Ekklesia Arise - Coming Soon
Track 8: “Ekklesia Arise”
Description:
“Ekklesia Arise” is the eighth track on “Whispers of the Spirit”, marking a shift in the album’s narrative towards the empowerment and rise of the church. This song serves as a rallying cry for the church to embrace its divine calling and to rise in strength and truth.
The music of “Ekklesia Arise” is both rousing and inspirational, featuring a blend of contemporary worship styles with elements of gospel influence. The arrangement is designed to evoke a sense of communal empowerment, with a chorus that invites collective participation and a melody that lifts the spirit.
Drawing from Matthew 16:18 and Ephesians 4:12-13, the lyrics of the song celebrate the church’s foundation on Christ and its mission in the world. The verses articulate the challenges faced by the church throughout history, while the chorus powerfully declares the church’s resilience and God-given purpose.
Theatrically, “Ekklesia Arise” is envisioned as an anthem of hope and action. It calls for believers to recognize their role in God’s plan and to actively participate in the church’s mission of witnessing and serving. The song is a reminder of the church’s divine destiny and its capacity for transformative impact.
Within the broader context of the album, this track emphasizes the church’s role as a dynamic and living entity, called to rise and shine in a world that desperately needs its light. “Ekklesia Arise” builds upon the themes of divine power, unity, and spiritual warfare, highlighting the church’s active engagement in God’s redemptive work.
As such, “Ekklesia Arise” is a pivotal track in “Whispers of the Spirit”, encapsulating the call for the church to awaken to its full potential and to step forth boldly in faith and unity.
Devotion for “Ekklesia Arise”
Theme:
The Church Rising in Power and Life
Introduction:
“Ekklesia Arise” is a song that inspires the church to rise in its God-given power and purpose. This devotion explores the biblical foundations of the church’s identity and mission, and how believers can actively participate in this divine calling.
Scriptural Foundations:
- Matthew 16:18: “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
- Ephesians 4:12-13: “To equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
- Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Deep Dive into the Song’s Message:
- The Church’s Divine Foundation: The song begins by acknowledging the church’s foundation on Christ, the Rock. This reflects the truth that the church is not a human institution, but a divine creation, destined to prevail against all opposition (1 Corinthians 3:11).
- The Church’s Mission and Growth: The chorus and verses emphasize the church’s mission to witness and serve, growing in unity and maturity. This aligns with the scriptural call for the church to be active in ministry, edification, and outreach (Matthew 28:19-20).
- Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: The song highlights the Holy Spirit’s role in empowering the church for its mission. This echoes the promise of Acts 1:8, where the Spirit’s power enables believers to be effective witnesses for Christ.
Application for Intercessors:
- Praying for the Church’s Rise and Expansion: Intercessors are encouraged to pray for the church’s growth, both spiritually and numerically. This includes praying for revival, deeper unity, and effective outreach (Colossians 4:3).
- Interceding for Leadership and Members: Prayers can focus on the church’s leadership, that they may be wise, discerning, and bold. Similarly, intercession for the congregation involves praying for spiritual growth, maturity, and active engagement in ministry (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
- Encouraging Spiritual Gifts and Ministries: Beyond prayer, this song inspires believers to discover and use their spiritual gifts for the edification of the church, promoting a culture of active participation and service (Romans 12:4-8).
Closing Prayer:
Lord, we lift up Your church, the Ekklesia, to rise in Your strength and wisdom. Empower us with Your Spirit to fulfill our calling with boldness and love. Guide us as intercessors to pray for the expansion, unity, and maturation of Your church. May we, Your people, arise to demonstrate Your kingdom on earth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
This devotion is crafted to deepen the understanding of the church’s identity and mission as portrayed in the song, offering rich scriptural insights and practical applications for mature Christian intercessors. It aims to inspire and guide them in their role in supporting and uplifting the church.
Lyrics
Ekklesia Arise
Verse 1
In the quiet whispers, in the roaring crowds,
Your church, O Lord, unbroken and unbowed.
Built on the Rock, not by human hands,
Ekklesia arise, across the lands.
Chorus
Ekklesia arise, in strength and truth,
Empowered by the Spirit, forever youth.
On Your solid rock, we stand undivided,
In Your eternal promise, we are guided.
Verse 2
Through storms and trials, in Your grace, we grow,
Your living Word, in us, a ceaseless flow.
Gates of hell shall not prevail,
In Your mighty power, we will sail.
Chorus
Ekklesia arise, in strength and truth,
Empowered by the Spirit, forever youth.
On Your solid rock, we stand undivided,
In Your eternal promise, we are guided.
Bridge
In every heart, in every voice,
In Your love, we rejoice.
Rising as one, in Your great mission,
Ekklesia arise, in divine vision.
Chorus
Ekklesia arise, in strength and truth,
Empowered by the Spirit, forever youth.
On Your solid rock, we stand undivided,
In Your eternal promise, we are guided.
Outro
Ekklesia, the called, the chosen, the brave,
In Your love, we find the strength to save.
Arise, shine, for Your light has come,
In Your glory, Lord, we are one.
Lead Sheet
Coming Soon
Track 8: “Ekklesia Arise”
- Key: E Major (vivid and inspiring)
- Time Signature: 4/4 (confident and rallying)
- Tempo: 90 bpm (energetic and motivating)
Storyboard descriptions for music video
This storyboard for “Ekklesia Arise” is designed to visually and emotionally capture the song’s themes of the church’s awakening, unity, and mission. The music video narrative aims to portray the church not just as a building, but as a vibrant community of believers actively engaged in God’s work, inspiring viewers to embrace their role in the ‘Ekklesia’.
Introduction:
- Music: Starts with an inspiring, hopeful tune, setting a tone of anticipation and potential.
- Visuals: A dimly lit, empty church slowly brightening as the sun rises, symbolizing awakening and readiness.
- Emotion: Expectation and a sense of divine calling.
Verse 1:
- Music: Gently builds with an uplifting melody, introducing soft percussion and strings.
- Visuals: Scenes of historical and modern-day church activities – community service, teaching, worship – showing the church’s enduring presence.
- Emotion: A connection to history and a sense of purpose.
Chorus:
- Music: Crescendos into a powerful, anthemic chorus.
- Visuals: People from diverse backgrounds entering the church, coming together, symbolizing the gathering of the ‘Ekklesia’ (church).
- Emotion: Unity, diversity, and a feeling of belonging.
Verse 2:
- Music: Continues with an energizing rhythm, highlighting the church’s mission.
- Visuals: Members of the church engaging in various ministries – outreach, feeding the homeless, comforting the grieving, youth programs.
- Emotion: Compassion, service, and active faith.
Chorus:
- Music: A repeat of the chorus, more dynamic and uplifting.
- Visuals: A growing congregation worshipping, hands raised, faces expressive with emotion, intercut with impactful community work.
- Emotion: Joy, empowerment, and a sense of mission.
Bridge:
- Music: A softer interlude, bringing a reflective, intimate quality.
- Visuals: Close-ups of individual faces in the congregation, each showing determination and hope.
- Emotion: Personal commitment and individual roles in the collective mission.
Chorus:
- Music: Returns to the full chorus arrangement, with a sense of climax and resolve.
- Visuals: The church now vibrant and full of life, a beacon in the community, its impact shown in the positive changes in people’s lives.
- Emotion: Fulfillment, community impact, and spiritual strength.
Outro:
- Music: Slowly fades, leaving a lasting sense of inspiration.
- Visuals: The church doors open to the world outside, symbolizing outreach and continued mission.
- Emotion: Renewed purpose, openness, and readiness for action.