It’s interesting to consider that according to the Center for the Study of Global Christianity, there are over 41,000 Christian organizations and denominations in the world today. A staggering amount that accounts for about 2.5 billion Christians worldwide.
They don’t all see things the same, of course, but they all have a couple of things in common. They all like easy worship and Christian songs to sing. But, most importantly to all of them, they all follow the teachings of the Man from Nazareth.
Music With Meaning
I am certainly not going to discuss the rights and wrongs of any of them. Instead, I am just going to offer some great music. I am going to divide it up as well into a range of categories. As there are so many varieties and styles, it makes sense to do that.
It will take us on a religious musical journey across time and continents and end up in what might be, to some, an unexpected place. So, let’s start this look at easy worship & Christian songs to Sing by going back in time to…
1 Ave Maria – Schubert sung by Lucianno Pavarotti
Seeing the names of Schubert and Pavarotti might scare some people. But, this is not a difficult song to sing.
Composed by Schubert in 1825, it is one of his most famous and most appreciated works. Ave Maria is the Latin name for Hail Mary. Widely recorded and performed all over the world, it is an emotional tribute to a central figure of Christianity.
2 Abide with Me – Audrey Assad
There are dozens of versions of this famous song, but I have chosen this one. It is simple and plain, and she has a great voice. And she sings it with a certain reverence for the subject matter.
“Abide with Me” is a Christian hymn written by Henry Francis Lyte, a Scottish Anglican. He wrote it in 1847 as he lay dying of tuberculosis. He is imploring God to stay with him in death as he had in life.
The words are usually sung to a tune known as ‘Eventide’ written by William Monk, an English organist. An emotional song that, again, is not difficult to sing.
The Great Composers Were Stirred By Their Faith
Faith and beliefs have stirred the souls of many great composers. And they have written memorable music that we still use today. There is, of course, some great music that I wouldn’t call easy to sing and so is not suitable for inclusion here.
But you can still hear and enjoy such pieces as:
- Handel’s Messiah.
- Bach’s Mass in B minor.
- Mozart’s Requiem in D minor.
- Haydn’s The Creation.
But let’s return to more modern-day Christian music now. This came from a similar age to the previous two songs but is better known by today’s versions.
3 Amazing Grace – Judy Collins
As I said, this song was written in days gone by, 1779 to be precise. It is credited to John Newton, an English poet and Anglican clergyman.
It is a serious, at times slightly morose, song that talks about forgiveness and redemption through grace. This easy traditional worship and Christian song has been recorded many times. But, the Judy Collins version is perhaps the best known.
4 Amazing Love (Live) – Hillsong Worship
This is a song that has had two versions produced by the same group of singers. There is this version I have chosen here. And there is a second version of the same song but called “You Are My King” from their fifth album.
The song talks about how faith can be life-changing. It also speaks of the wonder of creation and honoring the Creator by spreading the word of love and peace.
5 Battle Hymn of the Republic – Julia Ward Howe
Occasionally, life throws up a hero, or in this case, a heroine. I mean a ‘real’ hero or heroine, not one who claims it for themselves. Julia Ward Howe was such a person. She was a Writer, Poet, Philosopher and Lecturer, Suffragist, Social Reformer, and Abolitionist.
She led the way in so many areas and was way ahead of her time in her thinking. Likewise, she founded the first women’s feminist coalitions and was not one who you could push around.
She is known, of course, for writing the words of the “Battle Hymn of The Republic.” That will need no introduction to our American readers. At the start of the Civil War in 1861, she went to visit Abraham Lincoln with her husband.
The Trip Inspired The Words
It was on that trip that she wrote the words of the song that became synonymous with the times. The words were set to a song about another abolitionist, John Brown. It might be seen as a “battle-cry” and “call-to-arms” in some ways. However, it is more relevant to what she saw as the coming judgment and punishment of the wicked.
The coming war was to be horrific, of course, but she, and the song, insisted men should fight to protect freedom and free people of oppression. Sentiments that she taught herself throughout her life and are still relevant today.
6 How Deep The Father’s Love For Us – Stuart Townend
From his album Say The Word from 1990, this is a song that is more of a calming influence than the last one. It is only a short song, just three verses, but gets the message across.
This is a worship song about sacrifice and how God sacrificed his Son for the benefit of mankind. It ends with an interesting few lines about not boasting about ‘your possessions.’ Something a certain Mr. Lennon had said in 1975 in the song “Imagine” and would agree with.
7 For the Beauty of the Earth – The Cambridge Singers
This is a song by English composer John Rutter. Originally, it was a poem that had been written about the beauty of Bath in Somerset, England. The words composed by Folliot Pierpoint in 1864 were inspired by all he saw around him.
That is translated into a Christian song about the glory of creation and all that is around us. And not just visually. It gives thanks for time and all things beautiful, including love for each other.
Each of the verses talks about these things. It is a slow and thoughtful song that allows us food for thought and appreciation of all the things we have.
8 Cornerstone – Hillsong Worship
This is a song from the Forever Reign album from Hillsong, released in 2012. The lyrics are full of metaphors to describe beliefs and needs. But its main message is about having firm foundations.
As we all know, without firm foundations, a house will eventually fall. The song likens that to our own lives. Without firm foundations, we have nothing to support us.
The song is saying if we have nothing to believe in, then eventually we will fall. Strength will come from the love and word of the Creator.
9 Way Maker – Sinach
Sinach is a songwriter and gospel singer from Nigeria. This 2015 release has become one of the most popular worship songs around today. This is one of those songs that the Christian community has been taken to heart.
Being a simple song is one of its big assets. It is easy to sing and easy to play as well as being so popular. And with easy-to-appreciate and concise lyrics, it is a firm favorite for those looking for easy congregational songs to sing.
10 Let It Rain – Michael W. Smith
If what you are looking for is an easy song to sing with simple words, it won’t get much easier than this. Taken from Michael W. Smith’s album Worship, there are only two sentences all the way through.
And they are repeated throughout the entire song. It is a prayer song asking for God to send down His blessings upon us.
Changing Style For The First Time
This is all about finding and enjoying easy worship & Christian songs to sing that are also uplifting. We have already made mention of just how many denominations of Christianity there are. And whilst some do not agree with others on some issues, they all have a central belief.
But this is about music, and choir music forms an essential part of the Christian worship ceremony. So, let’s have a listen to some music from what is one of the best religious choirs in the world.
11 Then Sings My Soul – Mormon Tabernacle Choir
The choir has been around since 1847, but today’s ensemble bears no relation to those early efforts. The choir is expertly musically arranged, and this song is a good example. “Then Sings My Soul” was published by Robert Morgan as recently as 2003 and has become a firm favorite.
12 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing – Mormon Tabernacle Choir
Let’s go back a bit in time, 1757 to be exact, when Robert Robinson wrote the words of this hymn. Robinson was seen as a bit of a troublemaker in an age and place when it was very dangerous to be so.
Besides his lifelong study of Christian baptism, he was also an author and wrote this famous hymn at the age of just 22. He had been a prominent Baptist but converted to Methodism, which was his inspiration to write this hymn.
The theme concentrates on divine grace. His text is based on what he read in the first book of Samuel. A controversial hymn in the eyes of some but a good song that is easy to sing.
Let’s Change Style Again
We are going to move now into a much more modern era. This mode of worship involves becoming much more upbeat about people and their beliefs.
Spreading the word of the Gospel, which in its Greek translation means “Good News,” is a happy thing and should be celebrated.
13 Oh Happy Day – Edwin Hawkins Singers
And if there was a song that captures that feeling of “Good News,” it is this one. This was a hymn written by Philip Doddridge, a Puritan English Congregationalist minister. It was finally published in 1755, four years after his death, after some of his songs had been found.
This is an arrangement created in 1967 which became a sensation across Europe and North America. It has since become a gospel music standard.
Why Was It So Good?
The arrangement had much to do with its success. Starting modestly, it grows into this wall of vocal-based sound. The excitement of the track builds to a crescendo and then goes back to its beginnings.
No recording studio is used here. It was recorded in a church in Berkeley, California. A great easy worship & Christian song to sing, and with a powerful message.
14 When The Saints Go Marching In – Louis Armstrong
Just about everything Louis Armstrong turned to was successful. From jazz great to unlikely ‘pop’ star, with his “What a Wonderful World,” this was another famous Armstrong track.
The lyrics owe much of their inspiration to the Book of Revelations. And they are given the full ‘feel-good’ treatment by him. A song first recorded in 1938 that is very simple to sing, it has become a firm jazz-gospel favorite.
15 Peace In The Valley – Sam Cooke
From one great to another, Sam Cooke was raised listening to music. This Thomas Dorsey song from 1937, sung originally by Mahalia Jackson, was one he heard often. It became one of the very first songs he recorded in 1950 at age 19.
At the time, he was the lead singer with the Soul Stirrers, a gospel group. A good simple Christian song with a strong message. It has been covered by dozens of people, most notably by Elvis Presley and Little Richard.
16 The Lord’s Prayer – Dinah Washington
Staying in the 50s era, Dinah Washington grew up singing in church. A great voice, she sang lead vocal with a group of female gospel singers set up by Sallie Martin.
She recorded this version of the “Lord’s Prayer” in 1952 for Mercury records, where most of her jazz classics can be found. It was a great opportunity that allowed her to deliver a performance full of impact and emotion.
I don’t recommend that you copy Dinah’s performance. But in its most basic form, it is not difficult to sing. And it has the advantage of being the words of the prayer that is central to Christian beliefs.
17 He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands – Mahalia Jackson
Big voice, big song. This was Mahaila Jackson’s version of a classic. This is one of the most well known Christian songs. It is a song that just has so much joy and happiness in it that you can’t help but join in.
It is also a simple tune to pick up. That is what makes it one of the easiest worship and Christian songs to sing. Originally recorded in 1927, when her version was released in 1958, it challenged Presley, Chuck Berry, and Jerry Lee Lewis. In those days, they were all dominating the charts.
18 I Saw The Light – Hank Williams
Time for another change of style and genre on this list of easy worship & Christian songs to sing. Hank Williams was one of the greatest Country artists but maybe not as well known for his singing of religious songs.
He wrote the song in 1948 inspired by a comment from his mother as they were returning home from a concert. It was released that same year but didn’t register much success.
However, over the years, it has become a firm gospel-flavored country hit that he used to close his shows with. The simple structure of the song and ease of singing makes this popular with many Christian people.
19 There Will Come a Day – Faith Hill
One of America’s top female artists, she is one of the few who have crossed genres from Country into Rock and back again. Along with her husband, country singer Tim McGraw, they have made a series of hit albums.
One of those, her 4th studio album Breathe, included this gospel-inspired track. It is a simple song to sing and offers a pleasant change of style and pace for those wanting a different worship song.
Despite two of the ‘big’ songs on the album, “Breathe” and the “Way You Love Me,” she chose to finish the album with this contemporary gospel song.
20 The Old Rugged Cross – Johnny Cash
Johnny Cash might be best known for his Country roots musically, but the “Man In Black” never tried to hide his faith. On the contrary, he took every opportunity to tell people about it.
He became a Christian at age 12, and it was at the forefront of his life until his death. Additionally, he made a multitude of religious-based recordings, and this was always one of his favorite hymns.
He liked it so much that over his career, he included it on three separate albums. A classic hymn and a classic voice, and a song that is easy to sing. What more can you ask for?
21 Something in the Water – Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood is not one to try and hide her faith. In fact, like Johnny Cash, she openly tells as many people about it as she can.
This song is all about the importance of being baptized and what it means to us. She includes a short passage from “Amazing Grace” at the end to push home the message.
One Last Genre To Look At For Easy Worship & Christian Songs To Sing
There have been more than a few modern writers and performers who have recorded some great Christian-themed music. Let’s look at Christian songs with these.
22 Morning Has Broken – Cat Stevens
I might get criticized for including this, considering his religious status these days. But, at the time, it was an iconic track. It was a hymn written by Eleanor Farjeon who was an English children’s author who wrote the song in the 1930s.
He deals with this version in a sympathetic and reverential way that makes it such a pleasure to listen to. And, of course, being so well-known and simple to sing, it is a great hymn to sing at worship services.
Who Played The Piano?
Many say that it was the piano part that ‘made’ this version, and I can understand why. And many people have asked who it was that played it.
If you don’t happen to know, it was Rick Wakeman, just as he was leaving The Strawbs to join Yes. It was recorded at Morgan Sound in West London. You can find it on Cat Stevens’ album, Teaser And The Firecat.
23 Jesus Is Just Alright with Me – Doobie Brothers
The early 70s was a time when a lot of music people realized they didn’t need to hide their beliefs. Because of that, some included tracks on albums to emphasize it rather than hiding it. Definitely a step in the right direction.
“Jesus Is Just Alright” was written by Art Reynolds and recorded with his band on their 1966 Telling It Like It Is album. The Doobie Brothers recorded it and put it on their 1972 album Toulouse Street.
It was a successful single in America but failed to chart anywhere in Europe. A good song with a gospel-like feel. It is easy to sing with a good Christian message at the forefront of the lyrics.
Nearing The End
So, let’s move on to the last three I have chosen, which may surprise a few people. Christian music, especially music that is aimed at worshipping God, hasn’t always got to be deadly serious. The lyrics will be, of course, and rightly so. But, the music can manifest itself in a variety of ways.
In the UK, Cliff Richard has made no secret about his beliefs. He has recorded plenty of material that emphasizes it and confirms it. He is respected by most people for that, whether they agree with him or not.
The Gospel albums
He has made over 40 albums, six of which are Gospel albums. I have chosen to select three very good tracks from the third of those albums, Small Corners.
This was recorded in 1977 in Abbey Road studios in London. He chose writers for this album from all around the world, including Australia, the UK, and America.
24 Yes He Lives (Live) – Cliff Richard
A song with a powerful repeated chorus line, it is an easy song to sing once you have got the arrangement in your mind.
Very much what you might call gospel rock, the message is clear from the lyrics, and it is backed with some solid guitars and drums. It is a song that could be performed in a variety of ways.
It could be played with an acoustic guitar and sung quietly, or it could even be an “Oh Happy Day” like arrangement. Whatever you choose, it is a great song with a powerful message. It was composed by Terry Britten.
25 When I Survey the Wondrous Cross – Cliff Richard
In terms of changing styles, this is a very serious hymn. And his arrangement and performance do justice to its message. It is also a change in styles from when it was written by Isaac Watts in 1707.
Previous to that time, English hymns used only words that paraphrased the Bible. And even though this hymn does do that in two places, it does depart from that into a more Baroque style.
The vocals are excellent, with plenty of close harmonies. A very sincere hymn that is a beautiful song to sing for a congregation.
26 Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music (Live) – Cliff Richard
Why indeed? Rock n Roll is not the sole domain of the ‘dark side.’ It is only a rhythm, after all. Its context and meaning will be determined by the lyrics and content, not by how many beats to the bar and at what speed they are played.
This is a throwback to his younger days in the late 50s. Plenty of British singers were trying to be Elvis, complete with curled, snarling lip. Cliff Richard was just one. He lasted the pace where most of the others fell by the wayside.
Christian Rock Roots
But he never forgot his early rock n roll roots. And he can combine that with his strong Christian beliefs on this track. This shows he still feels it and does it well.
“Jesus is the rock and He rolls my blues away.” A clever song with all the right meanings and great fun for any religious chorus to include in their presentation.
More 24 Easy Worship & Christian Songs to Sing
2710,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) – Matt Redman
28Good Good Father – Chris Tomlin
29Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) – Chris Tomlin
30In Christ Alone – Keith Getty and Stuart Townend
31What a Beautiful Name – Hillsong Worship
32Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) – Hillsong United
33Blessed Be Your Name – Matt Redman
34Lord, I Need You – Matt Maher
35Everlasting God – Lincoln Brewster
36Great Are You Lord – All Sons & Daughters
37Here I Am to Worship – Tim Hughes
38Mighty to Save – Hillsong Worship
39Our God – Chris Tomlin
40This Is Amazing Grace – Phil Wickham
41Forever – Kari Jobe
42Who You Say I Am – Hillsong Worship
43Build My Life – Housefires
44What a Friend We Have in Jesus – Joseph M. Scriven
45I Surrender All – Judson W. Van DeVenter
46How He Loves – David Crowder Band
47Cornerstone – Hillsong Worship
48Great I Am – New Life Worship
49I Will Rise – Chris Tomlin
50Hosanna – Hillsong United
Looking For Inspiring Songs?
We can help with that. Take a look at our handy articles on the Best Songs About Dreams, the Best Songs About Friendship, the Best Songs About Change, the Best Songs About Heroes, the Best Songs About Walking, and Folk Songs Every Kid Should Know for more great song ideas.
Easy Worship & Christian Songs to Sing – Final Thoughts
What I have tried to do in this article is gather a number of songs and hymns that express what Christians feel. They come in various genres, various shapes, and sizes. Even some that come from backgrounds that might not be considered by some to be orthodox Christianity.
But, they all express the same emotions and the same beliefs, and that is the important thing. And as our musical tastes are all different, even inside a worship situation, I have tried to vary the genres to accommodate. I hope you enjoy them.
Until next time, happy listening.
