God of Wonders

A popular worship song sung in Christian churches all over the world, this was written by Steve Hindalong and Marc Byrd, who are members of the Christian Rock group The Choir. It was written for the City on a Hill worship project, and first appeared on the 2000 album City on a Hill: Songs of Worship and Praise performed by Mac Powell with Cliff and Danielle Young from the band Caedmon's Call. Many artists have recorded the song, including John Tesh, Rebecca St. James and Paul Baloche.

Steve Hindalong, who is The Choir's drummer and primary songwriter, met guitarist Marc Byrd when he produced the first two albums for Byrd's band Common Children in 1996 and 1997. In our interview with Steve Hindalong, he explained how this song came together: "I had a black Guild guitar that Marc used to borrow fairly often. (It's the one I referenced in 'Legend of Old Man Byrd.' I gave it to him in 2000 for his 30th Birthday.) Anyway, he took it on a lone writing retreat to a cabin somewhere in Arkansas where he professes to have had a spiritual epiphany. There was something profoundly inspired about several songs he wrote on that sojourn. One of them was what would become 'God of Wonders.' He played me the chord progression, singing a few lyrics like, 'Halleluiah to the Lord of heaven and earth…' Immediately I felt soul-stirred. I sensed that it called for loftier language than we are typically inclined to use. Marc and I both tend to write very personal, introspective lyrics. But I felt like this one needed to be more transcendent – grander than us. We both feel thankful for its inspiration, and humbled to have offered it.
It's beyond our comprehension really – this notion that the Creator, not just of our world, not just of the Milky Way, but of ALL the galaxies in the universe – wants to share an intimate relationship with each of his children. When I call His name in the night my savior will recognize my voice! 'Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart' (Psalm 37:4). 'The Clouds are the dust of His feet' (Nahum 1:3). 'God of Wonders' is a celebration of unfathomable divine truth and love." (read more in our interview with Steve Hindalong)

Tom Howard, who did arrangements and played piano on many popular albums, arranged the strings on this song. Howard died in 2010 when he had a heart attack while hiking. The Choir's song "A Friend So Kind" is about him.