A few weeks ago I wrote about my ten favorite hymns . Today I'm offering this list of my ten favorite gospel songs. Two quick notes are in order. First, I find it difficult to define what I mean by "gospel song" so I won't even try, and I'm not where exactly how to demarcate between a hymn and a gospel song so I won't worry about that either. Second, this list means nothing particular except that these songs resonate in my own heart. I offer the list with the hope that readers may add their own suggestions. It is good thing to recall the songs that God has used to shape your soul in your own spiritual journey.

1) Wonderful Grace of Jesus

I had never heard this song until I was a student at Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga. Every Sunday night at Highland Park Baptist Church, Dr. J. R. Faulkner began the service with the choir and vast congregation singing this song. I am not a good enough musician to sing parts very well, but it is tremendous fun to be with a group of men singing the bass line.

Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea.
Higher than the mountain;
Sparkling like a fountain,
All-sufficient grace for even me.

Broader than the scope of my transgressions, sing it!
Greater far than all my sin and shame, my sin and shame.
O magnify the precious name of Jesus,
Praise his name!

2) Jesus Loves Me

I know this is a children's song, but it is much more than that. When used in a congregation, the slower you sing it, the better. I will never forget the powerful moment when we sang this song very slowly and soulfully at the end of the worship service in September 2004 when I preached on same-sex marriage and our church was picketed by the local gay rights group. Though tensions were running high, when we joined hands at the end of the service and began to sing "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so," it was as if heaven opened, the whole congregation (which that day included many visitors from many different viewpoints) joined as one, singing, swaying, weeping, and remembering that the greatest truth we know is that Jesus loves us.

3) To God Be the Glory

No list of favorite gospel songs would be complete without at least one Fanny Crosby song from the 9000 that she wrote during her more than 90 years. This is a wonderful "free grace" song that celebrates God's grace in salvation. I love this line:

The vilest offender who truly believes
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.