Michael:  I began to realize [that] I can make a difference. We all have a voice. We can all stand up for what we feel like is important—what can change the world.

You mentioned the ONE campaign and my involvement with Bono. I end up talking to the President, and we got this 15 billion dollar bill passed to allow this anti-viral drug into these AIDS-stricken nations, especially Africa. And it’s working.

It’s up to us. There’s no Plan B. There’s no Plan B. It’s time to make a difference.

Look at the African Children’s Choir [featured on the record]. Although they are in the choir, they represent the poorest of the poor. These kids are all orphans. They [brought] a lot of joy to [that] night.

CMP:  Speaking of the African Children’s Choir, A New Hallelujah definitely has a global emphasis.

Michael:  I was very inspired by my time overseas. Stuff that was going on in Brazil, South Africa and Kenya was amazing. It was an incredible time of worship. So that’s probably why it has a bit of an international flair. It is definitely different than the other two [worship] records.

CMP:  Tell me more about preparing for the night [of the recording] and the night itself.

Michael:  There was a lot to think about. You’ve got the African Children’s Choir. You’ve got the technical stuff. We’re doing a DVD [releasing Spring 2009]. Pulling the songs together, trying to get the arrangements right; and everybody’s working on lights and all this stuff.

I wanted to get prepared and then let all that go and not have to think about any of that on the night [of the recording]. I wanted this to have so much authenticity. We weren’t trying to whip anybody into crazy emotions or have some sort of pep rally. [We just wanted to] let it be authentic and real.

I think it connected. And when people respond, all of a sudden you’re in the middle of a big experience, a God experience. I believe people were touched that night, and it translated to the CD. And I think we probably have a good chance, by the grace of God, for this record to connect with people all around the world.

CMP:  Share the story behind the record’s closing track, “A River Is Rising.”

Michael:  We had rehearsed all week, and we were recording on Friday night. Thursday morning, I woke up in my hotel room, and I felt this kick [drum] going on in my head. I started writing this song lying in bed. I guess I was just excited.

I showed up an hour and a half later to rehearsal and looked at the band and said, “Guys, I’ve got a wild idea.” As soon as I say that, they all run. [Laughs] But then we started playing this song, and 36 hours later, it’s on the record. It was crazy.

CMP:  With the wealth of great worship songs in the market, how do you select songs for a worship recording, and how do you prepare yourself to contribute songs to the collection?