formation

Seven Songs for the Season of Lent

Andy Shurson | March 03, 2026
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Resource articles are summaries, reviews, and/or reflections on books and other resources related to faith and culture, apologetics, ethics, public theology, and related content per our monthly themes. These are typically short-form and not comprehensive in nature.

 

Perhaps, like me, you feel a tension with the season of Lent. Why must I give up things for 40 odd days? Why must I ache for those things that feel integrally attached to my day? The short answer is: there is no must—no command from the Lord Jesus Christ or in Scripture mandates this specific season of fasting. However, if we as Christians embrace Lent not as ritual or legalism, but instead as a time of longing for the Lord, then the optional spiritual practice can bring powerful reminders of the greatness of all Christ gave for us.

Many of us use Lent as an opportunity to redirect our longings and cravings to Christ. It is also a time of putting to death those earthly desires, a time to focus on all that Christ gave up in his death for us. A keener focus on Christ will require contemplation and discipline. And one beautiful, easily obtainable tool that can help us work toward these things is music.

All that said, here are seven songs to help direct your heart and mind to Christ in this season of Lent:

Andrew Peterson—The Dark Before the Dawn

Peterson draws us to the deep darkness, storms, pain, and tears of life that can feel overwhelming and endless. The song draws on the hope revealed in Scripture. It reassures us that darkness is temporary and “small and passing,” serving as the prelude to hope, light, and the King’s coming.

Sovereign Grace Music—When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

This classic hymn invites contemplation of Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross, where the Prince of glory died. Knowing Christ’s death leads to surrendering worldly gains and pride as worthless in comparison, pouring contempt on self and boasting only in the cross. The hymn reminds us to look to Christ, not our own efforts (even fasting), for our hope.

Rich Mullins—Hold Me Jesus

The song expresses vulnerability when life feels senseless—mountains seem so looming, and faith feels so small. The song echoes a cry for Jesus to hold and shelter us like children, surrendering control and finding comfort in being held by the King of glory. Mullins, with his beautiful simplicity, shows how our anxiety and longing can be directed to our compassionate Savior.

Jon Foreman—Learning How To Die

The song reflects on the realization that life’s experiences—bending, breaking, laughing, crying—are preparation for death rather than just living. It reframes existence as learning to release and accept mortality, and to live with the end in mind, turning daily “deaths” into steps toward true freedom.

Sandra McCracken—He Walks with Me

Drawing from 1 Peter, the song affirms that trials and testing by fire bring suffering, but ultimately joy, as God’s mercy births living hope and an inheritance kept in heaven. The season of Lent mirrors the suffering and longing that the people of 1 Peter would know.

Jess Ray—Gallows

The song confronts the relentless attacks of the enemy (described as a prowling liar and thief seeking to take believers down through fear and opposition), and declares persistent resistance and refusal to give up. Drawing from biblical themes, the song culminates in triumphant assurance that the devil will ultimately hang from his own gallows. In a season of longing, Jess Ray draws our minds to the death of death in the death of Christ (John Owen anyone?).

Norton Hall Band—O Sacred Head, Now Wounded

The classic hymn, written by Bernard of Clairvaux, is a meditation on Christ’s suffering during the Passion, vividly describing his wounds on the cross. The painful reminder of Christ’s suffering draws us into deep personal gratitude and sorrow for one’s own sins that caused his pain. As the Lenten season approaches Good Friday, the suffering Savior gives us the grace we so desperately need.

So, whether it is through the above music or through another helpful tool, the CFC staff wishes you a season of thoughtful reflection and drawing closer unto Christ.

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Andy Shurson

Content Editor and Grant Administrator

Andy Shurson serves as the Content Editor and Grant Administrator in the CFC. He holds a ThM in Church History from DTS and is a current PhD student at SEBTS focusing on C. S. Lewis and Preaching. Andy and his wife, Lauren, live in Wake Forest with their 3 sons.

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