5 Reasons to Lead the New Song “Build My Life”

“Build My Life” was released by Housefires in 2016 and by Passion Music in 2017. It’s quickly climbing the charts, and it’s a fantastic song to lead in your church. Here are five reasons why.

1. It has sound theology

Most importantly, the lyrics are theologically sound. “Build My Life” worships Jesus for his preeminence (Col 1:15–20), worthiness (Rev 5:9), and authority (Eph 1:21). All of these characteristics of our Lord are represented heavily in Scripture.

Words like “holy” and “worthy” aren’t new to Christian songs, but they are probably the most fitting words we can sing to our Lord. They will be sung around his throne for eternity (see Revelation 4:8 and 5:12).

2. It’s vertical & horizontal

The lyrics are Godward without neglecting love for neighbor. The verses are simple but poignantly express adoration of the Only True God. The chorus continues that theme while also asking God to open our eyes ever wider to Himself and the people around us. The bridge is a passionate declaration of our trust and reliance upon Jesus alone.

Altogether, the song is a great reminder that Jesus and his love form the unshakable bedrock of our lives, and that with Him as our foundation we can truly love others selflessly.

3. It’s a well-crafted song (especially the bridge)

No matter how great the lyrics are, a song won’t work corporately if the music and melody aren’t right. Thankfully, “Build My Life” is as well-crafted musically as it is lyrically.

The verses are immediately contagious. The chorus lifts nicely but still is well within corporate vocal range. The anthemic bridge hook, lyric, and rhythm are memorable and familiar—and your piano player will love playing it. If you get a chance to hear Pat Barrett tell the story behind the song, you’ll hear how for two years all they had was the bridge and they knew it was special.

4. It works well for any-sized worship team

“Build My Life” is a collaboration between the worship leaders of Passion Music and the worship leaders of Housefires. Both groups are known for excellent songs that are accessible to the broader Church today. But the two are quite distinct.
Passion Music, which puts on huge annual conferences for college students, represents a big stage sound, whereas Housefires represents the more intimate small-group style. Whether you’re a church of 50 people singing to one guitar, or a church of 5,000 singing to a full band, orchestra, and choir, this song will work for you.

5. It’s a prayer and a call to action

“Build My Life” is both devotional and missional. It confesses dependence upon God to help us be the Church He calls us to be. It’s a song we can sing on Sunday morning and keep singing the rest of the week as a reminder that we now live in his eternal kingdom that cannot be shaken. Throughout everyday life, as this bridge rings out in our hearts and minds, it reinforces the worthiness of Jesus—the only foundation to build our lives upon.

Passion Music has a great devotion for this song, which ends with this beautiful prayer:

Father, show me who you are today. Fill me with your heart—all the things you love and want me to love—and empty me of the things which don’t build up your kingdom. Then lead me in your love to, in turn, love those around me with the love of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

We hope you will consider bringing the song into one of your sets in the coming weeks.

This guest post is brought to you by Faithlife Proclaim—presentation software made just for churches. Start a free trial today. 

More resources for “Build My Life”:

• For charts/lyrics/instructional videos, visit Worship Artistry
• Hear Pat Barrett tell the story behind the song
• Read the story behind the song
• Lyric video with guitar chords for following along

Lyrics

Verse 1
Worthy of every song we could ever sing
Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring
Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe
We live for You
Verse 2
Jesus, the Name above every other name
Jesus, the only One who could ever save
Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe
We live for You
Oh, we live for You
Chorus
(Holy)
Holy
There is no one like You
There is none beside You
Open up my eyes in wonder
And show me who You are
And fill me with Your heart
And lead me into love to those around me
Bridge
And I will build my life upon Your love
It is a firm foundation
And I will put my trust in You alone
And I will not be shaken

This is a guest post from friends of Faithlife.