John W. Thompson, born in 1950, is an American songwriter, musician, and record producer best known for his influential contributions to late 20th-century contemporary Christian music and modern hymnody. Working primarily during the modern praise and worship movement, Thompson established a career as a producer and songwriter, collaborating with artists across gospel, country, and pop genres.

Thompson’s primary legacy in Christian music rests on two widely celebrated modern worship standards created in the early 1980s. In 1982, he co-wrote "El Shaddai" alongside singer-songwriter Michael Card. Incorporating traditional Hebrew titles for God, the song gained massive international popularity when recorded by Amy Grant on her platinum album Age to Age. The track earned the Gospel Music Association's Dove Award for Song of the Year in 1983 and was later selected by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) as one of the Songs of the Century.

In the same period, Thompson collaborated with musician Randy Scruggs to write "Sanctuary" (commonly known by its opening line, "Lord, prepare me to be a sanctuary"). Rooted in the biblical imagery of 1 Corinthians 6:19–20, the chorus frames the individual believer as a living temple for the Holy Spirit. Characterized by its simple melody and prayerful devotion, "Sanctuary" became a staple in congregational worship, youth gatherings, and denominational hymnals worldwide.