Grace in Every Verse: Inspired by Scripture and Song

Today I attended a songwriting workshop led by Bethany Dillon and her husband Shane Barnard, and I left deeply inspired—not just to write, but to write with purpose. Their message was simple and powerful: worship songs should be an extension of Scripture.

I’ve written short poems in the past, but this experience helped me see worship writing in a new light. Songwriting isn’t about creating hits—it’s about stewarding God’s Word with reverence, simplicity, and joy. It’s about singing truth, shaped by prayer and soaked in Scripture.

One thing Bethany said stayed with me: “The creativity in songwriting isn’t about cleverness—it’s about clarity. Keep it simple. Let the Word speak.”

So today, I sat with Ephesians 2:8–9 and let the words stir something in me. I drafted the beginning of a song called “Grace-Filled.” It’s raw and in progress, but it carries the message I hold dearest: we are saved by grace alone.

Grace-Filled (Original Lyrics)

For it is by grace
that I have been saved
Through faith
No, it is not from my strength
It is the gift of God. (2x)
Not by works. (2x)
No one can boast
None can boast

Beauty of your grace
Covers the earth
Pouring with love and embrace
Now I know

Chorus

I proclaim to the nations
Thou art Lord and my Savior
Let my soul rejoice with elation
That I know

When my life is fleeting
And my breath starts to fade
The joy of grace will be waiting
For I know

(Repeat Chorus)

Final Thoughts

Worship is not just melody and rhyme. It’s meditating on Scripture, internalizing truth, and offering it back to God in praise. I’m still working on this piece, but I hope it reminds you—as it reminds me—that grace is a gift we can never earn, only receive.

Whether you’re a writer, worshipper, or simply someone who loves the Word, I encourage you: sing the Scriptures. Let them fill your heart and spill into your prayers, poetry, and praise.