“I Will Wait for You There” comes from Phil Wickham’s self-titled debut album. I found some words/chords online here and here. Have a listen to the song:

I Will Wait For You There – Phil Wickham

Orientations/Focus: This song is vertical/man-focused. It is sung to God (vertical), but the focus of the song is man, specifically what man will do.

Theology: The real thrust of this song is a declaration of (and expressing the joy found therein) private time spend communing with God. I like the idea of “waiting”, because it is so different from the modern american mindset – we want what we want now, and many times Christians bring this mindset over into their quiet time. But waiting implies patience. It also implies that what will come is worth the wait. This song is quite passionate, and is structured and instrumented for an intimate feel, and it truly does convey intimacy and a passion for it. There is also an undergirding emphasis upon man’s dependency upon the Lord – he cannot make it on his own. Of course, my favorite part is the chorus, where he sings about what he will do in that intimate time with his Lord: he will express his passion for his God. When this song is used in a service, the goal would be to invoke a longing in the hearts of the hearers – you want them to identify with the singers stated passion and desire. It actually is a very simple theme of desire for intimacy with the Lord.

Music/Instrumentation: Obviously this song was meant to be played on guitar. I think it might be able to be done on the piano, but it would take a very well-done arrangement – you wouldn’t want the steady right hand chords with the left hand doing a baseline sort of thing. I would advise just using the same instrumentation as on the recording: one singer, one acoustic guitarist. The lyrics speak of intimacy, the instrumentation reflects that. Whatever you do, don’t add more instruments or singers, because then it becomes more than a song from one man/woman to their God.

Use: Due to the nature of the song, it is not really a congregational worship song. The nature of the song also would make it rather inappropriate for an opener or even for communion. But, on the other hand, it would make a great special or offertory. Specifically, if the message is going to be about one’s private prayer life or even one’s quiet time, I think this song would be especially appropriate. But if you’re looking at the resurrection, or the atonement, or forgiveness, or even the return of Christ, this song would not be appropriate. It is one song I would only use in specific circumstances, but in those circumstances it would be highly appropriate and effective in setting the tone for the message.

Instead of reviewing an album tonight, I thought I’d point out an artist who is quickly becoming a favorite of mine: Phil Wickham. He’s got two studio albums out: Phil Wickham (self-titled debut) and Cannons. They’re both incredible albums. If you’re not sure if you will like him or not, check out his website, where you can download a live concert (just him and his guitar and a very enthusiastic audience) for free!

So why should you keep an eye on this artist? Well, he toes the line of worship music. Many of his songs have a worshipful focus, but sometimes they are either too intimate or ‘artistic’ for congregational worship. That said, they make excellent openers and offertories.

One of my all-time favorites is from his first album, “I will wait for you there”. It’s a very soft, intimate song which builds throughout to a very passionate climax, whereupon it drops back to a more intimate feel.

All of his songs have melodies which stick with you, and the theology and doctrine in them is very sound. I hope and pray that “the industry” doesn’t burn him out or discard him because I feel like he has the capacity to make quite a contribution.

So if you haven’t heard of him, or heard any of his stuff, definitely check him out and see what he’s got going on there – I doubt you will be disappointed!