Stephen Hurd Talks About New Single, “Grace”

By Bob Marovich for The Black Gospel Blog.

What would life be like if God took his grace away?

That was the question P&W singer-songwriter Stephen Hurd asked those who attended his live recording of O That Men Would Worship at First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

He then sang “Grace.” A video depicting the global ministry of World Vision played behind Hurd as he performed the heartwarming ballad.

What happened then?

“Weeping, crying, and worshipping,” Hurd told TBGB. He hopes to release a video of the live recording so more people can experience the worship service held that day.

“Grace” is Hurd’s current single and was The Black Gospel Blog’s Pick of the Week for June 25, 2012.

When the lyrics and music for “Grace” came to Hurd, he was not in a position to start working on them right away, but the song would not leave his mind. Acknowledging that “God was sending me a download,” the singer put aside his plans for the moment and wrote the song.

Hurd said that his intent behind the live album—to encourage more men to worship—is being “slowly embraced,” but has not yet had the impact he had originally hoped. “At the same time,” he said, “men tell me about the healing impact of prayer on their life.”

“Grace” is not the only song garnering interest on the album. Hurd said listeners are also embracing “You Are Holy” and “The Eyes of Faith.”

O That Men Would Worship is the first release on the singer’s Hurd the Word Music label. He admits that being an independent label owner has his challenges. And although Hurd’s album is available online and at bricks-and-mortar retail stores, his strongest sales take place at live programs and workshops, a longtime source of gospel sales.

Hurd, who serves as Minister of Music at First Baptist Church of Glenarden, said that the soundtracks and songbook for O That Men Would Worship are available in print and digitally.

Does his choir sing his songs? “I try not to do Stephen Hurd songs,” Hurd laughed, “but the choir wants to!”

For more information, visit www.hurdthewordmusic.com.