Worship Songs That Miss the Mark (and How to Fix Them)

In Episode 22, Ali McFarlane and Dee Bradbery dive deep into the frustrating gap in worship music: the absence of songs that reflect the full character of God—particularly themes like repentance, justice, and the fear of the Lord. They candidly explore why so many worship songs fail to carry a consistent anointing across verses and bridges, and how songwriters can be more intentional in crafting lyrics that align with the strategic movement of the Spirit. This episode offers rich insight for worship leaders, songwriters, and prophetic creatives who want to steward their craft with deeper intentionality and theological grounding.

📋 Show Notes

Guests:

• Ali McFarlane

• Dee Bradbery

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why there’s a lack of worship songs on themes like justice, repentance, and holiness

• The concept of “anointing consistency” across verses, choruses, and bridges

• How to write songs that lead a room strategically—not just emotionally

• Examples of songs that work as “hinge” moments in prophetic worship

• The role of prophetic conviction and local house assignments in shaping worship strategy

• A call to worship songwriters: write for the gaps in the collective revelation

Practical Takeaways:

• Identify what God is revealing to you about His nature and write into that space

• Refine lyrics to fit the “narrow path” of a specific anointing or theme

• Use the Psalms as models of journey—not templates to be crammed into one song

• Test your lyrics with others: do they grasp the revelation without hearing the melody?

Resources Mentioned:

• Psalm 113–118: Psalms sung during Passover

• “The God of Glory Thunders” – a GPA original worship song

• “What a Beautiful Name” by Hillsong Worship

• “Holy Forever” by Chris Tomlin