Stuart Townend - How Deep The Father's Love For Us (Story Behind the Song)

Stuart Townend discussing the story behind his song 'How Deep The Father's Love For Us'.
www.stuarttownend.co.uk
@StuartTownend
stuarttownend

[@JohnstonCheryl]

The first time I heard this song was at a wedding. Even before the opening prayer for the guests, a female soloist stepped to the microphone and sang it a cappella. You could have heard a pin drop in the audience as the message, in her crystal clear voice, pierced our souls. This was truly one of the most sacred wedding ceremonies I'd ever witnessed. I play the song often to remind me of the price God paid to offer His Only Son as redemption for us. Thank you, Stuart, for using your gift.

[@dawnrussell4891]

Cheryl Johnston That must have been beautiful. My son is getting married next year, I pray his wedding ceremony is as sacred as what you experienced. I heard this for the first time a few weeks ago and I just couldn't stop playing it. I parked up outside my home whilst playing it one night, across the road was a tall telegraph pole and as I looked up and saw it the verse 'It was my sin that held him there..' was playing and in my minds eye I could see my Jesus hanging there on that pole dying for me. There is a brokenness in me even as I write and if there was a song for every scripture then the scripture for this song would have to be John 3:16. I think Gifts like Stuart Townsend has are sent to help draw us to our Father and to realise the depths of the scripture. Indeed, how deep the Father's love for us. Thank you Jesus!

[@OutontheTrails]

No matter how many times this song comes up on the radio or church, I cannot sing it all the way through without tearing up and cracking my voice. Cuts right to the heart and probably my favorite worship song of all time.

[@Shotleejoe]

Same here. It makes me weep like a baby. Just replying this message, I'm starting to tear up

[@siouxzanna65]

Funny I always thought this was a very old Irish or English hymn just redone. Love it. So deep and true and beautiful. I love the truth in it. It is someone else's melody you have borrowed, the Holy Spirit. Thanks for letting God share it through you for us all. Best Story to Tell. Ever.

[@red-winged_blackbird]

Yes. Reminds me of how George Friedrich Handel went into seclusion and wrote The Messiah oratorio. It's very clear that the Holy Spirit fell upon Handel and brought about that musical work.

[@jesuslovesher3632]

Love this song. Also love "In Christ Alone." But, one of my favorite worship songs of all time is "Jesus, Lover of My Soul." Thank you, Stuart Townend. What a wonderful gift to the body of Christ. Thank you, JESUS!

[@amandakelley4439]

God bless you Stuart for letting the Holy Spirit speak to you - this hymn will be the high note- the sentinel - of this generation of true believers. The formal church has abandoned their place to save the world, but the Body of true believers, like you, are rescuing the lost. not one can listen and not be drawn close to the Father and the Son.

[@Derekoarmy]

One of the best contemporary hymns around and one of our churches favourites. Thanks to Stuart and God for this beautiful song. Keep them coming.

[@siouxzanna65]

Truth will always feed the Whole Church, I think the power in this song is the way you sing the deeper Truth so often we want the blessings of the Lord without understanding the cost He paid, we fear the vengeance and wrath without understanding the merciful sacrifice that satisfied it. Thanks for the clear truth here.

[@allmuse55]

Love the message of this song. Great reminder of God's love and redemption for us.

[@sheilamiller1076]

So grateful you wrote this song... it has touched my soul as nothing else has in a long time! I cry as I listen - it says it all - so grateful for my Father's deep love for me. Please write more...blessings upon your ministry & your family. Shalom ✡🛐

[@isolynknight356]

The words to this song says it all. One of my absolute favourites. God bless you

[@dom77fly]

Thank you Mr. Townend for such a awesome song ....just plain guitar and u praising God...Amen

[@thequiltedheart]

Thank you for sharing this wonderful song with the world! It's so meaningful to me to contemplate Christ through these lyrics and this gentle tune. God bless you and your ministry of music! To Him be all the glory!

[@wanderingpreacher]

This song is my favorite of all Christian songs.Thanks Stuart Townend.Glory to God in the Highest.

[@mikekarnas3797]

How Deep the Father's Love for Us.. was suggested by one of the pastors to use in a nursing home ministry.... Style and melody seemed to be.....yes hymn like and I thought it must be form the 19th century....Especially since the 'creeds' always seem expressed or embedded in the songs of that era. I actually thought it might be form the American Civil War era.... Surprised it was a Brit who wrote it...Very happy that the Lord blessed you and us with this song.

[@faithistheway.8258]

This song is so beautiful and spiritual and scriptural. Thanks so much for allowing God to inspire you to write this song

[@faithistheway.8258]

It is my prayer to write a hymm song. I Pray God will inspire me

[@beloved1023]

Thank you for the gift of this song to the body of Christ. It is truly a hymn of thanksgiving and adoration. Keep writing, keep singing. We are all the better for it.

[@ourjourneytohope]

Awesome....

[@lizbethmulli]

Thank you Townend for writing such inspiring, spirit filled song!!! First time I heard this song I had just watched " the Passion of the Christ" I can't begin to tell you how this resonated a freshness in heart for love of my savior!! Keep writing such songs. I just love that is sounds like a hymn. thank you sooooo much - Elizabeth

[@katekaplan8428]

This song reaches my soul in a very deep way. Thank you Father for giving us this music through Stuart. (July 12, 2020)

[@Im4hm]

Incredible truth in a beautiful song. A very humbling and moving reminder of the work of Christ on the cross . Thank you Stuart Townend

[@hazzachannel1]

STUART, THE SONG REALLY IS A 'FATHER'S HEART VIEW. THANK YOU FOR BEING SO FAITHFUL IN WRITING, AND SO SIMPLE IN EXPLAINING THE SONG. THANK YOU JESUS WE HAVE THE GUYS LIKE YOURSELF, WHO KNOW WHO THEY WRITE ABOUT.

[@christophergravelle9916]

I really enjoy the fact that the song is for the whole Church, this song is transforming me thank you, Stuart, you did great on this song!

[@sherryelliott8861]

One of the most beautiful, and moving, hymns ever. Thank you, Mr. Townsend. Blessings from Magnolia, Texas.

[@sefatsakhauta2849]

Amen may God bless you abundantly and multiply your talents

[@VAXHeadroom]

One of the most excellent modern hymns. Thank you Stuart, please keep writing. And come to America, we'd love to have you come to Baltimore Maryland, USA!

[@janetseever4927]

This in one of my favorite new hymns. I am blessed every time I hear it.

[@tonygibbs9339]

I think that this is a really helpful worship hymn to me. Thanks very much Stuart for writing "How deep the Father's love for us.! 🙂

[@bibchr]

Absolutely wonderful song.

[@catherinepruett8595]

I absolutely adore this anthem. The lyrics, rollicking meter, and musical craftsmanship make it one of my very favorites for my choir. It beautifully describes what the Lenten season is all about in a poignant but not sentimental way. Thank you for this treasure.

[@louthebody]

I never heard of this song until yesterday. I heard it sung by the McKameys and I thought what a beautiful song. The lyrics says it all.

[@davidjohnvanminnen]

Great song with spot on theology about our great God!

[@manilowmaniak]

You are not alone Stuart when you spoke about wondering if you stole someone else's melody. I have done that more than once. One time it was an old Elton John song....ha. It wasn't one of his hits, but what was strange is that I wrote it in the same exact key that his song was in and even the piano part I played was almost identical. Boy, the brain sure is a marvel.

[@red-winged_blackbird]

This song is meaningful for me. Glory to God for His great great love!

[@najebusia]

You are a gift ! God bless you so much ! For blessing the body of Christ , praying that the lord continues to guide in writing and in every moment of your life !

[@josephb.2370]

I play this for offertory or invitation -- gentle piano arrangement -- on Father's Day each year. Fits perfectly and brings focus back to Christ.

[@martinmiller5524]

Ha, just sorta popped into your head? "A man cannot receive one thing unless it comes down to him from heaven..." (John 3:27) I will cherish the day in heaven you meet the messenger who delivered this song to you! Keep up the good work. Thank you for this interview.

[@OutontheTrails]

Martin Miller I don’t think he meant he’s taking all the credit and not giving it to God, but instead he wasn’t sitting at the piano trying to develop a tune.

[@watermelonridge]

Such a beautiful treasure! A PERFECT song about redemption.

[@marilynthusberg2815]

Perfect! I thought this was a hymn. I like this song so much.❤

[@rdlamascus]

A very keen observation concerning the song's ability to feed subgroups of musical Christians. A remarkable concept!

[@bobbybatte417]

Wow! I thought this was like an ancient Gaelic hymn. Beautiful song either way. God bless.

[@juan-ksporty7348]

His wounds have paid my ransom😔

[@ThePANDA1885]

It's a wonderful song. Thank you for all your music. You have helped to bring this wretch to the point of accepting Jesus Christ as my Saviour. I wonder whether you have listened to any of Derek Prince's sermons? I found you both at the same time and you've both been equally helpful and manged to reach the parts that Church never did! Thank you.

[@horacemorisson7735]

I love this song.

[@gourmet2276]

its one of my favourite songs.

[@dmtn198]

Love that song.

[@pupsymila]

i love this song it touches my heart

[@RoyaltyndEarth]

Amen! God bless you!

[@mycublife]

its such a beautiful song

[@andrewbeswick3889]

absolutely beutifull hymn

[@scook719]

God bless you x

[@KayJaySims]

Great Words - wonderful song!!

[@mosesjeyanantham8375]

God Bless you

[@vjonduso2645]

the lavish love of GOD.

[@axlcrush]

I was surprised to learn this was a modern hymn. I expected it to be some 18 or 18 century hymn because it's rare if ever to see such lyrical depth in contemporary creations. I sense divine inspiration in this hymn especially the lyrics, I really do. I like Ortega's version. It has a sad tone and it should be. My 6 yo heard it and asked me why the music was so sad.

[@CalLadyQED]

+Axl Crush, It seems to me that most, or at least many, of Stuart Townend's songs are lyric-heavy. This is also true of his sometimes co-lyricists Keith and Kristyn Getty. I wonder if it has anything to do with them being English and Irish (vs American).

[@originrandy9927]

Wow this song is my number one song yea good song

[@moniquewrites9046]

Very cool!

[@charlottebarclay4631]

So gifted

[@cielitodelmundo1666]

AMEN..😘🙏♥️🌍♥️🙏❤️😘WE THANK YOU SO SO SO SO SO MUCH FATHER,YOU TREATED AS ALL AS YOUR CHILDREN..WE THANK YOU FOR ALWAYS BEING THERE TO ALL OF US INSPITE FOR ALL THE MISTAKES/FAILURES/SIN THAT WE HAD DONE..STILL YOU ARE THERE FOR US..WE ARE ALL BLESSED BECAUSE YOU GAVE TO US YOUR ONLY SON WHO SUFFERED AND DIED ON THE CROSS FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF ALL OUR SIN.. ASSURANCE FOR FOR THE ETERNAL LIFE, SALVATION..WE ARE HUMBLY ASKING AGAIN FATHER, PLEASE FORGIVE US ALL,YOUR CHILDREN WAS SO WEAK,FATHER,LORD,OUR LOVING SAVIOUR HAVE MERCY ON US..GIVE US ALL A CHANCE TO MAKE IT UP TO YOU..WE KNOW THAT A LOT OF TIMES WE FORGET YOU,WE IGNORE YOU..WE KNOW WE CAUSED YOU SADNESS..PLEASE GIVE AS ALL A CHANCE TO MAKE YOU HAPPY..WE WANT TO PUT BACK THAT SMILE AGAIN ON YOUR EYES,ON YOUR LIPS,AND IN YOUR HEART..YOU DESERVE TO BE HAPPY .ALL THE GLORY IS ALL YOURS..WE NEED YOU ALL* GOD THE FATHER*GOD THE SON AND YOUR HOLY SPIRIT!!LET YOUR LOVE AND YOUR PRESENCE AND YOUR FACE SHINE UPON US .WE LOVE YOU SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO SO MUCH PO OUR LOVING FATHER,OUR LOVING SAVIOUR.. PLEASE HEAR OUR PRAYERS,WE CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT YOU PO'WE NEED YOU EVERDAY,EVERY HOUR,EVERY MINUTES,EVERY SECOND, FOREVER AND FOR ALWAYS TO INFINITY .WE HUMBLY ASKING THIS THROUGH YOUR LOVING SON,OUR LOVING SAVIOR,OUR REDEEMER*JESUS CHRIST*MESSIAH*AMEN..😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘😘🙏♥️🌍♥️🙏😘😘😘😘😘❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️😘💐🥳🎉🎈😘❣️

[@wqwwqwqqpoppopoo]

Honestly I thought this song was a much older hymn.

[@cielitodelmundo1666]

I LOVE YOU ALL PO'MY FELLOW'S,ALL LOVE LOVE PO,HAPPY LANG☺️😘🤗☺️✌️♥️😘🤗🥳🍦🎂🎈😘♥️🎈❣️

[@user-ot4cj2gm9f]

I would love to hear the unique experience that has a common understanding of this perspective, and absolutely sincere for TRUTH ALWAYS DOING TRUTH and being unique is just how we are all made so let's work on getting JESUS be the choice to see TRUTH of knowing the value so different to see and noticed and remember to be present letting GUY GUIDING THE VALUE knowing each sharing one incredible beautiful love and letting TRUTH BE THE GUIDING ALWAYS PRESENT SHARING TRUTH IN TRUTH ALWAYS PRESENT TRUTH

[@dominikahlivkova6226]

I have a question: who is ashamed to hear my mocking voice? It is me, right? Not Jesus or Father. Like I found myself among those scoffers calling out and later I am ashamed of that?

[@josedopwell9645]

Dominika Hlivkova, you are correct. It's part of the conviction of the Holy Spirit that one's sins put Jesus on the cross. I might as well have been one of those who were actually there taunting and mocking Jesus. We sang this song at a prayer meeting last night and l had no idea how new it was. The reverence, lyrical depth and scriptural accuracy of the song make it sound like it was written centuries ago.

[@OldRedDwarf]

When I first heard this song, I immediately heard the tune of“Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross” by by Fanny Crosby and William Doane. I thought that Stuart Townend borrowed the tune and reworked the lyrics. The merchandisers selling the song advertise it as having “Keep Me Near the Cross” interwoven into Stuart’s song. So I was very surprised that in this video he claims that the tune is entirely original. I went to the sheet music for both songs and saw that my initial impression was right. I think that his insistence that this song wasn’t “knicked” even though it sounds that way, sounds a bit like Stuart “doth protest too much.”

[@kerstinmclean2231]

David Cott I just listened to three different renditions of "Jesus Keep Me Near The Cross," and I did not find Stuart's song derivative at all. Perhaps you should be examining the anger in your own heart before bringing yourself to a comment section.

[@OldRedDwarf]

Kerstin, would my response be justified if I was correct in my statement that the tune is not completely original, as is claimed, but derived from people who can no longer defend their work?

[@trubluhotwheels]

"Jesus, Keep Me Near The Cross" is one of those hymns. Maybe only in parts does it sound the same. Still, this song by Stuart is great.

[@adamtroy4271]

One question, why the beats is in alternating 3 beats and 2 beats, (or 5 beats)? Is there any special reason? It is an uneasy/ awkward beats.

[@121cheetah]

nice

[@Antrizzle2009]

I love Stuart, but the melody of this song is awfully familiar to some older hymns. I have no doubt he wrote the melody, but it does lead to inspirations elsewhere.

[@davidrodger9290]

Yes,it is fairly derivative.Similarities to "Jesus,Keep Me Near the Cross."

[@rhodiusscrolls3080]

His songs mislead us about vital elements in the gospel. He worships another Jesus.