WritinG RetReAt DevO
(21 DayS)
I am extremely, extremely excited for this retreat! It’s been something that I’ve dreamt of for a long time.
Since I was at Highlands College, I’ve wanted to get a group together to write songs that glorify Jesus, not what He can do for me, but who He is! As I look for songs that churches and artists have written, to play on Sundays, I find myself saying more and more that these songs don’t sound like The Point or they’re really focused on me! In every one of those moments, I feel like the answer to that problem is to, simply, write songs that feel like The Point and speak about Who He is!. However, there was something inside of me that kept saying, “No one would be excited about it like you are,” or “There’s no way that a worship team full of volunteers would have the desire to take time away from their lives and families to write.”
But I was so wrong.
Kevin and I had talked about writing quite a bit and even had songs that we had worked on together, but I kept feeling like these songs sounded like me and Kevin. Not The Point. We then began talking about a writing retreat, which I thought was a pipe dream that would happen years from now. I continued to feel like that until our meeting at the end of 2024, when April suggested doing a writing retreat and then I really felt like God spoke to me that it wasn’t just a dream, but a reality. And now, we’re here. The Airbnb is booked. And I believe that we’re ready for The Creator to create something new through us!
As we get ready for our Writing Retreat, we should focus on who God is and what He’s done. I believe when we focus on those two things, we will begin to write incredible, relatable, inspiring songs for our church. Not only that, but we will begin to live our life with a sense of gratitude and hope.
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P.S. There are reflection times in every one of these 21 days! So make sure you write in something that you will bringing on the retreat with you! This way we can refer back whenever we're in our writing sessions.
Day 1
Elohim. The Creator.
Grab your notebook and turn it to a fresh page! It’s kind of intimidating, right?
A couple weeks ago, I bought a new notebook and some new pens because my other ones were either filled or falling apart. I was scared to write on the first page becauseI didn’t want to write something that wasn’t perfect and then have to see it every time that I opened my notebook to write. So I didn’t. For 6 days, I kept looking at it on my desk and then eventually, I just sucked it up and wrote some lyrics to a song that had been circling in my head! And now, it’s the only thing that I write in.
That story is a bit ridiculous, but it was a real anxiety that I had. I believe that the song that I wrote on the first page will be finished at some point and every time that I open it, I will see something finished and complete.
In Genesis 1:1, God created. He created everything from nothing. He started with a blank page. God didn’t have the anxiety of messing up, but He did start with a blank page and created something absolutely beautiful!
My favorite part about being a Christian, is that I never have to do things alone. I have the best creator of all time with me at all times. So as we write, we can write and compose with confidence!
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Reflection:
Take a moment and think about how wild it is that God uses us to create things. Not only does He use us to create things, He’s with us as we create things and He inspires us!
Grab a notebook or your notes app on your phone and just write about what’s in your mind for 2 minutes. It doesn’t have to be in song form. It doesn’t have to rhyme. Just write.
Prayer:
God, thank You for being The Creator. Thank You for giving us passions and purposes that will build Your kingdom. Give us songs and melodies to sing. And use us to lead people straight to you! Amen.
Day 2
Jehovah Rohi - The Lord is My Shepherd
Have you ever felt completely lost in the middle of a songwriting session? Like, you start with an idea that felt solid, but somewhere along the way, it just... disappears. That happened to me not long ago. I had this melody in my head, and I was sure it was going to turn into something beautiful. But as I tried to add lyrics, nothing fit. I felt frustrated and ready to quit.
Then I remembered Psalm 23:1: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." Shepherds guide their sheep, not just when the path is clear but especially when it’s rocky and confusing. I realized I was trying to write without leaning on the One who leads me. I paused, prayed, and asked God to guide me through the creative process.
The lyrics didn’t come all at once, but slowly, line by line, like a shepherd gently leading a flock. Sometimes, we think inspiration should hit like lightning, but often it’s more like following a gentle nudge.
Reflection:
Think about an area in your life where you need God’s guidance. It could be in songwriting, relationships, or decisions you’re facing. Write a few thoughts about how you can invite God to be your Shepherd in that space.
Prayer:
God, thank You for being my Shepherd. Guide me when I feel lost, in my songwriting and in my life. Help me trust Your gentle leading. Amen.
Day 3
The Power of Praise
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Have you ever been in a bad mood, turned on some worship music, and suddenly felt lighter? That happened to me last week. I was having a rough day—nothing dramatic, just one of those days where everything felt heavy. I didn’t feel like writing or even listening to music, but I put on a song that always lifts my spirit.
As I listened (half-heartedly at first), I noticed my focus shifting. Instead of dwelling on what was wrong, my heart started to fill with gratitude. Praise has that power. It doesn’t ignore our struggles; it shifts our perspective to the One who is bigger than them.
Psalm 100:4 says, "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name." Praise isn’t just a reaction to good times; it’s a choice we make, even when it’s hard.
Reflection:
Think of three things you’re grateful for today, even if it’s been a tough day. Write them down. Then, challenge yourself to turn one of them into a simple lyric or phrase of praise.
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Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the power of praise. Even when life feels heavy, remind me to lift my eyes to You. Fill my heart with gratitude and my songs with praise. Amen.
Day 4
Songwriting Tip - Embrace the Imperfect First Draft
One of the biggest roadblocks in songwriting is the pressure to get it perfect on the first try. But here's the truth: your first draft isn’t supposed to be perfect. Think of it like a rough sketch before painting a masterpiece.
When you sit down to write, let go of perfection. Get the ideas out, even if they feel messy or incomplete. You can always refine later. What matters is capturing the heart of the song.
Reflection:
Write without editing. Don’t worry if it’s good or bad—just get your thoughts down. Revisit it later with fresh eyes.
Prayer:
God, help me release the pressure to be perfect. Let me create freely, knowing You can shape and refine my work. Amen.
Day 5
The Power of Repetition
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Have you ever had a song stuck in your head because of one simple, repeated line? Repetition is powerful in songwriting because it reinforces the message and makes it memorable.
When you write, don’t be afraid to repeat a key phrase or melody. It can drive home the heart of the song and create a powerful emotional connection.
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Reflection:
Think of a phrase that’s meaningful to you right now. Try repeating it in different ways or with slight variations to see how it feels.
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Prayer:
Lord, teach me how to use repetition to highlight Your truth. Help my songs stick in hearts and minds, pointing people back to You. Amen.
Day 6
Jehovah Jireh - The Lord Will Provide
Have you ever felt like you didn’t have enough — enough talent, inspiration, or even time? I’ve felt that way more times than I can count. I remember sitting down at my computer trying to write anything, but nothing sounded right.
Then I thought about the name Jehovah Jireh, which means "The Lord will provide." In Genesis 22:14, Abraham called God by this name after God provided a ram in place of Isaac. That story reminded me that God doesn’t just provide for physical needs; He provides creatively, emotionally, and spiritually.
So, I prayed, asking God to provide the words and melodies I needed. It wasn’t immediate, but slowly, ideas began to flow. Not because I had suddenly become more talented, but because I trusted the One who provides.
Reflection:
Where do you feel like you’re lacking right now? Write down a prayer asking God to provide in that area. Then, write a lyric or line inspired by His provision.
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Prayer:
God, thank You for being my provider. I trust You to meet my needs, not just physically but in my creativity and purpose. Amen.