More Precious Than Silver by Lynn Deshazo

Book description:

Millions of believers know her worship songs, especially the classic, “More Precious Than Silver,” written over 30 years ago. Recorded on a worship tape by Christ for the Nations Institute in 1980, this much beloved song was created from the ashes of a spiritual fast gone wrong. In More Precious Than Silver, author Lynn DeShazo shares the history behind her songs, including the scriptures that provided the inspiration.



Come alongside DeShazo and learn about the origins of some of today’s most well known praise and worship songs. There’s a story behind every song; there is also a story behind every songwriter. Much like an onion, More Precious than Silver, removes the layers of DeShazo’s life and reveals an ordinary woman with an extraordinary faith. DeShazo’s music and lyrics have blessed the body of Christ for over three decades; her journey as a songwriter reveals a God with an amazing plan for each of His children, regardless of their strengths or weaknesses.

My review:

I don't listen to much Praise & Worship music, so I was not familiar with this writer or much of her music. I am familiar with More Precious Than Silver, which was used as the title for this book.

Even though Lynn was new to me,, I still found the book an interesting read. She relates how she was called to use her guitar and writing talents for God. She relates what led her to write different songs, and each chapter is titled with the name of one of her songs, followed with information on what was going on in her life at the time and inspiration behind the song, ending with the lyrics to that song. I did enjoy the book - I have always enjoyed reading what led to the writing of a song, even ones I am not familiar with.

Anyone would enjoy this book, but especially listeners/lovers of Praise and Worship music.

About the author:

Lynn DeShazo is the author of some of the Church's most loved worship songs of today, many of which have been featured on the live praise and worship recordings produced by Integrity Music. Lynn is best known for such songs as "More Precious Than Silver," "Lead Me to the Rock," "Turn My Heart," "Be Magnified," "Be Unto Your Name," "Stand Up and Give Him the Praise," "In Your Presence, O God," and "Ancient Words."


Her songs have been performed by a diverse and distinguished group of worship leaders and vocalists that have graced the popular Integrity's Hosanna! Music series from its inception. They include Leanne Albrecht, Rita Baloche, LaMar Boschman, Scott Wesley Brown, Travis Cottrell, Brian Doerksen, the Women of Faith worship team, Bob Fitts, Kent Henry, Graham Kendrick, Robin Mark, Don Moen, Michael Neale, Marty Nystrom, Ross Parsley, Randy Rothwell, Paul Wilbur, and Kelly Willard.

Lynn’s songs have also found their way onto countless other worship recordings, including independent productions as well as the works of artists such as Michael W. Smith, Fred Hammond, Kim Hill, and John Tesh. Lynn has been involved in worship ministry on the local church level for over twenty-five years as a worship leader, a songwriter, and a musician. Her songs have been sung in worship throughout the Body of Christ since the early 1980's, and she has been an exclusive songwriter for Integrity Music since 1989.

Lynn has also produced ten of her own music recordings to date. The latest CD was released in 2007 (More Precious Than Silver – the Songs of Lynn DeShazo). Lynn has traveled frequently as a guest worship leader, instructor, and minister to a wide variety of churches, retreats, and conferences within the USA and abroad. As a psalmist in the Body of Christ, she helps connect worshipers to the flow of God's Spirit, bringing times of refreshing and healing to God's people. Lynn is a native of Alabama, graduated from Auburn University, and has lived in Birmingham nearly all of her life.

More Precious Than Silver is available from Winepress Publishing.

Thanks to Abigail at Winepress for the review copy.