WRITING A RHYME

When Writing a rhyme, for a Christian, this is more serious than just words on paper. We are conveying the Word of God using  street Jargon that will reach the un-churched, edify the Body and encourage the body.  We have a task that we can not act on alone.  Below are some steps that have helped me in my time of need, when I had so much inside that I wanted to say, but didn't know how to say it.  I pray this will bless you as it has blessed me.

STEP 1- PRAY. 
It's sounds cliché', but if God is not the main focus of your rhyme, there's no need to write anything.  Pray and ask God what he would want to speak thru you.  Ask the Lord for a concept that will appeal to the masses, and ask him for creativity.

STEP 2- BRAINSTORM. 
Write down some ideas on a piece of paper that you have about the concept the Lord has placed on your heart.  Think about relevant similies and metaphors that are parallel with the agenda you are 
pushing. REMEMBER, no idea is dumb!  Every idea you have, write it down...you never know, it may come in handy for a future rhyme.

STEP 3- RESEARCH. 
Go to scripture and read, in CONTEXT, verses that are parallel with your song's concept.  Find a way to maneuver (place)the Word of God into your rhymes, and lace your verse with these scriptures.  Also, look at culturally relevant items to highlight in your verse (i.e.. movie titles, world current events, local news..ect) and tie these things in with Scripture!  It will get the world's attention because you are 
connecting with them on something they know and sliding them the word of God at the same time!

STEP 4- PRAY AGAIN. 
Go back to the Lord and ask Him if you are still on track with what HE wants you to say.  Ask the Lord if what you have so far is pleasing to Him and edifying to the body. Ask the Lord for continued Grace and wisdom as you continue your quest for completion of your newest verse.

STEP 5- PUTTING it ALL TOGETHER.  
Take all that you have and begin writing drafts with the proper scriptures and metaphors and begin to work on the flow of the verse.

STEP 6- THE HOOK.  
Come up with something that's easy and catchy to the average listener.  The reason it's called the HOOK is because it's supposed to HOOK the listener in.  Even if the HOOK is all they know now, they 
will eventually learn ALL the words to the verse because they love the HOOK!

STEP 7- PRAY AGAIN. 
Present your finished product to the Lord.  Lay it before Him and ask if this is what He wants.  If He says yes, put the verse in your archives, get ready to record it, or bust it in ya next Cypha.  If God  says this is not what He wants you to say.....well, repeat Steps 1-7.

Remember, if you are not living what you are rhyming, it's void!  Live the witness!

Ya boy, 
Azriel