My New Favorite Band!

It's been a while since I've been excited about seeing a new band play a show, but I couldn't wait to see The Wrecking on Friday night. They've been together about 2 years but I've only just recently discovered them, thanks to my friend Amber.

The band opened with "Breakthrough," from their first album, A New Abolition, followed by "Sound of the Resistance", off of the Catalyst EP. I've heard this song on Air One...sure wish I'd been hearing it on some local Chicago radio too (hint hint!). There were also a few new songs from their upcoming CD, including "Fire" and "About To Fall." (You can find these tunes on their myspace (myspace.com/thewrecking) until the CD hits shelves later this year.)

The moment that captured me during this show was when the band moved into an instrumental segment. I noticed that drummer Darren Elder had slipped quietly out from behind his kit, and was in prayer on his knees off to the side. At first I simply enjoyed the beautiful instrumentation, but then something began to change. I felt there was something more than just music happening; I sensed God's presence in the room, being poured out on each note that was played.

There was a beautiful synergy as they all worked together, building the energy and power in this song. At various times the guys were moving about the stage, switching instruments without missing a beat, working together to create some amazing sounds.

When I discovered the song was called Prayer Language, I knew that the presence of God that I had felt was what they intended with this song. God calls us to deep relationship with Him that requires more than just words; sometimes He calls us to simply be in His presence and listen.

It was so appropriate that they followed this holy time with their song "Breathe," currently the most played song on my iTunes. "Breathe in, breathe out, touch the words that leave my mouth/Breathe in, breathe out, speak to me without a sound" is exactly what the previous song had called me to. "Breathe in, breathe out, hold me closer to your heart/ I gave you breath right from the start, so breathe in, breathe out, breathe" is a great reminder to take time to simply be in God's presence.

Before the show, I had been fortunate to spend a portion of the day with the guys, getting to know them and their hearts for ministry. It was a privilege to see how that came through in their performance. Yes, they were playing a show, but they were worshiping and enjoying themselves in the process.

They shared from the stage about Love 146, an organization that combats child sex slavery and exploitation with the desire to protect, defend, restore and empower those who have been hurt by these crimes. (Check out Love146.org)

I'm already planning when I can see these guys again. (I think I'm going to have to go to Cornerstone Festival once more!) This night was special. God was present, and He used the music to call me to sit at His feet, to breathe Him in, to draw closer to Him.