Sacred Sounds: 7 Playlists to Refresh Your Spirit
Inspired by Ministry Forum Intern Rachel’s music recommendation in this week’s email, we thought we’d share a few playlists we’re loving with you! Whether you need something refreshing for your morning routine, reflective for your prayer time, or inspiring for your next sermon prep session, we’ve gathered a mix of playlists and albums that bring together thoughtful lyrics, beautiful melodies, and deep faith. From modern hymns to liturgical folk, from progressive worship to songs that wrestle with faith and justice, there’s a little something for everyone.
Check them out, find a new favourite, and let us know what you’re listening to in the comments!
This Is Liturgical Folk
This Is Liturgical Folk is a curated playlist blending traditional liturgical texts with contemporary folk melodies. Featuring acoustic instrumentation and poetic lyrics, the music bridges ancient church traditions with modern expression, making it perfect for personal reflection, communal worship, or contemplative practices. The songs draw deeply from scripture and liturgical prayers, reimagining them in a way that feels fresh yet familiar. This playlist is especially suited for ministry leaders who appreciate the richness of liturgical tradition while embracing a modern musical approach.
Notable Tracks:
"Lord’s Prayer"
"Let Us Be Known by Our Love"
"A Hymn for Martyrs"
"Lent 3: Delight in the Lord"
"Apostles Creed"
"Psalm 11"
"Faith"
Find the Spotify playlist Here
Progressive Worship Music
Progressive Worship Music is a curated Spotify playlist featuring 99 songs that blend contemporary Christian themes with innovative musical styles. This collection showcases artists who push the boundaries of traditional worship music, offering fresh perspectives and sounds that resonate with modern audiences.
Notable Tracks:
"The Good News" – Map & Compass
"Us for Them" – Gungor
"Truth To Me" – Sam and Haley Hedrick
"Verses Not Humans" – Jacob Hery
"Keep Us All" – The Brilliance
"Brother" – The Brilliance
"We Labor Unto Glory" – The Porter's Gate, Josh Garrels
Find the Spotify Album Here
Sanctuary Songs
Sanctuary Songs is an album by The Porter's Gate, released in 2023. This collection features 12 tracks that blend contemporary Christian themes with folk-inspired melodies, aiming to create a space of reflection and worship.
Notable Tracks:
"Christ is Lower Still" (featuring Matt Maher and DOE)
"Come, All Who Are Weary Come" (featuring Paul Zach and Lauren Plank Goans)
"You Are My Sanctuary" (featuring Jon Guerra and Molly Parden)
"Centering Prayer” (featuring Andrew Peterson, Leslie Jordon)
The album's collaborative nature brings together various artists, enriching the worship experience with diverse voices and styles. The songs are designed to offer solace and hope, making them suitable for personal meditation or communal worship settings.
Find the Spotify Album Here
*Thanks to Ministry Forum Intern Rachel Kennedy for suggesting this album!
Keith & Kristyn Getty Playlist
This playlist features music from Keith and Kristyn Getty, well known for their modern hymns that blend traditional hymnody with contemporary melodies. Their compositions are widely embraced in both traditional and contemporary worship settings, offering rich theological depth and singable melodies.
Notable Tracks:
"In Christ Alone"
"The Power of the Cross"
"Speak O Lord"
"By Faith"
"He Will Hold Me Fast"
"O Church Arise"
"Before the Throne of God Above"
These tracks exemplify the Gettys' commitment to crafting songs that are both theologically rich and musically engaging, making them valuable resources for ministry leaders seeking to enrich their congregational worship with contemporary hymnody.
Find the Spotify Playlist Here
Peopled with Dreams
Peopled with Dreams is an album by John Mark McMillan, released in 2020. This collection features 11 tracks that blend introspective lyrics with rich melodies, reflecting McMillan's signature style of thoughtful and emotive songwriting. McMillan's work often explores themes of faith, doubt, and the human experience that resonates with both personal and communal aspects of spirituality.
Notable Tracks:
"Christ Jesus"
"Juggernaut"
"Cousin John"
"Bright Abyss"
"Pilgrim"
Morning Sanctification
Morning Sanctification is a fun playlist, designed to provide a refreshing and inspiring start to your day. This collection features a blend of contemporary Christian music and uplifting tracks that aim to set a positive and reflective tone for the morning.
Notable Tracks:
"Gratitude" (Hillside Recording, Eliza King)
"Sparrows and Lilies" (Pat Barrett)
"Still Waters" (Leanna Crawford)
"How Could It Be" (Cole McSween, Lj the Messenger)
Find the Spotify Playlist Here
Keeper of Days
Keeper of Days is an album by Jon Guerra, released in 2020. This collection features 14 tracks that blend introspective lyrics with rich melodies, reflecting Guerra's signature style of thoughtful and emotive songwriting. These songs do not shy away from difficult topics - doubts, and real crises of the world.
Notable Tracks:
"Boundless"
"Hiding Lord"
"Tightrope"
"Citizens"
"Prettiest Thing"
"Keeper of Days"