"Daddy, I Have an Idea for Your Song" -How My 10-Year Old Shaped Our Latest Worship Song.

“Daddy, I have an idea for your song…

Hallelujah to the King of kings, hallelujah to the Lord of lords.”

Those simple words, spoken by our 10-year-old son, Ethan, at our kitchen table, became the cornerstone of our latest song. But more than that, they became a reminder of something deeper about the nature of biblical worship.

In our family, I’m known as “the songwriter.” I’ve been writing the longest, and it’s been part of my calling as a worship leader for years. What many people don’t realize, however, is that my wife, Erica, is a gifted songwriter in her own right. She co-writes with me often and has written many songs of her own throughout the years. I simply happen to be the most visible face of our family’s musical expression.

So you can imagine my surprise when, in the middle of writing, I was interrupted by the youngest member of the household with a lyrical idea. I’ll admit, there was a moment when I was tempted to dismiss it. After all, I was the “professional.”

But God gently shifted my heart. There was a purity and simplicity in that phrase that carried weight. What began as a child’s suggestion became the central refrain of the song.

That moment caused me to reflect on the broader landscape of the Church—particularly worship culture. Often, the songs we sing on Sundays are crafted by a small circle of highly resourced teams with massive platforms. While many of these songs deeply bless the Church, this dynamic can unintentionally diminish the perceived value of “smaller” offerings—the praises of a child, the melody of an elderly saint, or the worship of someone whose style doesn’t echo what’s trending on the radio.

But Scripture paints a different picture.

In the book of Exodus, when it came time to build the tabernacle, Moses addressed the entire community of Israel. He called for offerings—gold, silver, fine linens, precious stones—and invited all who were skilled to come and build what the Lord had commanded. The leaders provided vision and parameters shaped by time in God’s presence, but the people brought their gifts. From those offerings, the craftsmen constructed a sanctuary—a sacred space where God would meet with His people.

Everyone had a part to play.

The apostle Peter echoes this truth when he writes:

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies (or praises) of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”

— 1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)

The Church is not a stage for a few voices. It is a family of priests. And in a healthy family, every member has a voice.

My son Ethan reminded me of that.

This song is our family’s offering—born from ordinary moments of prayer and worship around our table. We had the privilege of sharing it with our church last week, and now we share it with you.

Our hope is that it resonates—not just as a song to sing, but as an invitation. An invitation to participate. To create. To bring your own offering before the Lord.

Because our God is worthy of praise from every generation, every voice, and every heart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoBIsRYaBO4

Here are the Lyrics:

Chord Charts

Lyrics

Verse 1

Bless the lord O my soul

And all that's within me bless his name

For he is the Lord most high

And yet he loves me and sees me

Verse 2

Sing to God O my soul

Sing of the wonders that he has done

Tell all the world that our God is good

And that His love endures forever

Pre-Chorus 1

I sought the Lord I sought the Lord

And he heard me and he answered

Turned my mourning into dancing

O my soul cry out

Chorus 1

Hallelujah to the king of kings

Hallelujah to the Lord of Lords

Hear your people lift highest praises

To you our God

Chorus 2

Hallelujah all creation sings

Hear the sound of heaven joining in

How glorious the sound of worship

We long to bring

Verse 3

Shout to God O my soul

Shout to the lord of the earth and Sky

Tell of the victories of our God

And let all be filled with wonder

Verse 4

Dance for Joy O my soul

Dance for the one who has made you whole

Washed away all of your sin and shame

Its under the blood it’s gone forever