Paul Wilbur releases first studio album in 20 years

Messianic worship leader Paul Wilbur is looking forward to the release of his first album in two decades.

Your Great Name is out from Integrity on 19 February and is a celebration of all the different attributes of God.

The album is a collection of 12 songs of freedom, exaltation and hope that draw on Wilbur's decades in ministry and the rich heritage of Jewish worship he has cultivated.

He explains the inspiration behind the album here: “About two years ago, I heard a word from the Lord. He told me simply, ‘If you have a need, I have a name.’

"That became the theme of this album, with each song highlighting one of the covenant names of God revealed to the Jewish people.

"While some, like El Shaddai, El Elyon, Adonai and Elohim are very familiar, others are less well known.

"Your Great Name is my way of celebrating all the abundant attributes of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”

Your Great Name is over a year in the making and was produced by Dan Needham.

In addition to new songs, like "Who Is Like You" and "Song of the Beautiful Bride", the album also includes new renditions of old church favourites, like "Great I Am".

It also includes the ancient Hebrew hymn “Ani Ma’amin” and a majestic rendition of the title track, originally recorded by Dove Award winner Natalie Grant.

Despite his hiatus from the studio, Wilbur continues to tour the world with his band and his music.

With as many as 250 days a year taken up with touring, just getting to the studio to record Your Great Name was a challenge.

“We had to grab opportunities when we could, but we felt the message of these songs was so important that we had to make this album," he explains.

"At first I missed the excitement that comes with a live recording, but I learned to appreciate the chance to shape and mould this material, to introduce new musical elements even as we were able to stay true to our original vision of Messianic worship.

"But what I’m most excited about is the opportunity to bring these songs and their message to the nations in a language they can understand.”

Having performed and recorded in a total of six different languages - English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, Hebrew and, most recently, French - a Spanish version of Your Great Name is scheduled to be recorded live in Mexico in early 2013.

“God has taken us to so many places, before so many people who have so many challenges in their lives," says Wilbur.

"He wants them to know the same thing he told me: He has a name to meet every need. That’s something the whole world needs to hear.”

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