Faith
Revealed: How Sincere Prayer Fuels Jonathan McReynolds’ Spiritual Awakening
Faith Facts
- Gospel artist Jonathan McReynolds crafted album ‘Closer’ from sincere prayer and fasting.
- Title track challenges believers: change follows drawing nearer to God.
- McReynolds ensures lyrics reflect Scripture accurately through seminary training.
Gospel singer Jonathan McReynolds, a Chicago native and Grammy winner, released ‘Closer’ on March 27.
The live-recorded album mixes worship, soul, Afrobeats, and 1980s pop to unify its sound while pushing gospel boundaries.
I think that reaching is probably the best term. We can do all the churchy things, all the spiritual disciplines. But while you’re doing it, is there something from your heart that’s truly reaching for God?
The reflective title track ‘Closer’ questions, ‘How much will it take for me to change?’
My songwriting partners and I were wrestling with this question: Which comes first, the change or getting closer to God? It was like God saying, ‘Bigger isn’t going to do it. You being better isn’t going to do it. Just come closer.’
McReynolds prioritizes spiritual intimacy over perfection, deepening existing disciplines like prayer and Scripture study.
A Moody Seminary graduate and Mensa member, he vets lyrics biblically.
I never want to represent God and His Word poorly.
His music impacts daily decisions post-church, aiding discipleship for struggling loved ones.
Recording in Chicago, his ‘grandma’s house,’ reflects personal growth and God’s faithfulness.
Through Life Label Group, he mentors talents like DOE, stressing creativity to vitalize gospel.
What saves a genre is creativity.
Draw nearer to God daily through sincere faith; let His Word guide your walk and creativity.
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