Global Christian Worship

The Song “Lord I Praise You” was written by Amy Nobles and Carrie McDonnall. The following account is the story behind the song. The song was birthed as a result of a couple’s obedience to go overseas.

On March 15, 2004, five missionaries were headed home from a long day’s work in Iraq when suddenly they were surrounded and unexpectedly attacked. In the blink of an eye, four of them went on to be with the Lord. One survived. Carrie was rushed back to the USA to be treated and miraculously survived after being shot over 20 times.

During her recovery my friend Rebecca went to see her in the hospital. I knew Carrie and her husband David from my days at seminary, but not well enough to ever think I would be included in this next series of events. I was at home when Rebecca called and said, “Amy, Carrie McDonnall has requested to see you. She keeps hearing this song and she needs your help with it.” Immediately I fearfully picked up the phone to call Carrie, I was so afraid at that moment, wanting to do and say the right thing, but not sure what I could do to help.

When I heard Carrie’s voice, instantly all my fear washed away. I can’t really describe it except to say that it was miraculous. Carrie’s voice was filled with the joy of the Lord’s Spirit. As she told me her tragic tale, her voice was not angry or bitter, it was hopeful. Then she said to me, “Amy, God has been singing a song over me here in this room and He has told me that you are going to help me finish it.” I will never forget that moment for the rest of my life. It was the most humbling thing anyone has
ever said to me. Who was I to be called to such a task? I immediately prayed, “God help me help her.”

I went to the hospital so that Carrie could sing the song to me. As I listened to Carrie and her friend Libby sing the first verse of Lord I praise You in her hospital room, I couldn’t believe it. It was a song that made you want to dance! I was expecting a solemn, sad song. Carrie said that the first night she heard it she thought there was a men’s gospel choir singing in the room next door to her and she found herself tapping her foot to the beat. She later found out that gospel choir was heaven’s gospel choir singing only to her. You should have heard her and her sweet friend Libby singing. “Lord I thank you for the cross, Lord I praise You!” They were singing so strongly and joyfully in the midst of their pain. I knew the Lord was so proud.

I went home so happy in the Lord, and so overwhelmed that God could really grant a spirit of rejoicing in the midst of great mourning. When I got to my piano at home I prayed again, “God help me hear the rest of the song.” Carrie only had the first verse for me, and it was up to me to finish the song for David’s memorial service. In two hours, the song was complete! Every line of the song has great meaning to Carrie and I. It is what God sang over us and we are overwhelmed with joy every time we
sing it.

Lord I Praise You was first sung at David McDonnall’s memorial service in April 2004. I can’t even describe that moment of worship as friends and fellow missionaries cried tears of mourning while singing this joyful song of praise. It was one of the most beautiful worship experiences of my life. The picture of Isaiah 63:3 suddenly became real – “and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.”

The garment of praise that Carrie was robed in that day was glorious, and it continues to be. Her faith in the Lord is stronger than ever and she is an oak of  righteousness for the display of God’s splendor. God is receiving great glory from her story. If you want to read Carrie’s story, you should get her book called ‘Facing Terror.’