The Hebrew word hallelujah (or alleluia) which means literally “praise the Lord,” has been used as an exclamation of praise not only by the ancient Hebrews, but in the early Church, throughout the history of the Church, and even today. Following the pattern of the Psalms, it has become integrally wed to music throughout all the cultures of the world. This song uses the word “alleluia” as a triumphant exclamation of praise for who God is and what He has done. The verses direct us to God’s eternal character – dwelling in holy splendor as a spirit (“beyond our gaze”), the God of love, and reigning over all creation. We are reminded of the Son’s worthiness to receive our “alleluias” as well – we will forever marvel at the grace He showed in giving Himself up to death to save undeserving sinners. In this song we also look forward to the day when our feeble alleluias will join with a vast number of believers and angelic creatures in the new world, praising God with what are sure to be earth-shattering roars.
This song is loosely based on the hymn “The God of Abraham Praise” by Thomas Olivers (1725-1799)
LyricsVerse 1:
The God of light, beyond our gaze,
He lives from everlasting days,
He is the God of love
And reigns, enthroned above;
Come and shout His praise!
Chorus:
We sing, "alleluia,"
We sing, "alleluia"
To our God, Three-in-one, glorious.
We sing, "alleluia,"
We sing, "alleluia"
To the Lamb, lifted high, slain for us–
He alone is God.
Verse 2:
We stand before our Savior's face
And marvel at His mighty grace.
With all creation's roar
Our praises join and soar–
"Glory to the Son!"
Bridge:
He alone is God, He alone can heal,
He alone can carry me. (REPEAT)
By Craig Johnson & David L. Ward, based loosely on a hymn by Thomas Olivers (1725-99)
© 2011 HymnicityCCLI Song #6185316
The God of light, beyond our gaze,
He lives from everlasting days,
He is the God of love
And reigns, enthroned above;
Come and shout His praise!
Chorus:
We sing, "alleluia,"
We sing, "alleluia"
To our God, Three-in-one, glorious.
We sing, "alleluia,"
We sing, "alleluia"
To the Lamb, lifted high, slain for us–
He alone is God.
Verse 2:
We stand before our Savior's face
And marvel at His mighty grace.
With all creation's roar
Our praises join and soar–
"Glory to the Son!"
Bridge:
He alone is God, He alone can heal,
He alone can carry me. (REPEAT)
© 2011 Hymnicity