My Destiny is to help people experience the manifest presence of the Lord," I want to help them find the pieces to the puzzles of their lives… to find answers and healing. - Stephen Hurd

Stephen believes that worship is "tapping into God's heart and making a commitment to live in that space." Because this is something that he practices, Stephen has become prolific in the posture of praise. He uses his innate ability to authentically usher in the presence of the Lord through corporate worship.

The Brandywine, Maryland-bred worship leader, songwriter and recording artist returns with a sophomore set appropriately titled, My Destiny. This collection was recorded live at the Temple of Praise in Washington, D.C. and further expounds on the practice of praise and worship Stephen introduced in his Integrity Gospel debut, A Call To Worship.

Stephen showcases his songwriting prowess on My Destiny with songs like "The Glory Chant," "Todah," "Jesus You're Wonderful," "My Love Song" and "Healed By The Power Of His Word." On "Great Praise (The War Cry)" and "Destiny," Stephen collaborates with songwriters Jonathan Nelson and Justin Savage. Nelson and Maurette Brown-Clark also appear on "Destiny (pt. 2)." The Steven Ford-produced set also features songs by Jeffrey LaValley ("Revelations 19:1"), Keith Laws ("Why I Came"), James Trey Howard ("Keep Me In Your Glory") and Deborah Ford ("The Glory Of The Lord").

"I felt like I was working with a school of Modern Day Davids," Stephen says of his collaborators. "Their hearts for God challenged me to keep my ears attentive to the Lord's voice to charge my creativity."

Stephen's desire is that listeners will find an intimate encounter with God through the live worship experience captured on My Destiny. "I hope that listeners, both saved and unsaved, get to the place where they know what they are called to do," he shares. "Jeremiah 29:11 says: 'I know the plans I have for you, say the Lord. Thoughts of good and not of evil.  To give you a hope and an expected end.'  I hope they say finally after all contemplation, 'I know what I'm here for!'"

It's that passion for ministry that landed Stephen among a who's who of praise and worship practitioners on Gospel Today's August 2005 cover. As one of "gospel's new breed of worshipers," Stephen told the magazine that "worship is access; getting permission to be in God's presence." 

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