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“We Cry Out” was conceived in my garage/studio during a time of worship one morning. I was running late to go to a morning chapel at Christ for the Nations and about to face terrible Dallas traffic, but just kept staying there weeping as I sang this song to my heavenly Father.
Hundreds of times in the Old Testament we read how God’s people “cried out to the Lord” or “called on the name of the Lord.” Based on the number of times it’s mentioned, it seems to be a primary form of worship, or almost synonymous with the act of worship. Just do a word search on “call on the name of the Lord,” it’s amazing! Then in the New Testament on the day of Pentecost we read that “…everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” as prophesied by Joel. (Acts 2:21, Romans 10:13, Joel 2:32) Basically, God seems to respond to having His name called, cried, and sung out loud over and over again.
Crying Out His Name
As a father of three young boys, I hear my name called—a lot. I hear it in every variation possible for children to come up with, Dad, Dadda, Daddy, Best friend, Hey hey hey, and so on. Mostly I hear, Daddy, Daddy, Daddy, Daddy, Daddy, Daddy. You get the picture.
Everyday I hear my name on the phone, Walker, Mr. Beach, Dude, Bro, and my favorite, “Are you the primary resident at this address?” Gotta love telemarketers. Sometimes I get the sweet sound of “Hey baby,” or the consistent name of “Honey” from my beloved wife. All of these either get a response right away, or will eventually get my attention if they are said enough times. How much more does this apply to the Father who is eagerly waiting to hear His name spoken by His children?
Putting It Into Action
This song is that concept put to music. I wanted to call on the name of the Lord in every Biblical way I could (as long as it rhymed of course:). I wanted to call God’s name the way the Hebrews did (Adonai), the way the early church did (El Shaddai), and the name we now call Him every day (Jesus Christ). This song was birthed out of just calling on the name of the Lord over and over again in intimate, private worship (until my wife came and reminded me how late I was).
I pray this song will help inspire you to call upon the name of the Lord in the midst of the congregation, in the middle of a busy day, and in the quiet place when only Jesus can hear you.