Song: "Your Presence Is Heaven To Me"

**wcworship** · 10-01-2012, 02:37 PM

I was wondering if any of you have contemplated -- or have been using -- the song "Your Presence is Heaven to Me" by Houghten and Massey. Personally, I love the song musically, I like the verses, but have struggled a little bit with the chorus "Your Presence Is Heaven To Me." I completely get what they are saying, however, being mindful of the congregation, I've put the song on hold. Is it a little vague, unclear, etc... ??? To Note: Verse 3 completely sets up the chorus...focusing on our eterenal home in His presence... future tense. How does this accurately apply in present tense??

Am I being the over thinking theologian attempting to have all my i's dotted and t's crossed??

Got a few people requesting the song, and I've put it off... just wanted to hear some feed back and other thoughts.

**efrisch** · 10-01-2012, 03:08 PM

I just saw a long conversation about this on another forum I'm a part of. I haven't read it, but knowing these guys, there's probably some good insight here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/Gear...53344738043936

**wcworship** · 10-01-2012, 04:07 PM

Thanks Eric... I went there... no need to go there! Those guys got way off subject

...it was quite humorous... however, digging through it, there were those who loved the song, have no problem with it... and many who are uncomfortable with it as well.

**merry** · 10-01-2012, 04:38 PM

We are using it as the theme song for a ladies' retreat that is focusing on reminders and practical ways to spend time with God on a regular basis. Our theme verse is Psalm 16:11, "You will make known to me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy; in your right hand there are pleasures forever." We have been studying and discussing that while our reward is in the new heaven and new earth, there are blessings in the presence of God now. It fits the context and the purpose of the retreat - give the ladies tools for personal worship of God.

We may use it once or twice on Sunday morning as a preview of the retreat, but we probably won't put it in our rotation because it is a more intimate, personal expression than a corporate expression.

**merry** · 10-01-2012, 04:40 PM

I forgot to say also:

My husband does not like the song because he thinks it sounds too girly. But for our ladies' retreat, that's fine with me.

And Israel Houghton's crazy high range actually works for most women.

**travisvwright** · 10-02-2012, 07:26 AM

I'm not very familiar with the song. I've heard it. Can you spell out what problems you (or someone might) have with it?

**WorshipVanguard** · 10-02-2012, 07:59 AM

I looked up the lyrics online, and on the surface I don't see anything that stands out as a deal breaker. One thought that came to mind is if this is Houghton's way of saying "I enjoy your kingdom coming to me." Jesus instructs us to pray "your kingdom come." So, wherever His presence is, his kingdom is also there. So, I'm wondering by saying "your presence is heaven to me" equates to "your presence brings your kingdom to me." Just a thought. I'm familiar with Houghton's music, but I know little of his heart or ministry, or even the way he thinks. So, I hope I'm not being too presumptuous. Blessings!

**jhonsmith** · 12-20-2012, 12:53 AM

Our theme verse is Psalm 16:11, "You will make known to me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy; in your right hand there are pleasures forever." just saw a long conversation about this on another forum I'm a part of.

**Wannabe a Worshiper** · 12-20-2012, 11:05 AM

I think what the song is trying to say is that those times spent in His presence are as near to heaven as we can get in this life. And that should be true for us.

However, if a song raises a red flag to so many people, you may not want to use it in corporate worship, although there are plenty of songs with weak or questionable lyrics that have been sung and loved in most of our churches.
Tom