by Nick Cave.
It’s a captivating song about love and freedom.
“For I know one thing
Love comes on a wing
For tonight I will be by your side
But tomorrow I will fly.”
33. Emeli Sande – “Heaven”
“Oh heaven, oh heaven
I wake with good intentions
But the day, it always lasts too long
Then I’m gone.”
“Heaven” is a powerful worship-related song released in 2021.
It’s one of those songs that suddenly make you feel more alive.
34. Nina Simone – “Nearer Blessed Lord”
Nina Simone has recorded several worship songs.
All of them are fantastic (as she was), but there’s something special about “Nearer Blessed Lord.”
“I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,
And it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith,
And be closer drawn to Thee.”
35. Phil Collins – “In The Air Tonight”
“In The Air Tonight” is not a classic worship song, but considering how many times Phil Collins said “Oh Lord”, it very well might be.
“I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh lord
And I’ve been waiting for this moment, for all my life, oh lord
Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, oh lord, oh lord.”
36. The Byrds – “Turn! Turn! Turn!”
If we’re bringing up unconventional worship songs, we have to mention “Turn! Turn! Turn!” by The Byrds.
The lyrics are based on one of the Bible passages, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8.
“To everything (turn, turn, turn)
There is a season (turn, turn, turn)
And a time to every purpose, under heaven.”
37. Bruce Springsteen – “Jesus Was an Only Son”
“Jesus Was an Only Son” is one of Springsteen’s most famous faith-related songs.
He released it on his 2005 studio album.
“Jesus was an only son
In the hills of Nazareth
As he lay reading the Psalms of David
At his mother’s feet.”
38. U2 – “If God Will Send His Angels”
U2’s music also features a lot of Christian references.
Their song “If God Will Send His Angels” is probably the most obvious example.
“Hey, if God will send his angels
And if God will send a sign
And if God will send his angels
Would everything be alright?”
39. Sam Smith – “Pray”
One of the things associated with any kind of worshipping is prayer.
And Sam Smith believes everyone prays in the end.
In his song “Pray”, he says that he turned his back on religion but he wants to pray and be hopeful.
“Maybe I’ll pray, pray
Maybe I’ll pray
I have never believed in you, no
But I’m gonna pray.”
40. Hozier – “Take Me To Church”
“Take Me To Church” is not one of the popular church songs, but it can definitely be associated with the concept of worshipping.
Either way, it’s a powerful and memorable song.
“Take me to church
I’ll worship like a dog at the shrine of your lies
I’ll tell you my sins and you can sharpen your knife
Offer me that deathless death
Good God, let me give you my life.”
41. Brian Doerksen and Wendy Whitehead – “Come, Now Is The Time To Worship”
This tune is definitely on the list of top praise and worship songs.
It has genuine lyrics and a lively, uplifting melody.
42. Robin Mark – “Days of Elijah”
“Days of Elijah” is even more uplifting.
It’s one of the good worship songs that will make you feel enthusiastic and loved.
43. Amos Lee – “See The Light”
Released on January 2022, “See The Light” is one of the fresh worship songs.
It’s an encouraging song about the hope that everything will be okay in the end.
“When I fall off the map and disappear without a trace
Even when I can’t breathe in
And I’m falling out of line
Everybody ’round me says that everything gonna be alright.”
44. Danny Gokey – “New Day”
This is one of the upbeat worship songs you can dance to.
It’s all about good vibes!
“Wake up and breathe in deeper than yesterday
Take on the morning like your soul’s been remade
Roll down the windows, let your cares fly away
Good things are yours to claim, you don’t have to wait.”
45. Maverick City Music – “Promises”
If you’re a believer, “Promises” by Maverick City Music will lift your spirits up.
It’s an energetic and emotional tune about faith.
46. Frankie Goes To Hollywood – “Power of Love”
“Power of Love” is a timeless classic.
And it’s arguably one of the best worship songs about love and spirituality.
“The power of love
A force from above
Cleaning my soul
Flame on, burn desire
Love with tongues of fire
Purge the soul
Make love your goal.”
47. Led Zeppelin – “Stairway To Heaven”
There have been many discussions about the meaning of “Stairway To Heaven.”
But you should simply feel it. What does your intuition tell you?
“And as we wind on down the road
Our shadows taller than our soul
There walks a lady we all know
Who shines white light and wants to show
How everything still turns to gold.”
48. Coldplay – “Church”
Although Coldplay’s music isn’t religious, some of their songs sound very spiritual.
And in their song “Church”, they use religious themes to talk about worshipping another person.
“I’ll worship you in church, baby, always
I’ll worship you in church, all the seven days
I’ll praise and praise.”
49. MercyMe – “Say I Won’t”
When it comes to songs about Jesus, we can’t skip “Say I Won’t.
It’s an uplifting song that can make you feel stronger when you’re feeling low.
“I can do all things
Through Christ who gives me strength
So keep on saying I won’t
And I’ll keep proving you wrong.”
50. Michael Bublé – “Silent Night”
We want to finish this list with one of the most beautiful worship songs.
It’s hard to choose the best version of “Silent Night” though.
But Michael Bublé’s version adds this Christmassy feeling that makes it even more sentimental and heartwarming.
“Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace.”
Final Thoughts
We hope you found what you were looking for and enjoyed our list of the best worship songs.
As you can see, we included both secular and Christian songs.
But all of these songs can remind you to understand and appreciate what truly matters to you.
At the end of the day, worshipping is something very personal, and what that brings to a person is the most important thing.
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