Hillsong United emerged from Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia, and has become one of the most influential contemporary Christian music collectives of the 21st century. Their compositions blend accessible melodies with theologically grounded lyrics, making their catalog especially valuable for worship settings and music education contexts where students engage with both current repertoire and meaningful text.
Why we love this
Phillip Keveren's arrangement respects the emotional arc of this beloved contemporary hymn while making it genuinely playable for advancing students. The two-page format feels substantial without becoming daunting, and the harmonic language sits naturally under the hands in a way that encourages expressive playing rather than note-grinding.
What to expect
Contemplative and hopeful, with moments of quiet vulnerability followed by gentle affirmation. The arrangement breathes, never rushed, inviting the player into a meditative space that matches the song's theme of trust amid uncertainty.
Who it's for
Students who have secured basic technique and hand independence but are ready to explore contemporary worship music with deeper harmonic awareness. This arrangement works equally well for the student pursuing classical training who wants accessible repertoire outside the standard canon, or the young pianist exploring faith-based music in a serious way.
How to get the most out of it
Balance the melody line so it projects warmly without overwhelming the harmonic foundation, especially in sections where left-hand accompaniment thickens.
Lean into the pedal to blend chord colors, but lift between harmonic shifts to maintain clarity when the arrangement modulates or introduces new accompaniment patterns.
Shape phrases with subtle tempo elasticity rather than a rigid pulse; this song rewards a player who breathes with the lyrical content.
Experiment with voicing the upper staff notes as a singing voice; this reframes the student's relationship to the melody and improves phrasing naturally.
How to use it
Feature this in a recital celebrating contemporary sacred music, or assign it as solo repertoire for students preparing for worship leading roles at youth retreats and community events. It also pairs beautifully with classical arrangements of hymns, creating a program arc that honors both tradition and current musical practice.
