Michael W. Smith helps audiences find hope, healing and hymns

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—By combining songs rooted in a firm foundation of faith with a desire to influence future generations, Michael W. Smith hopes his latest album, Hymns II, Shine On Us, brings new life to old hymns.

“I released my first hymns project two years ago, and the response was overwhelming,” Smith said.

“This record is a little different from the first one. On the first record, almost all the songs were older hymns, and it was a little bit of a simpler production. This record is a mixture of half old songs and half new songs. It was a great joy to do work on a hymns project again, and I couldn’t be happier with the way the album turned out.

“I hope that every song on the album is going to be special for someone and connects with them. Music is the most powerful thing in the world. It still blows my mind that a three-and-a-half minute song can change somebody’s life. Someone can be in deep depression, but when they hear a certain song, everything starts to shift and gives them hope. The power of a song changes the atmosphere.

“There are some great lyrics in these old hymns, and I am so grateful for what the lyrics of these hymns mean and how they shape our faith.”

Throughout his musical journey spanning more than three decades, Smith has been amazed and humbled at how God guides and directs while providing opportunities to share the gospel in various settings.

“Whether I am hanging out with presidents, prime ministers or orphans, each platform provides a chance to share Christ’s love in a unique way,” Smith said. “I’m very grateful for these opportunities and having the chance to share about a message that has changed my life.”

Through the years, Smith’s catalog of achievements includes an American Music Award, three Grammy Awards and 45 Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association.

Despite the accolades, Smith remains committed to shining the spotlight on Christ and delivering powerful messages about grace, love and redemption through his songs.

In addition to his music, Smith desires to create platforms that would reach and help people in need. He established Rocketown, an entertainment venue in his hometown of Nashville, which serves as a safe place for young people to enjoy music and artists to be discovered.

Smith also raises awareness for a variety of missions organizations, including Compassion International and Samaritan’s Purse.

In December, Smith will help promote and support Operation Christmas Child while touring and performing festive holiday songs and traditional carols with a full symphony orchestra alongside fellow Grammy Award-winning recording artist Amy Grant and special guest Jordan Smith, season nine winner of NBC’s reality singing competition The Voice. They will perform alongside the Plano Symphony Orchestra Dec. 2 at Verizon Theatre in Grand Prairie.

Since its inception in 1993, Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan’s Purse, has sought to spread Christ’s love to impoverished children around the world through a shoebox full of small gifts at Christmas.

“We are living in challenging and chaotic times, when so many people are going through trials and adversities,” Smith said. “Through my songs, I want to remind people that God’s hand is still upon them.

“Songwriting is typically inspired by life experiences and walking with people who are struggling. When I turn on the news and see all these horrific things going on, it often leaves me wondering if I will be able to put these emotions into words. It really takes spending time in prayer and asking God to give me the right words to minister to people who are hurting and struggling.”