10 Worship Songs About The Cross (The Center Of Our Worship)

The cross is not just a symbol we hang on the wall; it is the focal point of history and the anchor of our worship. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 1:18, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

Every service needs a moment where we return to the main thing: Jesus died, Jesus rose, and we are forgiven. Songs about the cross keep the gospel front and center, ensuring that our worship doesn’t drift into vague spirituality but stays rooted in the finished work of Christ.

Why These Songs Matter

We selected these songs because:

  • They preach the gospel. If a non-believer walked in, they would understand the plan of salvation just by listening to the lyrics.
  • They humble us. The cross reminds us of the gravity of our sin and the cost of our redemption.
  • They bridge the gap. This list includes timeless hymns and modern anthems, uniting the whole church around the Savior.

10 Songs To Center Your Church On The Cross

  1. At The Cross (Love Ran Red) – This song creates a powerful visual of the moment grace collided with sin. The chorus is anthemic, allowing the church to declare the victory found “where Your love ran red.”
  2. Man Of Sorrows – A retelling of the passion narrative that connects the “Man of Sorrows” in Isaiah to the Jesus of the Gospels. It moves from the rugged cross to the empty tomb in a triumphant arc.
  3. The Old Rugged Cross – Sometimes the old ways are the best ways. This hymn has helped millions of believers cherish the “emblem of suffering and shame” and works beautifully in an acoustic or traditional set.
  4. King Of Kings – This modern hymn places the cross in the center of the timeline of redemption. The verse “To the cross my sin was held, where all of it was washed away” is a highlight for congregational singing.
  5. O Praise The Name (Anastasis) – “I cast my mind to Calvary.” This song invites the worshiper to mentally visit the scene of the crucifixion, making the eventual praise for the resurrection even more powerful.
  6. Jesus Paid It All – The ultimate declaration of penal substitution. It reminds us that we contribute nothing to our salvation except the sin that made it necessary; He paid it all.
  7. How Deep The Father’s Love For Us – This song focuses on the emotional and theological weight of the cross from the Father’s perspective. It is a somber, beautiful reminder of the cost of grace.
  8. In Christ Alone – “Till on that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied.” Few songs articulate the theology of atonement as clearly and beautifully as this modern hymn.
  9. Worthy Is The Lamb – A simple song of gratitude. The chorus “Thank you for the cross, Lord” is a prayer that every believer can sing with sincerity and depth.
  10. Thank You Jesus For The Blood – While focusing on the blood, this song anchors itself in the cross as the place where the exchange happened. It is a high-energy way to celebrate the work of Calvary.

Example Setlists About The Cross

Setlist 1 (The Gospel Story)

  1. King Of Kings – Walks through the birth, life, and death of Jesus.
  2. Man Of Sorrows – Zooms in on the suffering and the sacrifice.
  3. At The Cross (Love Ran Red) – Responds to the sacrifice with surrender.

Setlist 2 (Reflective Gratitude)

  1. The Old Rugged Cross – Sets a reverent tone with a familiar classic.
  2. How Deep The Father’s Love For Us – Meditates on the motive behind the cross.
  3. Jesus Paid It All – Ends with a celebration of our cleared debt.

How To Use These Songs In Your Church

  • Pair with Communion. The cross is the central theme of the Lord’s Supper. Any song on this list is appropriate for the distribution of the elements.
  • Don’t rush to the bridge. Songs like O Praise The Name have powerful verses describing the crucifixion. Let the weight of those lyrics land before jumping to the resurrection chorus.
  • Preach the lyrics. If you sing In Christ Alone, take a moment to point out the line about God’s wrath being satisfied. It helps your congregation understand the depth of what they are singing.

Next Steps

This Sunday, make sure the cross is not just a decoration on stage but the centerpiece of your song list. Choose one of these anthems to ensure your church leaves amazed by the grace of God.

By Timothy Norris, WorshipChords Editorial Staff

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