I was recently at a worship seminar Q & A session, sitting a few rows in front of a chap who asked if lyrics to already-produced material could be adapted for Sunday morning worship if thought inappropriate or inaccessible to the congregation. The line in question was something about "Heaven, Earth and a sloppy wet kiss....", and having not heard the song I was somewhat intrigued. One of my good friends on our worship team then posted this video link and it came together:

My first observation about this potential bone of contention is that I've now listened to several versions of this song, and watched the relative videos, and not one person appears to be in the slightest bit concerned at singing a line that may fall out of their comfort zone for singing collectively. But then, isn't the collective spirit of worship such, that we should all be singing the same lyrics together and engaging in the same time of worship? The passion surrounding this song is highly contagious. The manner that the song is built back up from the line in question is such that you take on the characteristics of the lyrics - get yourself into a worshipful state, and it is nigh on impossible to stop your "heart turning violently inside of your chest". This song challenges you to cast aside all negativity and focus on what really matters - his enduring and undying love for us.

High upon my playlists in recent weeks have been Jesus Culture. Their approach to this song (on the "We Cry Out" album) is somewhat more laid back to begin with, using soft delayed guitar and soft synth pads to create a more "atmospheric" feel. Kim Walker's vocals really make this song, and her transference from lower to upper singing register in the second verse is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Once again the passion is astonishing, and it is very easy to get drawn into the feel of their worship. Jesus Culture's version is here:

So how do we do this song in church on a Sunday morning? In my humble opinion, purity is the key. Pray for a worshipful church, a passionate church, a humble church. Pray for the Lord's grace, pray for His power, pray for His mercy. Pray that you'll see more of Him, that more of His love will be revealed to you in so many more ways than you could have ever imagined. Pray that He'll show you what you are singing. This song is amazingly powerful, but is one that must be believed to be attempted. I pray that the Lord will bless you with the grace, passion, mercy and power to give this song back to him in praise.