Lyrics
When the saints go to worship
That's when the king of kings will come in
When the saints go up in praise
That's when the spirit shall inhabit this place
When the saints get on one accord
And they bless the Lord
Then the king, who is strong and mighty
Then the king, who is mighty in battle
Oh, the king of glory shall come in
When the saints go to worship
That's when deliverance will take place
When the saints go up in praise
All of Satan's powers are erased
Every trap the enemy set
Can't work, won't work
Then the king, who is strong and mighty
Oh, the king, who is mighty in battle
Yea, the king of glory shall come in
We welcome you in
We welcome you in
You're the king and you're invited to come in
To this sanctuary
This tabernacle
You're the king and you're invited to come in
We welcome you in (you are welcome)
We welcome you in (you are welcome)
You're the king and you're invited to come in
To this sanctuary (this sanctuary)
This tabernacle (this tabernacle)
You're the king and you're invited to come in
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“When the Saints Go to Worship” centers on gathered praise as an invitation for the King of glory to be welcomed among his people. Its opening language closely echoes Psalm 24, naming the Lord as strong, mighty in battle, and worthy to enter. The song also joins worship with unity: the saints come into one accord, bless the Lord, and expect his presence to transform the sanctuary.
The repeated welcome moves from proclamation to prayer. God is addressed as king and invited into the sanctuary and tabernacle, emphasizing reverence, dependence, and a shared desire for his presence. Claims of deliverance and defeated opposition give the praise a note of spiritual confidence, while the recurring congregational lines make participation central to the song’s form. The result is a corporate worship declaration shaped by biblical images of divine kingship, unified praise, and God dwelling among his people.
Related Scripture
- Psalm 24:7-10 The psalm names the Lord as the King of glory, strong and mighty in battle.
- Psalm 22:3 The psalm portrays God as enthroned upon the praises of Israel.
- Acts 2:1-4 The gathered believers are together when the Holy Spirit fills the place.