Reviewed by Tom Lennie

This is a live worship album recorded at The Sojourn Church, Carrollton, Texas on Sept 11th, 1998. The 14 tracks and 74 minutes of praise were edited from over three hours of prophetic worship music experienced that evening; the full-length version being available as a three-CD boxed set from the church. The album features the gifted musicianship of Scott Brenner (already with a solo worship project to his name), who wrote or co-wrote nearly all the songs and also co-produced the venture. Both the album title and the rather inartistic cover design (shimmering sword held high) may suggest militant-style praise. But not so. Several tracks are indeed upbeat, but generally the music is of a piano-based, gentle-flowing style. Brenner is indeed a great songwriter, his songs hav­ing a simple yet inspired beauty, and with profound lyrics. His voice is pleasant and heartfelt, and is wonderfully enhanced on numerous tracks by the raw emo­tive vocal prowess of one Andre Ashby. JoAnn McFatter, herself a respected prophetic musician, leads one song and sings backing vocals on several others. This is serious unpretentious worship, which invites one to enter in, die to self and focus totally on him. Isn't that true worship? This is a unique and beautiful recording which deeply moves me.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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