“Way Maker” as performed by Leeland
Biblical Song Evaluation
Author/Composer:
Leeland is a Christian Rock Band from Baytown, Texas. Even though the band was formed in 2004 around the lead singer Leeland Mooring, Leeland had been writing songs long before the formation of the band. The band originally signed on with Bethel music in California and they anticipated moving to California at some point. However, in 2017 Leeland felt God was leading the group to stay in Texas which ended the business relationship with Bethel Music. Leeland would eventually move to Integrity Music later that year. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leeland_Dayton_Mooring)
“Way Maker” was written and copyrighted by the Nigerian gospel singer Osinachi Okoro who is the senior worship leader at Loveworld. Performing under the name Sinach, she was not only the first female to hold the number one spot as a songwriter, but her “Way Maker” song allowed her to hold the spot for twelve straight weeks in a row. As a songwriter, Sinach has written over 200 songs, but “Way Maker” is her crowning glory in which it has been performed by more than 60 recording artists. (https://gospelmusic.org/tag/osinachi-okoro/)
Biblical Analysis:
The song references the work of the Holy Spirit as it moves through the earth calling mankind to repentance and healing. The attributes of God are also expressed such as our provider, a miracle worker, and a promise keeper. The inclusion of way maker and a light in the darkness appear to have a direct correlation to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. These manifestations of the Godhead are accurate generally speaking.
Textual Analysis:
(based on Leeland rendition)
You are here, moving in our midst
I worship You
I worship You
You are here, working in this place
I worship You
I worship You
You are here, moving in our midst
I worship You
I worship You
You are here, working in this place
I worship You
I worship You
The above verses are repetitive in nature and generally speak of the Holy Spirit moving and working through an assembled congregation. The repetition of the verses is similar to the Catholic version of a priestly petition and a congregational response where the wording remains the same or is slightly altered. Biblical support for these verses appear in Acts 6:5, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:16–19, Ephesians 5:18, Galatians 4:6, Romans 8:9–11, and 2 Timothy 1:14.
You are
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness, my God
That is who You are
You are
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness, my God
That is who You are
Way maker could be a reference to Matthew 19:26. Promise keeper can be found in Joshua 21:45, 23:14, 1 Kings 8:56; Romans 4:21, Hebrews 10:23, 2 Corinthians 1:20, and 2 Peter 3:9. Light in the darkness is supported in Psalm 107:10–16, Luke 1:79, John 1:1–13, 12:46, Ephesians 5:8, Colossians 1:13, and 1 Peter 2:9. These statements substantiate the final verse of who God is.
You are here, touching every heart
I worship You
I worship You
You are here, healing every heart
I worship You (Jesus)
I worship You (you turning lives around)
You are here, oh, turning lives around
I worship You
I worship You (You mended every heart)
You are here, mending every heart
I worship You
I worship You
There appears to be no argument or debate that the Holy Spirit will move as He pleases amongst the congregation. What comes as a point of contention is the use of the word “every” in these verses. It holds that not everyone will be influenced by the Spirit and will leave the assembly unchanged, whether saved or unsaved. It would be more appropriate if it was an appeal for the Spirit to touch and heal every heart. However, the invitation is for everyone as described in Ezekiel 18:23, 18:32, 33:11, John 3:15–17, 1 Timothy 2:3–4, 2:25, 2 Peter 3:9. Mending broken hearts could be a reference to Matthew 11:28–30.
And You are
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness, my God
That is who You are
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness, my God
That is who You are
You are
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness, my God
That is who You are (it’s who you are, Jesus, yeah)
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness, my God
That is who You are (sing that is who you are)
That is who You are
That is who You are
That is who You are
That is who You are (my Jesus)
That is who You are
That is who You are
That is who You are
That is who You are (My Jesus)
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness, my God
That is who You are (yes it is yeah, it’s who you are)
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness, my God
That is who You are
See explanations above.
Let’s sing this together, even when I don’t see it, c’mon, even when
Even when I don’t see it, You’re working
Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working
You never stop, You never stop working
You never stop, You never stop working (c’mon)
Even when I don’t see it, You’re working
Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working
You never stop, You never stop working
You never stop, You never stop working
Even when I don’t see it, You’re working
Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working
You never stop, You never stop working
You never stop, You never stop working
Even when I don’t see it, You’re working
Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working
You never stop, You never stop working
You never stop, You never stop working (you’re the way maker, yeah)
These verses are characteristic of God working through the Holy Spirit. Sinners and saints may not notice that God is working in their lives at a particular moment, nor is it important that the individual sees or feels God’s movement. Rather, we must trust that God is constantly working on our behalf. That realization may not appear until after the fact.
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness, my God
That is who You are
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness, my God
That is who You are
That is who You are
That is who You are
That is who You are
That is who You are
That is who You are
That is who You are
That is who You are
That is who You are
Miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness, my God
That is who You are
You are
Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness, my God
That is who You are
See explanations above.
Oh his name is above, his name is above depression
His name is above loneliness
Oh his name is above disease, oh his name is above cancer
His name is above every other name, listen listen
God is above all ailments, physical, emotional, and mental that are found in man. Confer Deuteronomy 26:19, Nehemiah 9:5, Proverb 12:25, Psalm 8:1, 41:3, 138:2, 148:13, Ephesians 1:21, Philippians 2:9.
That is who You are
That is who You are
That is who You are
That is who You are (Jesus)
That is who You are
That is who You are
That is who You are
That is who You are
Musical Evaluation:
Leeland’s version of “Way Maker” is typical of a Pentecostal worship song, simple in structure and wording, repetitious in nature, and long in duration (8:23 to be exact). The repetition will allow newcomers the ability to quickly learn the lyrics even though a few verses are not entirely correct. The repetition also drives home the main points of the song, way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, and light of the world.
Corporate Worship:
As for corporate worship, this song would be best applied during and after an alter call/invitation. Way maker is the central theme of the song which is undoubtedly a reference to the work of Jesus at the cross. The lyrics are certainly motivational and should encourage even the most timid of sinners to seek salvation. For the rest of the congregants it is a reminder of what God can and will do in our lives, as long as we continue to trust Him in all things.
