More Love, More Power
Theology & Meaning
Jude Del Hierro's 1990 Vineyard song is a paired petition for love and power — two qualities that can be sundered in Christian communities, with some traditions emphasizing one at the expense of the other. The song holds them together as they are held together in Ephesians 3: Paul prays that the Ephesians may be strengthened with power through the Spirit (verse 16) and rooted in love (verse 17) — power and love are not competing values but complementary graces. The declaration 'for it is you I live to worship' gives the petition its proper Trinitarian ground: power and love are sought so that God may be worshiped, not so that the worshiper may feel better.
Worship Leadership Tips
More Love, More Power works best in contemplative or charismatic worship settings where the congregation is invited to pray for genuine transformation rather than simply sing lyrics. It is a strong song for prayer services, for series on the Holy Spirit, or as a response to a message on Ephesians 3. The Vineyard tradition of repeated, meditative singing is appropriate here — allow the song to circulate several times and give the congregation space to personalize the petition.
Arrangement Tips
The slow, prayerful feel calls for a minimal, unhurried arrangement. A single acoustic guitar or piano with very light percussion (or none at all) is ideal. The G major key is warm and accessible. The song benefits from being sung more quietly than most worship songs — it is a petition, not a proclamation, and the quieter the dynamic the more genuinely prayerful it feels. Allow extended repetition of the central phrases; the song is designed for extended dwelling rather than quick movement through the sections.
Scripture References
- Ephesians 3:16-19
- Acts 1:8
- Romans 5:5
- Psalm 63:1