School is officially back in session, much to the chagrin of students everywhere. After several months of lazy pool days and endless sunshine, it’s hard to get back into the rhythm of term papers and pop quizzes. Never fear! When the days get long, and the homework starts piling up, Air1’s got the perfect mix of worship to help you power through. From anthems worthy of a recess to singles destined to encourage you on the daily, here are seven worship songs for Back to School.
1. “I Believe,” Phil Wickham
The title-cut from Phil Wickham’s brand new album, “I Believe,” is sure to get you pumped up when the back-to-school blues come calling. The high-octane track takes us back to basics as Wickham confidently testifies to the many truths that define a deep faith rooted in Jesus. If you need a quick reminder about who you are and Whose you are, crank up “I Believe” on your way to class.
RELATED CONTENT: Air1 Premiere "I Believe" Phil Wickham
2. “Trust In God,” Elevation Worship
Elevation Worship somehow managed to bring timeless hymn “Blessed Assurance” into 2023 with “Trust In God,” a single from their latest project, “CAN YOU IMAGINE?” Backed by a familiar melody, the group’s Chris Brown affirms that Jesus has always been the “fourth man in the fire” throughout the ages. The nod to the biblical account of the fiery furnace is a nice, surprising update to the well-known classic that the Charlotte-based collective has beautifully transformed into a modern-day anthem we simply can’t stop singing.
RELATED CONTENT: Elevation Worship Sings the Necessity of Our Hardship in "Trust In God"
3. “People of God,” Erik Nieder
Erik Nieder’s “People of God” is a call for believers to rise up and boldly reflect the Savior we serve. The building anthem from the Dallas-based singer, songwriter and worship leader implores followers of Jesus to never be ashamed of the Gospel, urging us to take our rightful inheritance as children of the Most High God. Found on his latest album, “Miracle Maker,” the independent artist leads the charge on a song that will leave listeners energized and full of courage.
RELATED CONTENT: Erik Nieder Chronicles the Unstoppable Nature of God’s Power In Us in "People Of God"
4. “Silence,” JWLKRS Worship
God’s silence shouldn’t be mistaken for His absence. That’s the truth we’re reminded of on “Silence,” the debut single from JWLKRS Worship, a group of youthful worshippers made up of a smattering of 20-somethings. With Romans 8:28 as a fitting blueprint, the fresh outfit contends God is always working things together for our good — even when we can’t hear His voice or trace His hand. Declaring God’s faithfulness in the dark, the emotive ballad offers a moment of quiet, holy surrender in the midst of whatever life throws our way.
RELATED CONTENT: JWLKRS Worship: Experiencing God's Grace in the Silence
5. “Jesus Does,” We The Kingdom
Everyone has a story, and on “Jesus Does,” the members of We The Kingdom share theirs. “Jesus Does,” found on their self-titled sophomore LP, is a testimony of praise, honoring God for who He is and all He’s done. The multigenerational family band has lived out the words of this song, transparently sharing their own struggles with addiction, self-harm and anxiety. Now, the five-piece is eager to hear personal stories of how “Jesus Does” what only He can do in the lives of listeners.
RELATED CONTENT: We The Kingdom Proclaims the Sweetness of the Savior in "Jesus Does"
6. “Goodness Gracious,” SONS THE BAND
New duo SONS THE BAND — made up of Denver transplant Jordan Colle and Detroit native Steve Davis — marvels at the faithfulness of Jesus on “Goodness Gracious.” The two friends, who met in early 2020 during a Maverick City Music songwriting camp, borrow a familiar catchphrase to describe how they feel about a God who is personal enough to carefully craft the fine details of each of our unique stories. The passionate, guitar-driven single follows their debut album, “Live From 1971,” captured at the respected 1971 Sounds recording studio in Atlanta.
RELATED CONTENT: SONS THE BAND Has a New Story to Tell in "Goodness Gracious"
7. “Sunrise,” River Valley AGES
River Valley AGES’ “Sunrise” illuminates the truth of Lamentations 3:22-23: “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” In other words, the Lord’s faithfulness is as sure as the sun; and the Minnesota collective leads a colorful celebration that focuses our gaze on the horizon. A pop confection of praise, “Sunrise” is ready-made for after-school dance parties. And now fans of the popular track can press play on six different versions of the song with the release of River Valley AGES’ fresh-squeezed “Sunrise EP.”
RELATED CONTENT: River Valley AGES Reminds Us of the Constant Nature of God in "Sunrise"
