Watch the SKY SPILLS OVER music video NOW!

Nashville, Tenn. (May 22, 2015) – Beginning September 22, GRAMMY® award-winning artist Michael W. Smith will embark on a nightly concert hymns tour, bringing his hits and famous church classics alongside comedian Mark Lowry and longtime trio Phillips, Craig, and Dean (PCD). The tour will run through the month of September, beginning in Bemidji, Minn. and concluding in Reading, Pa.

In 2014, Smith released his very first traditional hymns album, partnering with the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® for its release. The best-selling Hymns album won the 2014 Dove Awards for “Inspirational Album of the Year” and includes inspirational songs that he remembers singing in church when young.

“This tour really is a bit of a dream come true for me,” Smith shares. “I have such deep respect for Randy, Shawn and Dan (PCD) and I’ve always been a fan of Mark Lowry. Sharing the stage and performing the classic Hymns of the church will be such a unique and great experience. I’m really, really looking forward to this tour.”

After a successful Alaska cruise tour in 2014 featuring PCD, Smith decided to connect with PCD a second time. In planning the 2014 nightly concerts, the artists decided that it might be fun to do a night of all hymns. So – with no formal rehearsal, they made a set list, took the stage together, and sang classics for more than an hour. It was decided that very night that the two artists would set out on another hymnal tour, but this time with the addition of Lowry.

Lowry’s performance will bring a special element to the tour. Not only known for his comedic antics, Lowry was raised in the church and had the opportunity to sing with Bill Gaither for many years. “I’m so excited that Smitty, PCD and I are going to get to travel to a bunch of cities this fall and perform all ‘hims.'” Mark comments, “I guess we’ll perform all ‘hers’ next year … sorry ladies.”

Randy Phillips with PCD states, “Michael W. Smith sings songs that draw my heart closer to God. Mark Lowry, through his unique humor, helps me not to take myself too seriously. As Phillips, Craig and Dean enter our 25th year together, it is indeed an honor to be on stage with men who have created such a legacy.”

Additional information and tickets are available at https://michaelwsmith.com.

All Dates Subject to Change
*Click Here For Up-To-Date Tour Information
September 22 – Bemidji, MN
September 23 – Eau Claire or Rockford
September 24 – Bowling Green, OH
September 25 – Shipshewana, IN
September 27 – Greenville, NC
September 28 – Columbus, OH
September 29 – Greenburg, PA
September 30 – Reading, PA

About Michael W. Smith:
Michael W. Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 32 No. 1 songs, earned three GRAMMY® Awards, one American Music Award, and more than 40 Dove Awards. Most recently, in honor of ASCAP’s 100th Anniversary, Smith, along with Amy Grant, was honored as “a cornerstone of Christian music,” for his groundbreaking career and significant influence on the genre. Also in 2014, Smith was named Philanthropist of the Year by the Nashville Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and honored by the Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) for his impact on the Nashville entertainment industry. Throughout his career, the Contemporary Christian Music artist has had the opportunity to sing for several Presidents and national leaders. He actively supports the teen club Rocketown, Compassion International, and Samaritan’s Purse, the ministry headed by Franklin Graham. Michael and his wife Debbie live in Middle Tennessee, where they raised their five children. In 2014, Smith released Hymns, his first-ever classic album featuring church favorites available exclusively at all Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations and CrackerBarrel.com, as well as his first studio worship album since 2008, Sovereign, which took a Top 10 spot on the Billboard 200, as well as the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Christian Albums Chart. His fourth career Christmas album, Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas, released during the fall of 2014 and received critical acclaim from The New York Times, USA Today and more. Featuring Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Amy Grant, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles, Bono and Michael McDonald, the project was one of the top-selling Christmas albums of the season. For more information, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.

About Phillips, Craig and Dean:
Since the group was formed more than 20 years ago, Phillips, Craig & Dean has achieved remarkable status in the Christian music industry. They released their 15th album, Above It All, November 10th, have produced 24 No. 1 radio hits, sold almost three million records, and have won three GMA Dove Awards. Their major hits have received national attention with “Revelation Song” staying at No. 1 for a record-breaking 17 weeks, “Crucified with Christ” named Inspiration Song of the Year by CCM Magazine, “Saved The Day” played during a nationally televised game of the Texas Rangers, and “Shine On Us” being the theme song for the National Day of Prayer’s 50th anniversary. Phillips, Craig and Dean remain an active touring act, which has included appearances at National Religious Broadcasters and Christian Booksellers Association conventions and Promise Keepers events. The group still maintains their moratorium on Saturday night travel due to their commitments as full-time pastors at their home churches in Austin, TX, St. Louis, Missouri and Carrollton, TX.

About Mark Lowry:
Mark Lowry is known and loved around the world as a trusted voice in the realm of gospel music and beyond. With four decades in the entertainment industry, Lowry is a singer, storyteller, humorist, author and songwriter, whose lyric to “Mary Did You Know?” resulted in one of the most loved modern Christmas songs of this century.  This captivating song, which he co-wrote with Buddy Greene, has been recorded more than 400 times by artists from every genre including: Reba McEntire, Cee Lo Green, Clay Aiken, Michael English, Kenny Rogers, Wynonna Judd, The Gaither Vocal Band and a long list of others.  Lowry has spent more than 20 collective years as the baritone singer for the GRAMMY ® winning Gaither Vocal Band and serves as the sidesplitting comedic sidekick for Bill Gaither through live concert tours and the best-selling Gaither Homecoming video series and television airings (now more than 150 volumes strong).  A deep thinker and student of theology with an outrageous sense of humor (for which he often credits his diagnosis with Attention Deficit Disorder), Lowry’s life work includes a long list of recordings and DVDs reflecting a wide range of influences, including: Mark Lowry On Broadway, Mark Lowry Goes To Hollywood, Life Gets Loud, I Love To Tell the Story (his first all-hymns recording), Unplugged and Unplanned, Whatcha Need and most recently, Unforgettable Classics. Lowry was recently inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame, which in his words, “took my breath away.”

Get Connected with Michael W. Smith
Website // www.michaelwsmith.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/michaelwsmithofficial
Twitter // www.twitter.com/michaelwsmith
Instagram // www.instagram.com/mwsmithofficial

This September, Michael W. Smith and his very special guest, Max Lucado​ will be hosting an event called THE RETREAT at The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s Leadership Training Center, THE COVE, in Asheville, NC.

Get Details & Book Your Spot Now: 
http://www.itickets.com/events/331336/Asheville_NC/THE_RETREAT_with_Michael_W._Smith_and_special_guest_Max_Lucado.html   

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About THE RETREAT:

This is a 3 Days and 2 night event, registration includes all meals and all attendees will be able to attend all morning, afternoon, evening, and late night sessions.  THE RETREAT is the smallest (in numbers of attendees) that we’ve ever hosted so all of us on the MWS Event Team.  The maximum capacity for the event is just over 400 guests.

We have set-up a group rate a hotel located just 1 mile from the property and are excited to be able to invite you to join in ALL events throughout the weekend.  However, we want you to be able to choose any off property that matches your need, so we are not forcing guests into one specific offsite property.

Friends,

TODAY, May 5th is a big day here in Nashville. It’s called ‪#‎TheBigPayback‬. On May 5th you’re going to see me posting lots of stories and ways that you can support ‪#‎ROCKETOWN‬. A non-profit organization that I started here in 1994 to offer hope to the next generation through Christ’s love.

Rocketown is a special place in Nashville where underserved kids can gather, be safe, have fun, receive tutoring/mentoring, from our amazing staff.

Michael W. Smith  joined President Clinton, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and others in remembering victims of the Oklahoma City Bombing, and celebrating the “Oklahoma Standard” during Sunday’s memorial service marking the 20th anniversary of the attack.  The three-time GRAMMY® winner also received the prestigious 2015 Applause Award from the Nashville-based Belmont University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts Program on Saturday, April 18.

“It was such an honor to be with President Clinton, the other dignitaries and especially the good, strong people of Oklahoma on this significant date in their history.  The strength and resolve of the people of Oklahoma City reminded me that God can take what was meant for evil and turn it to our good,” shares Smith.  “I am so proud of Belmont University.  I’m proud to be a Trustee and I’m proud to recommend Belmont to so many kids that are looking for a great education.  And to hear them perform my music – – I have to admit to shedding a tear or two.  It was a very emotional experience for me.”

The Applause Award is the highest honor given by the Belmont College of Visual and Performing Arts.  Past recipients include Chet Atkins, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, and Ricky Skaggs. Belmont performers honored Smith with variations of his songs, culminating in a rendition of ‘River is Rising’ performed by Smith, a 90 piece orchestra, an 18 piece jazz band, and over 300 accompaniment singers.

After the university event, Smith traveled directly to Oklahoma City where he joined former President Bill Clinton, former Governor Frank Keating, current Governor Mary Fallin, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and others.

After 168 seconds of silence to honor the 168 men, women and children who lost their lives in the attack, Smith sang the National Anthem as part of the somber memorial to honor the 20th anniversary of the tragedy.

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About Michael W. Smith:
Michael W. Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 28 No. 1 songs, earned three GRAMMY® Awards, one American Music Award, and more than 40 Dove Awards. Most recently, in honor of ASCAP’s 100th Anniversary, Smith, along with Amy Grant, was honored as “a cornerstone of Christian music,” for his groundbreaking career and significant influence on the genre. Also in 2014, Smith was named Philanthropist of the Year by the Nashville Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and honored by the Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) for his impact on the Nashville entertainment industry. Throughout his career, the Contemporary Christian Music artist has had the opportunity to sing for several Presidents and national leaders. He actively supports the teen club Rocketown, Compassion International, and Samaritan’s Purse, the ministry headed by Franklin Graham. Michael and his wife Debbie live in Middle Tennessee, where they raised their five children. In 2014, Smith released Hymns, his first-ever classic hymns album available exclusively at all Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations and CrackerBarrel.com, as well as his first studio worship album since 2008, Sovereign, which took a Top 10 spot on the Billboard 200, as well as the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Christian Albums Chart. His fourth career Christmas album, Michael W. Smith & Friends: The Spirit of Christmas, released during the fall of 2014 and received critical acclaim from The New York Times, USA Today and more. Featuring Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Amy Grant, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Nettles, Bono and Michael McDonald, the project was one of the top-selling Christmas albums of the season. For more information, visit www.michaelwsmith.com.

Get Connected with Michael W. Smith
Website // www.michaelwsmith.com
Facebook // www.facebook.com/michaelwsmithofficial
Twitter // www.twitter.com/michaelwsmith

While reflecting on the impact of #GoodFriday, I received this Prayer from my friend Scotty Smith and felt led to share this with all of you.  I hope this prayer blesses you the way it has blessed me today.

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A Prayer for Good Friday

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34 {NIV)

Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Matt. 27:46 (NIV)

“It is finished.” John 19:30 (NIV)

Dear Lord Jesus, for years I struggled calling the day of your crucifixion “good.” How presumptuous on our part. That there had to be a day when you—the eternally glorious Son of God, would be made sin for us, is not good at all. But at the same time, that you would freely and gladly give yourself for us on the cross, is never-to-be surpassed goodness—quintessential goodness.

Oh, the wonder of it all. From the cross, and from your heart, came these two impassioned cries. “Father forgive them” (Luke 23:34) and “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46). The first required the second. The second secured the first. Together, they humble our hearts and fuel our worship.

And then there’s the third cry. “It is finished.” Nothing is left undone, concerning our salvation and for the transformation of our world. Once and for all—perfectly and fully, we have been reconciled to God. You became sin for us, than in you, we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21)—the Just for the unjust, the Beautiful One for the broken ones, the Lamb of God for the rebels from God.

Lord Jesus, a millions years into our life in the new heaven and new earth, we will still be stunned with awe, worship, and gratitude for the greatness of your sacrifice and love for us. Because you were fully forsaken, we are forever forgiven. Because you exhausted God’s judgment against our numberless sins, we now live by the gift of your perfect righteousness. Bow our heads in humility and raise our hands in praise. So very Amen we pray, in your all-glorious, all-grace-full name.
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Thank you Scotty!  Read more from Scotty here.

I LAY ME DOWN – Live Video and Devotion Premiere:

When Isaiah was called by God to be a prophet his first response was, “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips…” (Isaiah 6:5). Isaiah was “undone” – wrecked, ruined, lost – his heart was literally broken over the fact that he was not perfect. He had sinned against the One Who called him.

But God already knew that when He called Isaiah.

Just like He already knows our fear and failure, pride and hatred, and whatever else we think we are hiding from Him.

In Isaiah’s case, God used a burning coal to cleanse him: “With it he touched my mouth and said, ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for’ ” (v. 7).

And in the very next verse Isaiah delivers his famous line. God asks, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And Isaiah replies, “Here am I. Send me!”

Just like that, he goes from being undone by sin to undone by holiness.

The same can be true for us. We can be wrecked by the mistakes we make daily. Or we can be wrecked by the infinite supply of love and mercy made available to each and every one of us. Not through burning coals upon our lips but through the sacrifice that Jesus already made for us when He died 2,000 years ago on the cross.

There’s only one thing God asks for in return – YOU!

Let this be your Isaiah moment. Bow before Him in wonder, confess anything you have hidden, feel the sweet embrace of His mercy and cry out, “Lord, Take my all and nothing less!”

• At Your feet
• I bow in wonder
• At Your feet
• I place my crowns
• Let surrender be the only sound
• At Your feet
• I lay me down

I LAY ME DOWN is featured on Michael W. Smith’s new album, SOVEREIGN.  Get your copy wherever you purchase / consume music.

ALL ARISE – Live Video and Devotion Premiere:

If you’ve ever been in a courtroom, or watched any of the dramas on television, you know that when a judge is about to enter the room the bailiff will say, “All rise, the Honorable Judge (name) presiding.” It is protocol that we rise at the announcement of the judge’s name, or when a King or President or other “important person” enters a room, to show respect for that person and their authority.

There’s a sense of this feeling when we worship, but on an even deeper, more powerful and worthy level. It’s as if the bailiff is issuing this call to worship, as we invite the presence of the Lord into the room with us:

• All, all arise
• At the name
• Of our Savior
• Who is worthy
• You are worthy

All arise because we believe He is there.

All arise to say, “Lord, I’m in awe of you!”

All arise because of His authority.

All arise because He is worthy.

All arise because there is power at the sound of His name.

There is only One Who is truly worthy of this kind of adoration. There is only One Whose majesty is unending. There is only One, the King of Kings, never failing. There is only One, One love alone that overwhelms the grave. And that’s worth getting on our feet for!

• “Let the whole world fear the Lord, and let everyone stand in awe of him.” Psalm 33:8

ALL ARISE is featured on Michael W. Smith’s new album, SOVEREIGN.  Get your copy wherever you purchase / consume music.

THE SAME POWER – Live Video and Devotion Premiere:

Did you know that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us? God’s resurrection power is in us! That is true for everyone who receives Christ, simply by believing and walking in that power.

Take a few moments to reflect on the Truth of God’s Word:

• But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. Acts 2:24
• When he died, he died once to break the power of sin. But now that he lives, he lives for the glory of God. So you also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. Romans 6:10-11
• The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you. Romans 8:11

God loves each one of us so much that He filled His Son with the power to overcome death so that we could have eternal life. That power is the same, yesterday, today, and forever. And according to Scripture that same power is inside each one of us!

Don’t you just love that? Don’t you just feel the power that comes from those statements! Jesus overcame sin and death, for us, once and for all. It is really done. It. Is. Finished!

As believers it is not in our spiritual DNA to fear eternal death as a consequence of our sins, because God promises us forgiveness and life.

Death could not keep its hold on Jesus. And it can’t keep its hold on us!

THE SAME POWER is featured on Michael W. Smith’s new album, SOVEREIGN.  Get your copy wherever you purchase / consume music.