2020 was one for the books in many ways. There were many unexpected shifts and changes that came with 2020, and we all have been impacted in some way. Although last year brought many challenges, it also afforded us new ways to worship and connect as the body of Christ.

Church live streaming became the go-to for Sunday mornings, and many churches live-streamed for the first time. Church media software and live streaming platforms gave congregations the ability to connect and “gather” from homes across their cities, and even reach people all over the world over social media. (Check out some of our thoughts on social media for another good read).

We are thankful for the many church worship teams who helped pastors and worship leaders navigate this new digital ministry territory! They have worked so hard utilizing the worship software and live streaming software to serve the Church each week.

Another thing we have to be thankful for this past year is the new contemporary worship music that churches have been singing over the last 12-months. Many of these powerful worship songs have become anthems to cling to during these uncertain times. Worship bands have brought us hope week after week with new anthems of praise and worship. There are songs that have specifically encouraged church congregations to enter into God’s presence and experience His peace this past year– whether participating in person or online!

11 Best Praise and Worship Songs for 2020

You may ask, what are some of MediaShout’s favorite praise songs of 2020? Well, we’d have to say the list goes on and on. Every church has their own set of songs that seem to connect with their specific congregation, so we’ll try to keep our list as broad as possible. But if you’re looking for new songs for your church congregation, hopefully, you’ll find one here!

• Way Maker – Sinach, Leeland
• The Blessing – Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Elevation Worship
• Graves Into Gardens – Elevation Worship, Brandon Lake
• King Of Kings – Hillsong Worship
• See A Victory – Elevation Worship
• Goodness Of God – Bethel Music
• Raise A Hallelujah – Jonathan David and Melissa Helser, Bethel Music
• Awake My Soul – Hillsong Worship
• Battle Belongs – Phil Wickham
• Surrounded (Fight My Battles) – Upperroom
• Promises – Maverick City Music

Does this list of praise and worship songs include many that your church sings, or do you have some to add? (Let us know in the comments below!)

“Way Maker”

It’s worth noting that there’s a theme in many of the popular church songs this year: hope. It’s good for the Church to remind ourselves and share with the world the hope we have in Jesus. Our present can be at peace because our future is secure, no matter what we feel, as one of the most popular songs right now, “Way Maker” expresses.

It’s very singable lyrically and melodically, and the message is full of hope. Churches have sung this chorus at the top of their lungs and over their cities, many times this year, “Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness, my God, that is who You are!” Originally written and recorded by Sinach, a Nigerian worship leader and artist, “Way Maker” has now been recorded by many worship artists and sung across the world. It even won song of the year at GMA’s 51st Dove Awards. Sinach is the first Nigerian gospel artist to win this award, and we’re excited to see how her influence has blessed so many.

“The Blessing”

Another song that stands out on this list of Christian music is “The Blessing” by Kari Jobe. This is another song that we saw many churches singing this year right in the midst of transitioning to virtual services during the beginning of Covid-19. It is a beautiful song that’s also full of hope. The lyrics sing a blessing over you, “The Lord bless you and keep you, make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord turn His face toward you, and give you peace.” “The Blessing” is definitely an anthem that has unified the global Church in the midst of all the opposition we’ve faced.

“Raise A Hallelujah”

One more song to highlight from the above list of contemporary worship songs is “Raise A Hallelujah” by Jonathan David and Melissa Helser and Bethel Music. The church at large has really latched on to this song. With a chorus that fills you with courage as you sing, this song is one to sing out with your whole heart.

Let your faith be strengthened by the lyrics: “I’m gonna sing in the middle of the storm, louder and louder, you’re gonna hear my praises roar! Up from the ashes, hope will arise, death is defeated, the King is alive!”

“Raise A Hallelujah” guides us to worship in the middle of the mystery, louder than the unbelief, and reminds us that our worship is a weapon that drives out the darkness in Jesus’ name. This song is much needed and unique in its theme and is one that will be sung for years to come.

Along the lines of the theme of worshipping in the midst of the battle, we also have to mention the song titled, “Surrounded (Fight My Battles)” by Upperroom. It’s another hope-filled song that will lift heavy hearts and set our eyes on the throne of Jesus Christ who is seated in victory and continues to fight for us.

If you listen to the songs on this list of modern worship songs, you will find a similar theme throughout. It is no surprise that many churches are gravitating toward these songs and adding them to their worship software lists. They have been very comforting and soul-lifting during this time. We are not to be afraid, but we are to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ who works all things together for the good of those who love Him. There are many contemporary worship songs (and cherished hymns) that have moved the hearts of believers to worship with hope this year, and even encouraged us to share that hope with others. God is doing a new thing in the shaking.

We are thankful to see that many churches are meeting in person again and figuring out reopening after Covid-19. What a great feeling it is to be able to worship together once more! If your church is looking for the best worship software to help project worship lyrics, you happened to come to the right place.

MediaShout 7.3 offers a lyric library that integrates with CCLI SongSelect (another place you can find these and thousands of other worship songs for your church), 70 versions of the Bible to automatically create scripture slides, and a way to present just about every other piece of visual media you could think of to enhance your worship services.

Best of all, it’s quick and easy to learn and use, whether you have a full media team or just a couple of willing volunteers. In fact, the MediaShout team would love to talk with you personally to help you discover just how to take advantage of all that our church presentation software has to offer. Just call or click below.

What Is Your List?

You may have your own list of praise and worship songs or hymns that looks completely different than ours. What are the best worship songs of 2020? Comment below and share those songs with your community and those around you. We need them!

Also, check out our 11 Best Praise and Worship Songs for 2021 and 21 Bible Verses about Worship for 2021!