On Thursday, April 22, we’ll be hosting our first praise and worship for young adults as an organization. We’re super excited for the opportunity and blessing of being able to come together and worship our God in the true presence of the Eucharist. Since this event is only the beginning of what we plan on making a regular schedule, we want to hear some feedback. While we may not always have a great musician or band, I would like to take time to share some of what I consider to be the best praise and worship songs of the last few years.

There are still some Catholics that criticize different groups that use contemporary music in the church, especially in adoration. While I personally understand the immense importance of tradition and the high place of Gregorian Chant, I have just a deep love for the worship music written today. When Truth is spoken, it cannot be denied. When that truth is incorporated into song, it creates a new and more powerful reality and experience of the Truth. I am so grateful that many artists have decided to use their gifts to glorify our Lord.

So here are the songs I consider to have had the largest impact in the last few years (in no particular order).

Prepare the Way – Passion (Charlie Hall)

Lay it down – Matt Maher
Just about everything he writes is so Catholic and amazing.

Center by Charlie Hall

I Will Exalt You – Hillsong United

How He Loves – Jason Anderson

David Crowder Band also does another amazing version.

Thank You for Hearing Me – Sinead O’Connor
This version is by the David Crowder Band

How Great is Our God – Chris Tomlin

From the Inside Out (Everlasting) – Hillsong United

We Fall Down
Chris Tomlin

My Glorious – Delirious
This is some small group playing the acoustic version. The acoustic version can be really powerful in adoration.

Revelation Song – Gateway Worship

Holy is the Lord

Mighty to Save – Hillsong United

Of course what would adoration be without the Divine Praises
Matt Maher’s version is great.

Matt Maher, Chris Tomlin, Hillsong United, and Passion definitely have been influential in contemporary worship music. We thank the Lord for working through them and all the other musicians out there. Now what’s your opinon? Do you agree?

There are so many other amazing songs out there. What else would you have put on the list?