“Preserving Grace” is a profound and reflective track that focuses on the transformative power of God’s grace in renewing our minds and calling us to holiness. Inspired by Romans 12:2 and 1 Peter 1:13-16, this song encourages believers to embrace the grace that preserves and transforms, leading to a life that is set apart for God’s purposes. It is a call to live in accordance with God’s will, being renewed and strengthened by His grace.

Song Devotion:

Preserving Grace: Embracing Transformation and Holiness

Scriptural Foundation:

• Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”
• 1 Peter 1:13-16: “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at His coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”
• Titus 2:11-14: “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.”

Devotional Thoughts:

“Preserving Grace” calls us to reflect deeply on the power of God’s grace to transform and renew our minds. This grace not only saves but also sanctifies, calling us to live holy and set-apart lives. As intercessors, we are reminded to embrace this grace daily, allowing it to preserve us in truth and holiness. This song is a prayer and a declaration for believers to be transformed by God’s grace, living lives that are pleasing to Him.

Prayer Focus:

• Pray for a deeper understanding and experience of God’s preserving grace in your life.
• Intercede for those who are struggling to live holy lives, that they may be strengthened by God’s grace.
• Ask for the renewal of your mind and the ability to discern and live out God’s will.
• Pray for the global church to embrace holiness and be a pure reflection of God’s character in the world.

Lyrics

Track Five: “Preserving Grace” 

Narration (Scripture Reading over Em and C):

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at His coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16) 

Verse 1

In a world that’s ever-changing, we stand on solid ground
Transformed by Your grace, where true life is found
Renew our minds, O Lord, in Your holy way
By Your preserving grace, we live each day

Chorus

Preserving grace, renew our hearts
Transform our minds, set us apart
Preserving grace, in You we find
Holiness and peace, divine

Verse 2

Conform us not to the world, but to Your perfect will
By Your grace, we are renewed, our hearts are still
In obedience and holiness, we walk in Your light
By Your preserving grace, we fight the good fight

Pre-Chorus

We decree Your holiness
We proclaim Your righteousness 

Chorus

Preserving grace, renew our hearts
Transform our minds, set us apart
Preserving grace, in You we find
Holiness and peace, divine

Bridge

In the courts of heaven, we pray
For Your grace to lead the way
In the Spirit, we declare
Your kingdom come, Your truth laid bare

Chorus

Preserving grace, renew our hearts
Transform our minds, set us apart
Preserving grace, in You we find
Holiness and peace, divine

Outro

In a world that’s ever-changing, we stand on solid ground
Transformed by Your grace, where true life is found
Renew our minds, O Lord, in Your holy way
By Your preserving grace, we live each day

Lead Sheet

• Key: E Major
• Time Signature: 4/4
• Tempo: 72 BPM (Slow to moderate, reflective worship)

Storyboard descriptions for music video

Intro:

• Music: Gentle piano with soft ambient pad, creating a serene and reflective atmosphere.
• Visuals: A close-up of a hand holding a glowing, preserved flower. The camera slowly pulls back to reveal a vast field with golden grains, gently swaying in the breeze.
• Mood: Serenity, the beginning of transformation through grace.

Narration (Scripture Reading over Em and C):

• Music: Gentle piano and pad continue, with a slight rise in volume as the narration progresses.
• Visuals: Text appears on the screen, displaying Romans 12:2. As each verse is read, the field begins to glow softly, symbolizing the preservation and renewal of life.
• Mood: Reverence, inspiration, and divine calling.

Verse 1:

• Music: Guitar joined by soft strings, creating a warm and inviting sound.
• Visuals: The camera focuses on individual farmers working in the field, their hands covered in salt as they sow seeds. The salt glows, symbolizing God’s preserving grace.
• Mood: Intimacy, labor of love, and the power of faith in everyday actions.

Chorus:

• Music: Full band enters with drums, bass, and strings, adding a powerful, uplifting energy.
• Visuals: The field flourishes with vibrant crops, symbolizing the life-giving power of God’s grace. The farmers work together, their efforts multiplied.
• Mood: Triumph, collective hope, and inspiration.

Verse 2:

• Music: Intensity pulls back slightly, focusing on the guitar and gentle percussion.
• Visuals: More people join the farmers, each bringing their own salt. They work together, enhancing the field’s growth and beauty.
• Mood: Invitation, community growth, and collaborative spirit.

Pre-Chorus:

• Music: Drums build with a crescendo, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement.
• Visuals: Close-ups of people adding salt to their crops, the light from the salt spreading through the field. The camera captures their joy and determination.
• Mood: Determination, rising action, and shared mission.

Chorus:

• Music: The full band returns with greater intensity, emphasizing the song’s climax.
• Visuals: The field now flourishes with overwhelming abundance, symbolizing the unity and collective faith of its caretakers. The surrounding landscape is bathed in light.
• Mood: Exhilaration, unity, and overwhelming joy.

Bridge:

• Music: A quieter, reflective section with soft vocals, guitar, and strings.
• Visuals: Close-ups of individuals praying and worshiping together in the field. The light from the salt reaches out, illuminating the surrounding countryside and distant towns.
• Mood: Contemplation, deep worship, and connection to God.

Chorus:

• Music: The intensity builds again, returning to the full band for a final, triumphant rendition of the chorus.
• Visuals: A wide shot shows the field as a symbol of life and hope, with people from all around coming to join. The sky brightens, symbolizing the spread of God’s grace.
• Mood: Celebration, global unity in the light of Christ.

Outro:

• Music: The music gradually fades, returning to the soft piano from the intro.
• Visuals: The scene fades to a bright light, symbolizing God’s eternal presence. The final shot shows the text “Preserving Grace” with the reference to Romans 12:2.
• Mood: Peace, fulfillment, and the lasting impact of God’s grace.